IT 240 Introduction to Databases

Summary

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• identify the ubiquitous use of databases in everyday life
• demonstrate the effects of redundancy, inconsistencies and lack of integrity when databases are poorly designed
• apply Boolean logic, set theory, and relational algebra concepts in the construction of Structured Query Language (SQL) requests for retrieval of data
• predict and confirm results using empirical evidence from publicly accessible data
• create an Entity Relationship Diagram to graphically model user database requirements
• construct and maintain a database within a domain that implements the constraints of the relational database model.
  
  
  

  Texts

  Concepts of Database Management, Seventh Edition by Phillip J. Pratt, Joseph J. Adamski, Thomson Course Technology, 2012. ISBN-13: 978-1-1118-2591-1, ISBN-10: 1-1118-2591-2. Publisher Web Site

  
  
  

  Grading

  There will be eight to nine assignments, a midterm and a final exam.
  
  Assignments (includes a final project) --40%
  
  Midterm--30%
  
  Final Exam -- 30% -- June 10, 2013
  
  

  
  
  • The lowest assignment grade (does not include the final project) will be dropped.
  
  
  • All assignment descriptions with complete instructions will be posted only on the course web pages on COL.
  
  
  • Each assignment will have a specific due date and time. Check the COL frequently for assignments and announcements.
  
  
  • Make sure you read the assignment description carefully, including the directions on how to submit the assignment. All assignment submissions will be done using COL.
  
  
  • Late submissions of assignments will not be accepted.
  
  
  • Make-up examinations of any kind will not be given. If there is an extreme emergency you have to contact me before the examination takes place.
    The following grading scale is used:

    Grade	Points	Grade	Points	Grade	Points	Grade	Points
    A	100-93	B+	89-87	C+	79-77	D+	69-67
    A-	92-90	B	86-83	C	76-73	D	66-60
    		B-	82-80	C-	72-70	F	59-0

  
  
  

  Prerequisites

  None.

  
  
  

  Course Management Web Site

  CourseOnLine https://col.cdm.depaul.edu

  
  
  

  Software Required

  Microsoft Access 2010 available in all CDM PC labs. If you want to install on your PC, it is available at MSDNAA. Please carefully read and follow all instructions to obtain the software.

  
  
  

  School policies:

  Changes to Syllabus

  This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

  Online Course Evaluations

  Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

  Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

  This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

  All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

  Academic Policies

  All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

  Students with Disabilities

  Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
  To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
  Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
  Phone number: (312)362-8002
  Fax: (312)362-6544
  TTY: (773)325.7296