Information Resource Management

CS 350/Zelle Fall 2010

Instructor:

Dr. John Zelle

Oce: SC 353
phone: 352-8360
e-mail: john.zelle@wartburg.edu

Class Meetings: MWF 1:15

Class Web Page: http://mcsp.wartburg.edu/zelle/cs350

Oce Hours: MTWHF 8:309:30 and by appointment.

Course Objectives:

This class is an introduction to both the theory and practice of database management systems.

1. Understand the basic functions of a modern database management system.

2. Have a working knowledge of relational database systems including both theoretical fundations
(relational algebra) and practical realizations (SQL).

3. Be able to design, implement, and use moderately sophisticated relational databases and database
applications.

4. Understand how databases are organized and implemented.

5. Have an appreciation for database research as a eld of study and its place as a subeld of computer
science.

Text:

Silberschatz A., Korth, H. & Sudarshan S. (2011). Database System Concepts (6th Ed.). McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc.

Course Description:

The course will include both conceptual material (mainly from the textbook) and practical material in
the form of case studies and projects with an actual database management system. We will largely follow
the structure of the textbook: Chapters 15, 14, 6.1, 7, 8, 9, and portions of Chapters 10, 11, and 12 as
time allows.

Evaluation:

Written Exams:

Hour Exam 1: 25% (10/8)

Hour Exam 2: 25% (11/12)
Hour Exam 3: 25% (12/16)

Homework, Projects and Quizzes: 25% (assigned periodically)

Note: Some homework may be assigned but not collected and/or graded. If you do every assignment
conscientiously, you will learn more and not have to worry about whether it will be graded.

Grading Scale:

1
 Grades are assigned based on the (weighted) percentage of total points.

Score Grade

90100 A
8089.5 B
7079.5 C
6069.5 D
< 60 oops

I may move the exact boundaries, but they will not be raised. Anyone with 90% of total points will receive some
avor of A. Pluses and minuses will be used to smooth grade boundaries.

Attendance:

Regular attendance is expected. Although not part of the grade per se, excessive absences will denitely
aect a student's performance in the class. Oce hours are not tutoring sessions for late risers.

Honesty:

You are reminded of your obligation to the Wartburg Honor Code. Absolutely no cheating will be toler-
ated. Of course, discussion of ideas is healthy and essential for education. Feel free to discuss approaches
to assignments and to help fellow students with problems. Be sure, however, that the assignments you
turn in represent your own work. There is an important dierence between shared ideas and wholesale
copying.

Late Work:

Keeping up with homework and project deadlines is critical to successfully completing the class. Late
work will receive only summary grading and can earn a maximum of 75% of the original assignment value.

Late Exams:

Late exams will be given only under exceptional circumstances. Except for conrmed medical emergency,
arrangements must be made prior to the actual exam date.

General Caveat:

The policies presented here should be taken as general guidelines and are subject to change at the
discretion of the instructor with due notice and consideration. If any point in dispute is not covered by
the Rules, the decision shall be made in accordance with equity.(Rule1-4 of the USGA Rules of Golf ).