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CS 420:
Database Management System Syllabus |
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Course DescriptionPhysical and logical organization of hierarchical, relational, and distributed database management systems; data modeling, data definition languages; query languages; management of database systems. Prerequisite: CIS 320 Although the catalog description lists several forms of database organization, this class will concentrate on the design and implementation of relational database, which is the most popular form currently in use. Because of today's importance on Web-based database applications, one component of the class will be the development of such an application using the ASP technology. The class will be project-oriented,
in the sense that at the end of the semester, you are expected to develop a
database system and complete a Web application system that manipulates the
database via a Web browser. The
first part of the class will emphasize theoretical underpinnings of the database
design, followed by review and introduction of tools needed to develop Web-based
applications--HTML, Access, Visual Basic, SQL, ASP, and ADO.
The last part of the class will concentrate on the implementation of an application
system on a Windows NT-based server. Course ObjectivesThe objectives of this course include the following:
Text BookDatabase Design for Mere Mortals, Second Edition, by Michael J. Hernandez. Addison Wesley, 2003. ISBN: 0201752840 TopicsThe following topics will be covered during the semester in varying depths. Some topics will require a more thorough coverage because they are new to most of you. Other topics will be a review and will require less amount of class time in the class, but perhaps more effort outside the class; e.g., HTML, Access, and Visual Basic. Still others will be illustrated with examples, in order to present sufficient amount of explanation to accomplish intended tasks; e.g., SQL, ASP and ADO. The following is a summary of technologies to be used in this class.
RequirementsThe following is a summary of what is expected of you for the course. Refer to the section on Grading for further details.
In this course you are expected to be more independent than usual, and majority of your efforts will be directed toward readings, (programming) exercises, and projects. You are expected to attend all classes, as we meet regularly for lectures, demonstrations, questions and answers, exercises, and tests. Project AssignmentsOne main goal for each student is to complete a Web-based database project. The entire project is divided into several assignments, so that you will not be rushed to do everything at once. The assignments correspond to various stages of the project, and the earlier ones will concentrate on supporting topics such as Access, HTML, and ASP. Their description, maximum points, and due dates can be found from links on the Schedule page. At an early stage (e.g., 4th week), you should study an online tutorial titled Your First Database, which explains the development of a similar database system. Assignments which are late by one to seven calendar days will incur a penalty of 30%. (E.g., if the maximum credit for a project assignment is 20, then such a late assignment may receive a maximum of 14 points). Assignments which are submitted after 7 days will receive at most 50%. If you foresee a valid reason that could cause you to turn in your assignments late--e.g., TDY, sickness, etc.--you must get a permission for special arrangements before the programming assignment is due. TestsThere will be one midterm test and one final exam. Refer to the class Schedule for their dates. When you foresee that you will not be able to make these dates for legitimate reasons, make prior arrangements with the instructor. There will be no make-up test for unexcused absences. Academic HonestyThe University Student Handbook defines plagiariasm as follows: "Plagiarism is the offering of another as one's own. Plagiarism is a serious offense and may include, but is not limited to, the following:
Each student is expected to complete his or her own assignments. Although modern work environments require extensive teamwork, one of the main goals in this class is that each student learn the basic skills in computer usage through individual practicing. You are encouraged to consult each other in your class work. But you must distinguish between consulting your friends and discussing problems with them from copying other people's work. Whatever you submit for grading must be your own work. The penalty for copying in tests, project assignments, or lab exercises is, for the first offense, a grade of F for all parties involved; for the second offense, an F for the course. AttendanceThis course will rely on your initiative much more than usual classes. There are many topics that must be learned in order to be able to compete your projects, and it will not be possible to cover all details of every topic in the class. Because each phase of your project will be based on your understanding of the previous phase, it will be very difficult to do a satisfactory work in the class if your class attendance is poor. Your regular class attendance is expected. GradingThe determination of the final course grades will be guided by the following distribution of course elements.
*Total points may vary. A: = 90% B: = 80% C: = 70% D: = 60% F: < 60% Getting HelpFor "quick" questions the email is the simplest way to contact me. Feel free to drop in at my office during office hours or to set up an appointments outside those hours. (I am around my office usually in the afternoon.) When you need help in debugging programs, bring a copy of the code that is causing the problem. Return to Top |