CIS Department > Colleen Carr > CS 350

CS 350

Database Concepts and Information Structures

General Information

The intent of this course is to give the participant both a theoretical and a hands-on introduction to database systems. To gain a theoretical perspective, the student will study the entity-relationship and relational models for databases. In addition, topics that explore how files are physically structured and how they can be concurrently and efficiently accessed will be covered. Also, large database systems issues, such as distributed databases and error recovery will be addressed. Finally, issues relating to the integrity of a database, as well as normalization techniques will also be discussed. From a hand-on perspective, the student will conduct a detailed study of the Access database language and the query language SQL. This study will involve the completion of a lengthy programming project. By the end of the course, the student should have a strong understanding of the theoretical underpinnings that lie beneath every database and he/she should also be proficient in Access programming. These skills will enable the student to pick up any database language easily, whether it is in additional coursework or in the workplace. Grading

Why Take This Course

A lot of SVC Computer Science graduates obtain jobs in the information processing sector of this disicipline. The ability to set up, maintain and search databases is a skill that is highly valued by employers. This course lays a solid foundation in acquiring this skill. This course is very hands-on. By the end of the term, students acquire significant skills in setting up, mainitaining and searching a database in Access. Even though Access is the language chosen for the course, after taking this course, students signicicantly increase their ability to learn other database languages easily. A good database can only be built using a good data model (just as a good building can only be built by using a good set of blueprints). At the beginning of the course, the ER system of modeling a database is explored, and numerous examples are developed and given. This database modeling skill is as important as the ability to work in a database language, and the student is given sufficient coursework to sharpen this ability.

Grading

Quizzes		40%
Final		30%
Programming Projects/Assignments		30%

The grading scale is the typical 93-100=A, 90-92=A-, 87-89=B+, 83-86=B ..etc.. Attendance also affects the course grade (as explained under course policies). If a student does not receive a passing grade for the quizzes (lab + lecture) part of their grade, then the student will not pass the course even if there overall average is a pass

A short answer format is used for lecture quizzes. In answering questions, students are expected to write down their thoughts in clear, precise, and unambiguous English.

A hands on format is used for lab quizzes. In order to assess a student's critical thinking skills, a question or two on each lab quiz will cover topics not talked about in class.

Course Policies

All exams and quizzes are closed book in nature.

Taping of lectures is permitted.

Attendance is expected. Material will be presented in class that is not found in the text. Quizzes and tests will be drawn from the material and discussions in class. In addition, for every absence beyond the sixth, a student will loose one-fourth of a letter grade. Note that the six allowed absences (approximatly two weeks of class) are to allow for the possibility of sickness and other special circumstances. In addition, if a student has more than six unexcused absences, the CISD chairperson is notified. If a student has more than nine unexcused absences, the academic dean is be notified. This, in turn, may result in a parent conference.

Except in cases of emergency, the student should make arrangements with the instructor in advance if an exam/quiz must be missed. If there is sufficient reason the instructor will schedule an exam/quiz for the student at another time.

Cheating will not be tolerated in this course. If cheating is discovered, I (the instructor) will make sure that the student, if guilty, receive the most severe reprimand possible from the academic dean. Cheating not only undermines the whole learning process, but it decreases the morale of the other students in the class who spend many long hours producing their own work.

Use of the Internet or any entertainment software is prohibited during class. However, if they like, a student may use a word processor to type their notes during lecture.

If a student has a learning disability, physical disability, or any other exceptional circumstance that would require special considerations (example: more time to take an exam), these considerations must be discussed with the instructor before the first quiz/exam is given. Below is the official disability statement for the college:

Students with disabilities who require academic accommodations and support services should please consult Mrs. Sandy Quinlivan, Associate Director of Academic Affairs. You may contact her by telephone at extension 2371 or by SVC email (sandy.quinlivan@email.stvincent.edu) or by scheduling an appointment in Academic Affairs (located directly above the post office). Reasonable accommodations do not alter the essential elements of courses, programs or activities.

Students are be given a one-week grace period to turn in late assignments. If an assignment is more than one week late, however, the assignment grade is decreased by one letter grade for every week that it is late.

If stormy weather or some other emergency occurs, class cancellation can be verified by calling my office phone at 724-805-2421. My voice mail greeting will indicate if class has been cancelled or not. If my voice mail greeting has not been changed to indicate that the class has been cancelled, then it will be held.