CSCI 4710 Databases
Course Syllabus, Fall 2020

Online WebEx<http://gcsu.webex.com/meet/jf.yaogcsu.edu>

 

PROFESSOR INFORMATION
Name:             Dr. Yao
Office:             Atk 317
Telephone:      (478) 445-5483
Email:              jf.yao@gcsu.edu
URL:               http://abacus2.gcsu.edu 
Online Office Hours at WebEx <http://gcsu.webex.com/meet/jf.yaogcsu.edu>:

·      8:00 A.M.-9:20 A.M., 10:50 A.M.-12:00 P.M. on Tu. and Th.  Online

·      Emails that are not urgent only will be answered during the office hours

CLASSROOM:         Online WebEx<http://gcsu.webex.com/meet/jf.yaogcsu.edu>

02:00PM – 03:15PM

Attendance will be taken for the record

REQUIRED TEXT: Database Systems, by Thomas Connolly and Carolyn Begg, 6th Edition,

Hands-on Oracle Database 10g Exp Ed for Windows, by Bobrowski

 

PREREQUISITES: C or above in CSCI 3410 - Data Structures

COURSE DESCRIPTION :
An introduction to basic concepts, design techniques, and theories in database management systems. The primary emphasis is on the relational database management systems. The goal is to enable students in designing and maintaining a relational database management system as a DBA after taking this course.

EXPECTED COURSE OUTCOME:

·       Students will become acquainted with basic principles, structure, and functions of database management systems.

·       Students will be able to use SQL comfortably.

·       Students will be able to develop a relational database on a real world DBMS.

·       Students will be able to refine schema and to tune a DBMS

·       Students will be able to create and modify storage structures and access methods

 

SATISFIED PROGRAM STUDENT OUTCOMES:

·       SO2: Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.

·       SO3: Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.

·       SO6: Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.

COURSE TOPICS INCLUDED BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

·      Introduction to Databases

·      The Relational Model

·      Entity-Relationship Modeling

·      Relational Algebra

·      Relational Calculus

·      SQL: Data Manipulation & Data Definition

·      Advanced SQL

·      Schema Refinement and Normal Forms

·      Advanced Normalization

·      Conceptual Database Design

·      Logical Database Design for the Relational Model

·      A Real World DBMS: Oracle

·      Oracle SQL

·      PL/SQL

·      Web Programming with PL/SQL

 

GRADING CRITERIA:

Students learning will be assessed primarily through participation in programming homework, written homework, written responses to tests, and a cumulative final exam.

A-level work will meet the following criteria:

·       A demonstrated proficiency and mastery in basic principles, structure, and functions of database management systems

·       A demonstrated proficiency and mastery in developing and modifying a database management system with the basic features of a database management system learned in the course

·       A demonstrated proficiency and mastery in using SQL

·       Attend class regularly, complete homework assignments in time, and actively participate in classroom activities

·       Demonstrate an understanding of the applications problems studied in the course

·       Exceptional performance on all tests, and the cumulative final examination

 

GRADE DISTRIBUTION:
                                Percentage               Date

Projects           50%

Final Exam      50%                 Thursday, Dec 3, 2020; 01:00PM - 03:15PM

(On D2L with WebEx <http://gcsu.webex.com/meet/jf.yaogcsu.edu>)

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         Total                   100%

FINAL GRADES:
      Grade              Percentage
        A                90% and up
        B                80% - 89.99%
        C                70% - 79.99%
        D                60% - 69.99%
        F                59.99% or less

COURSE POLICY:

·       You are expected to read the textbook prior to and after each class.

·       Class and lab participation is essential in learning computer technology.  It is your responsibility to attend the class/lab in order to achieve good learning, therefore obtain a good grade. 

·       You must NOT miss an exam unless you have a verifiable written excuse.  An unexcused absence from an exam will result in a numerical grade of zero for that exam.

·       The homework material will be included in the exams.  Therefore, doing the homework assignments by yourself is essential in obtaining a good score in an exam.

·       In order to train you for the real-world working situation, late assignments will be penalized 10% per day after the assignment due date.

·       Prior to mid-semester, you will receive feedback on your academic performance in this course.  Your overall grades are updated on a regular basis on GeorgiaView (D2L) throughout the semester.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

The integrity of students is a critical component of the academic process.  All written work submitted in this course must be individual work unless the instructor assigns a team of students to work on an assignment. Students must properly document all outside sources used for projects, programs, and homework. The submission of another’s work as one’s own is plagiarism, and will be dealt with using the procedures outlined on the Undergraduate Catalog.

