CPSC 340A Database Systems, Fall 2003
Anil M. Shende
365B Trexler, x2341
email address: shende@roanoke.edu
Office Hours: MW: 9:30am--10:30am; Th: 9:30am -- 11:30am;
and by appointment
Syllabus
Text
An Introduction to Database Systems, 7th edition by
C. J. Date
Objectives
This course provides an introduction to the theory
behind relational database systems. Topics include the architecture of
a database system, the formalisms of relational algebra and relational
calculus that form the theoretical framework for database systems, the
query language SQL, normal forms of relations, and issues of data
concurrency, security and integrity in the context of multi-user
database systems.
Prerequisites
CPSC 170
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to
adhere to the Academic Integrity policies of Roanoke College. All work
submitted for a grade is to be strictly the work of the student unless
otherwise specified by the instructor. The policies as outlined in the
Academic Integrity handbook will be enforced in the course.
Graded programs are subject to the Roanoke College
Academic Integrity policies. Copying a program or a portion of a
program (even a single line) or reading another person's program to
obtain ideas for solving a problem is plagiarism. Other examples of
integrity violation include writing code for someone else, using code
written by someone else, telling someone else how to solve a problem
or having someone tell you how to solve a problem (and using their
method). These cases apply to any work that is handed in for a grade
under the instructor's assumption that the work is your
own. Unless specified otherwise by the instructor, discussion among
students should be limited to general
discussion of concepts and language details, not specific aspects of
a solution to the assigned problem.
Class Attendance
Regular attendance is highly recommended. Regardless of
attendance, students are responsible for all material covered or
assigned in class.
Mechanics
There will be two one-hour tests
(Sept. 26, and Oct. 31) in class and one final exam
(Friday, December 12, 2003, 8:30am -- 11:30am).
Make-up tests will be available by pre-arrangement only in case
of scheduling conflicts. After the test, make-ups will be available
only in case of documented medical emergency.
Besides the exams,
there will be regular homework assignments,
projects and
quizzes in class.
Programming projects: In the second half of the semester,
we will work with the data base management system postgresql.
There will be two projects
assigned during that time. Projects will be graded on correctness,
style and documentation. Projects are due by 5:00pm on the assigned
date. Late projects will be penalized 10% per day, and will not be
accepted more than three days late.
Quizzes: There will be short quizzes in class. These will
be announced at least one class period in advance. There will be no
make-ups for missed quizzes.
Grading
The final grade will be computed based on the
grades in the tests, the final exam, home works,
quizzes and projects according to the following weights.
| Component |
Weight |
|
| Home works | 15% |
| Quizzes | 15% |
| Projects (2) | 20% |
(10% each) |
| One-Hour Tests (2) | 30% |
(15% each) |
| Final Exam | 20% |
The grading scale is as follows:
