The syllabus is also available in PDF.
Learn the structure of the relational database model. Understand the process of normalization in database design, and the use of relational algebra and calculus in query design. Become proficient in at least two database languages, including SQL.
CSC 172
Database Systems: A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation and Management, 5th ed., by Thomas Connolly and Carolyn Begg, Addison-Wesley, 2010.
The assignments this semester will require students to use Microsoft Access and MySQL Server to design, populate, query, manipulate and update databases running on PCs (and possibly Panther, the University’s multi-user Linux system. This will require access to Microsoft Access (available on computers in the Department’s computer lab and the Information Commons in Swirbul Library) and may require access to the University’s Linux system, Panther, using PuTTY or a comparable ssh-compatible terminal emulator. This may require students to purchase and install Access on their personal computers or to install such a secure terminal emulator on their personal computers if they wish to complete assignments off campus.
While there will be opportunities to use class time for assigned work, this will be mainly limited to debugging and other assistance that students require in class. One should expect to spend 4-6 hours outside class working on programming assignments for this class.
Each programming assignment will be graded with a base grade of 90%, with points added to reflected areas in which the assignment exceeded specified requirements and/or points deducted to show areas where the assignment is deficient.
Late penalties may be assessed of 2 points per class after the due date.
The final average will be weighted (based on the following ratio:
| Programming Assignments | 20% |
| Midterm Exam | 40% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
The final average will translate to a letter grade according to the following table:
| Final Average | Course Grade |
|---|---|
| A | 90 – 100 |
| A- | 87.5 – 89.9 |
| B+ | 83.3 – 87.4 |
| B | 80.0 – 83.2 |
| B- | 77.5 – 79.9 |
| C+ | 73.3 – 77.4 |
| C | 70.0 – 73.2 |
| C- | 67.5 – 69.9 |
| D+ | 63.3 – 67.4 |
| D | 60.0 – 63.2 |
| F | 0.0 – 59.9 |
The following is the Adelphi University General Attendance Policy:
Only students who are registered for courses, and whose name appears on the Official Class Roster may attend courses at the University. Adelphi students make a commitment to be active participants in their educational program; class attendance is an integral part of this commitment. Attendance requirements for each course will be announced by the faculty member at the beginning of each term. Students are expected to be present promptly at the beginning of each class period, unless prevented by illness or by other compelling cause. In the event of such absence, students may request that faculty members be notified by the Office of Academic Services and Retention. Students are responsible for completing course work missed through absences. Students should wait a reasonable length of time for an instructor in the event that the instructor is delayed.
Additionally, you are also responsible for whatever work is covered in class whether or not you are there. Absence from the final exam will be excused only for a good and well-documented reason. The decision to allow a make-up exam will be made in accordance with the policies of Adelphi University.
NB:If the University is closed for more than two days due to an emergency, go the home page for this course site each day for instructions and assignments. Student instructions materials can be found at http://home.adelphi.edu/~siegfried/cs443
| Date | Topic | Assignment due |
|---|---|---|
| August 28 | Overview of Databases and Transactions | |
| September 4 | Overview of Databases and Transactions | |
| September 9 | Case Study of Database | Assn 1 – Creating a database using MS Access |
| September 11 | Case Study of Database | |
| September 16 | Relational Model | Assn 2 – Querying a database S |
| September 18 | Relational Model | |
| September 23 | Conceptual Modeling | Assn 3 – Maintaining a database |
| September 25 | Conceptual Modeling | |
| September 30 | Data Definition Languages and SQL | Assn 4 – Basic Modeling |
| October 2 | Data Definition Languages and SQL | |
| October 7 | Relational Algebra and SQL | Assn 5 - Defining a Schema |
| October 9 | Relational Algebra and SQL | |
| October 14 | Review for Midterm | Assn 6 – Using Relational Algebra and MySQL |
| October 16 | Midterm Exam | |
| October 21 | Database Design and Normalization | |
| October 23 | Database Design and Normalization | Assn 7 – Designing and Normalizing a Database |
| October 28 | Triggers and Active Databases | |
| October 30 | Triggers and Active Databases | |
| November 4 | Physical Data Organization and Indexing | Assn 8 – Using Triggers in a Databases |
| November 6 | Physical Data Organization and Indexing | |
| November 11 | Query Processing | |
| November 13 | Query Processing | |
| November 18 | Transaction Processing | Assn 9 – Writing queries |
| November 20 | Transaction Processing | |
| November 25 | Design Coding and Testing | Assn 10 – Writing code for transactions |
| December 2 | Design Coding and Testing | |
| December 4 | Review | |
| December 9 | Review |
If you have a disability that may impact your ability to carry out assigned course work, and are not enrolled in the Learning Disabilities Program, it is important that you contact the staff in the Disability Support Services Office (DSS), University Center, Room 310, (516) 877-3145. DSS@adelphi.edu. DSS will review your concerns and determine, with you, appropriate and necessary accommodations. All information and documentation of disability is confidential.
Students enrolled in this course are expected to abide by the Adelphi University Honor Code. The purpose of the Honor Code is to protect the academic integrity of the University by encouraging consistent ethical behavior in assigned coursework by students. Following is excerpted from the Student Honor Code:
The code of academic honesty prohibits behavior, which can broadly be described as lying, cheating, or stealing. Violations of the code of academic honesty will include, but are not limited to, the following:
During the last two weeks of the class, you will receive notification, via mail and eCampus, that the course evaluation is available for your input electronically. Availability will end at the start of the final examination period. Your feedback is valuable and I encourage you to respond. Please be assured that your responses are anonymous and the results will not be available to the instructor until after the end of the semester and therefore after course grades have been submitted.
Tear off this and return with information required below: STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: I HAVE RECEIVED AND READ THE SYLLABUS FOR [INSERT COURSE NUMBER AND SECTION]. SIGNED: __________________________________________ PRINT NAME: _________________________________________ DATE: ___________________________ Warning – This page must be signed and returned to the instructor to receive a complete grade in this course.