Database Design (CIS39)

Professor: Priscilla Grocer

Office: K-112
Phone: 508-678-2811

Course Description (from catalog):

This course covers database design theory and practice. Students learn to analyze a situation and use solid database design principles to develop a database solution. The concepts of the relational database model, entity-relationship diagrams, data structure and data integrity are covered. The student is introduced to current topics in database design and development.

Course Objectives:

The objectives of this course are to develop a solid understanding of the processes and methods involved in designing a strong database and to develop the skills necessary to analyze a situation and develop an appropriate database solution:

• Understand the concepts and theories of database design
• Understand the concepts of normalization and relational database design
• Understand the use of a variety of database tools
• Understand data structure and data integrity
• Develop the ability to analyze a problem and design a database solution

Texts: Required: Concepts of Database Management (fifth edition)
Pratt and Adamski
Course Technology ISBN: 0-619-21529-1

The sixth edition was released at the end of August. This book is also acceptable for this course.

Recommended only if you want a more intense book or for use in the future: Database Systems: Design, Implementation and Management by Rob and Coronel
Course Technology
This course will include a lot of supplemental reading from the web.

Material to be Covered: The order in the syllabus does not necessary reflect the order that will used in the course. Please use the weekly schedule sheet to follow the assigned topics.

1. Database Concepts
1. File Systems and Databases
2. Alternative approaches
3. Relation Database Model
4. Design objectives
2. Design Process
1. Analyzing the problem
2. Analyzing the data
3. Entity Relationship (E-R) Modeling
4. Normalization of Database Tables
5. Data Relationships
1. 1-1, 1-M, M-M
2. Primary and foreign keys
3. Data
6. Integrity of data
3. Other concepts
1. Management Systems
2. Object-Oriented Databases
3. Data Warehousing
4. Data Mining
5. Databases in Electronic Commerce
6. Web Database

Requirements:

Requirements and Grading: The student will be expected to complete all assigned work. In addition there will be a final exam.
A schedule of assignments, projects, exams, quizzes etc. will be posted on the Web site. Students should check on a regular basis.
Grading percents are:

• 80% Homework, programs, code and quizzes
• 10% Class participation, responsibility about work, keeping up to date, quality of work, adding extras that are above and beyond, showing initiative, figuring out problems etc.
• 10% Final

Evaluation:Assignments, programs and exams are graded using either number grades or letter grades based on the following (A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60). The student's grade for the course will use the same scale and will be based on the percentages explained in the grading section. Plus and minus grades will be given.
Many of the assignments in this class are open ended - the grading will be based on how well the project demonstrates mastery of the material. Students who do a minimum of work will be graded accordingly. Resubmission is allowed on open-ended projects to improve grades.
Note: Non open-ended assignments that are completed accurately, with no errors, according to the parameters of the assignment will be graded as A. To achieve an A+, students must have done sufficient extra work in design or implementation that makes the assignment standout. In doing assignments, students must do their own work. Relying too heavily on my examples or working too closely with someone else will be penalized.

Attendance:The student is allowed to cut six one hour classes.

Interaction Plan: This is an asynchronous course with synchronous components if you decide to attend classes. Communication includes email , blog, IM including voice, and online office hours and help sessions. Other methods of online communications may also be used. In addition open lab help session are scheduled and students may request in person meetings. Students must communicate with the instructor at least once a week via email and must turn in homework and participate in online communication to be successful.

Methodology: This course is offered as an in-class course or as a Distance Learning, Web based course. For in-class students, it is a traditional lecture based class with supplementary information available on the Web. Web based students will be relying on the information at the Web site for the information being presented in class. Web based students are invited to attend class at any time if they feel that hearing a lecture would be valuable. All students should read the assigned notes, study the presentations available and avail themselves of other resources in mastering the course material. In addition, students will be working independently on projects designed to give them additional computer skills and practical experience in analyzing and solving problems. When appropriate, exercises and problem solving techniques are used.
This SYLLABUS is not to be construed as a CONTRACT in any way, shape, manner or form. This SYLLABUS is a SUGGESTED course OUTLINE and will be GENERALLY followed, subject to change according to the INSTRUCTOR'S discretion and needs. Academic FLEXIBILITY is important!


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