 

TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:

 

WEEK              TOPICS

=============================================================

1               Introduction to Databases (Ch. 1 & 2)
2               The Relational Model (Ch. 4)

 3               Relational Algebra and Relational Calculus (Ch. 5)

 4               Entity-Relationship Modeling (Ch. 12)

 5               SQL: Data Manipulation & Data Definition (ch. 6 and 7)

 6               SQL: Data Manipulation & Data Definition (ch. 6 and 7)

 7               Advanced SQL (Ch. 8)

 8               Advanced SQL (Ch. 8)

 9               Schema Refinement and Normal Forms (Ch. 14)

10              Advanced Normalization (Ch. 15)

11              Advanced Normalization (Ch. 15)

12              Conceptual Database Design (Ch. 16)

13              Logical Database Design for the Relational Model (Ch. 17)

14              PL/SQL

15              Web Programming with PL/SQL

 

·      Fall Break: None

·      Oct. 9, 2020 (5 P.M.) is the last day to drop without academic penalty (Unless if maximum number of dropped courses has been exceeded)

·      Thanksgiving Holidays (Nov. 25-27, 2020)

·      Last Day of Classes: NOV. 24, 2020

·      Final Exam Week: Dec. 1, 2020 – Dc. 4, 2020

REQUIRED SYLLABUS STATEMENTS:  https://www.gcsu.edu/registrar/required-syllabus-statements

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OR as follows:

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY

The intellectual property of class assignments and other materials developed using university resources that are commercialized are reviewed under the USG and GC policies to determine ownership and/or payment rights. USG policies can be found at http://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/policy/6.3_intellectual_properties/ and GC policies can be found at http://www2.gcsu.edu/policies/overall/intellectual-property-polic.htm.

ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENT NEEDS RELATED TO DISABILITY

If you have a disability as described by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, you may be eligible to receive accommodations to assist in programmatic and physical accessibility. Disability Services, a unit of the GCSU Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, can assist you in formulating a reasonable accommodation plan and in providing support in developing appropriate accommodations to ensure equal access to all GCSU programs and facilities. Course requirements will not be waived, but accommodations may assist you in meeting the requirements. For documentation requirements and for additional information, we recommend that you contact Disability Services located in Maxwell Student Union at 478-445-5931 or 478-445-4233.

STUDENT OPINION SURVEYS

Given the technological sophistication of Georgia College students, the student opinion survey is being delivered through an online process. Your constructive feedback plays an indispensable role in shaping quality education at Georgia College. All responses are completely confidential and your name is not stored with your responses in any way. In addition, instructors will not see any results of the opinion survey until after final grades are submitted to the University. An invitation to complete the online opinion survey is distributed to students near the end of the semester. Your participation in this very important process is greatly appreciated.

FIRE DRILL PROCEDURE

Fire drills will be conducted annually. In the event of a fire alarm, students will exit the building in a quick and orderly manner through the nearest hallway exit. Learn the floor plan and exits of the building. Do not use elevators. If you encounter heavy smoke, crawl on the floor so as to gain fresh air. Assist disabled persons and others if possible without endangering your own life. Assemble for a head count on the front lawn of main campus or other designated assembly area.

 RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE POLICY

Students are permitted to miss class in observance of religious holidays and other activities observed by a religious group of which the student is a member without academic penalty. Exercising of one’s rights under this policy is subject to the GC Honor Code. Students who miss class in observance of a religious holiday or event are required to make up the coursework missed as a result from the absence. The nature of the make-up assignments and the deadline for completion of such assignments are at the sole discretion of the instructor. Providing verifiable proof of the religious affiliation and activities are at the sole discretion of the instructor as well.  Failure to follow the prescribed procedures voids all student rights under this policy.

COVID-19 Syllabus Statement-Fall 2020

 

Georgia College is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff.  Encompassed in our campus values of Reason, Respect, and Responsibility is the expectation that every member of the university community will follow specific guidelines to ensure the health and safety of everyone on campus. 

 

Consistent with CDC and State of Georgia guidelines and directives from the University System of Georgia, Georgia College requires masks in all Georgia College indoor facilities and in outdoor campus areas where social distancing is not possible. In our modified face-to-face learning environment, you will be socially-distanced in assigned seats and wear the required CDC-approved face coverings. Face coverings will be used in addition to social distancing. 

 

Below are additional considerations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19:

 

·       All classrooms have been evaluated and arranged to achieve the required social distancing guidelines.  Students should not move the furniture since that will disrupt our institutional plan for health and safety.  

 

·       Everyone must follow proper social distancing and personal hygiene measures. This includes: maintaining at least 6 feet of spatial distancing from others, washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, utilizing hand sanitizer, covering your cough and sneeze with a tissue or the inside of your elbow, and avoiding close contact and congested areas without face masks.  Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or must leave the area.

 

·       Avoid congregating in commonly trafficked areas such as hallways, bathrooms, and common spaces to reduce people density at any given time.

 

·       Exit the classrooms in an orderly and physically-distanced manner as soon as class ends so that entering faculty members and students have adequate time to prepare their work space (sanitizing if they desire) for the next class.  Exiting the classroom and/or building in a manner that promotes physical distancing is important to avoid crowding.

 

·       If you are feeling sick, please do not attend classes. Consult Student Health Services or visit your doctor.  Please notify your professor prior to missing class. Faculty members will work with you to receive the necessary course content and assessments.

 

GC Keeps Learning: To help students adapt to the changing learning environment, Georgia College has developed a website of resources, tips, virtual tools, and access to help.  Included in this site are tutorials for GeorgiaVIEW, area access to Wi-Fi, academic support tools, and tips for online learning (https://www.gcsu.edu/gckeepslearning).

 

GC’s Campus Reopening Website: The Campus Reopening website (https://www.gcsu.edu/return/reopening-faqs) will provide the latest information about our response to COVID-19. Check here for messages from President Dorman, as well as changes to the academic calendar, information about orientation, dining and residential life, important phone numbers, and the latest message sent to students, faculty, and staff. (https://www.gcsu.edu/return).