M&IS 44043 Spring 2008 Ngniatadema

General Perspective and Objectives

This course is designed to introduce you to concepts underlying the design, implementation and management of database systems. These include the study of database models with an emphasis on the relational model, relational algebra, and SQL.  Important design concepts that are covered include entity-relationship modeling, normalization, logical and physical design.   Managerial issues include the role of database management systems in information resource management.  The important role of the DBA in bridging technical and managerial aspects will be discussed.  Some related issues of contemporary importance, such as data warehousing and internet databases will also be introduced.  A substantial term project involving database design and implementation is required.

Recommended Text:

Rob, P. And Coronel, C., Database Systems: Design, Implementation, and Management, 7th Edition, Course Technology a Division of Thompson Learning Inc.

Evaluation: 

   There will be four exams in the course - three during the course and a final exam. Each of the four exams will count for 20.00% of the course grade, or a total of 80%. Some homework assignments will be made for each class to be completed but not turned in for grading. Two announced homework assignments will be completed and turned in for a grade. These assignments and an assigned project will be completed by student groups of four persons. These two graded assignments will count for a total of 5% of the course grade. There will be one group (four persons) project that will count 15% of the course grade.   

 Grades will be based on the following weightage scheme:

Grading will be based on a standard scale (90 - 100%: A, 80 - 89%: B, 70 - 79%: C, 60 – 69%: D, below 60 %: F)

Final Examination

The final examination is a very important evaluative component of the course.  It is cumulative and might include both short answer/objective type and essay type questions, aimed at evaluating your understanding of the concepts.  Use the book and your notes collectively - to complement each other in your preparation. Questions on the homeworks/exam reviews you prepared could be included. The final exam will be scheduled either on the official exam day or possibly on the last day of class.

Policies

A.     *** If you are unable to take the exams or you fail to do an assignment, a zero will be assigned to your grade. Needless to say, this will have a dramatic and adverse effect on your grade for the course. Only under exceptional circumstances (e.g., if you take the exam you will die) will consideration be given, if you see me ASAP. No exemptions will be considered for the final exam.  The final exam score can replace the lowest test score, if this is beneficial to the student.

B. *** The class is a forum for learning. It is to your benefit to attend regularly and try to assimilate the material. Missing class or failing to pay attention or maintain professional behavior (e.g., walking in late to class without prior notification) could severely impact your performance. If for any unforeseen circumstance I am significantly late for class, I expect the class to wait for a period of 20 minutes before disbanding.

Homework

Homework assignments are expected to be completed before the next class.  Your work on these daily assignments constitutes your primary involvement with the course material and is essential   to making substantial progress in this course.

Note

On a final note, if you have any concerns or problems during the course, feel free to talk to me. I am not unreasonable and will attempt to resolve them to the best of my ability. You can see me after class, during office hours, or you can e-mail me to set up an appointment. But, perhaps the best way to get a response to a quick question or concern is through e-mail (tngniate@kent.edu). It usually works better than you might think!!!!

Class               Topic                           Readings Due              Asg Due/Lab

Class  1            Introduction to the Course      

Class  2            Introduction to Databases        Chapter 1 & 2

Class  3            Types of Database Models      Chapter 1 & 2

Class  4            Relational Database Models     Chapter 3                                

Class  5            Relational Database Models     Chapter 3                     Start     Asg 1

Class  6            Introduction to Modeling         Chapter 4                                 Asg 1

Class  7            E-R Modeling                          Chapter 4                     In         Asg 1

Class  8            E-R Modeling                          Chapter 4                                

Class  9            EXAM I

Class10            Normalization                          Chapter 5                     Start     Asg 2

Class11            Normalization                          Chapter 5                                 Asg 2

Class12            DB Design                               Chapter 5&8                In         Asg 2

Class13            DB Design                               Chapter 5&8

Class14            DB Implementation                 Chapter 5&8

Class15            DB Implementation                                                                            

Class16            Presentations                                                                            Project

Class17            Presentations                                                                            Project

Class18            EXAM II

Class19            SQL                                         Chapter 6 & Tutor                   Lab

Class20            SQL                                         Chapter 6 & Tutor                   Lab

Class21            SQL                                         Chapter 6 & Tutor                   Lab

Class22            SQL                                         Chapter 6 & Tutor                   Lab

Class23            SQL                                         Chapter 6 & Tutor                   Lab

Class24            EXAM III                                                                               Lab

Class25            Database Applications Prog.    Chapter  9

Class26            Client-Server Systems              Appendix F

Class27            DataWarehouse Application    Chapter 12

Class28            Review for Exam IV

Class29            Review for Exam IV

Exam Week     EXAM IV

A. Students attending the course who do not have the proper prerequisite risk being deregistered from the class. Students have responsibility to ensure they are properly enrolled in classes. You are advised to review your official class schedule (using Web for Students) during the first two weeks of the semester to ensure you are properly enrolled in this class and section. Should you find an error in your class schedule, you have until Sunday, September 9, 2007 to correct the error with your advising office. If registration errors are not corrected by this date and you continue to attend and participate in classes for which you are not officially enrolled, you are advised now that you will not receive a grade at the conclusion of the semester for any class in which you are not properly registered.

B. Academic Honesty: Cheating means to misrepresent the source, nature, or other conditions of your academic work (e.g., tests, papers, projects, assignments) so as to get undeserved credit. The use of the intellectual property of others without giving them appropriate credit is a serious academic offense. It is the University's policy that cheating or plagiarism result in receiving a failing grade (0 points) for the work or course. Repeat offenses may result in dismissal from the University.

C. Course Withdrawal: For Spring 2008, the course withdrawal deadline is March 20.

D. Students with disabilities: University policy 3342-3-18 requires that students with disabilities be provided reasonable accommodations to ensure their equal access equal access course content. If you have documented disability and require accommodations, please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester to make arrangements for necessary classroom adjustments. Please note, you must first verify your eligibility for these through the Student Disability Services (contact 330-672-3391 or visit www.kent.edu/sds for more information on registration procedures).

FINAL NOTES