ClassInfo

IT 240 Introduction to Databases

Winter 2015-2016
Class number: 26356
Section number: 502
TuTh 11:50AM - 1:20PM
CDM 00224 Loop Campus

Summary

This course introduces students to the design, implementation and use of desktop databases. Major topics include modeling/using entity relationship diagrams, creating/maintaining databases using a PC-based application, composing and using queries in Structured Query Language, creating and customizing forms and reports, and integrating databases with other sources of data and applications.



Texts

Database Concepts - 7th Edition, by David Kroenke and David Auer. ISBN is 978-0-13-354462-6. Please purchase/rent the 7th edition. If you choose to use a different edition, you are responsible for any discrepancies.

Required Software: Microsoft Access 2010 available in all CDM PC labs.

If you want to install it on your PC, it is available at MSDN Academic Alliance. Please read instructions carefully and follow all instructions to obtain the software. Here's a link to the MSDNAA site: http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/MSDNAA.aspx



Grading

There will be eight to ten assignments, four take-home quizzes, and a final project in this course.

Assignments 50%
Quizzes 25%
Final Project 25%

All assignment descriptions/requirements will be posted on the course web pages on D2L.

Each assignment will have a specific due date and time. Check D2L frequently for assignments and announcements.

Be sure to read the assignment carefully, including the directions on how to submit the assignment. All assignment submissions should be done on time and in D2L.

Late submissions of assignments will not be accepted without approval.

Make-up examinations of any kind will not be given.

The following grading scale will be used:

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



Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this class.



Learning Outcomes

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.



Review of course syllabus. Discussion of class expectations. Getting Microsoft Access installed on your PC and bringing your computer to class each session.

Chapter One - Why use databases? What is a database system? The Access Workbench - getting started with Microsoft Access. Chapter Two - the Relational Model. Relations; Types of Keys; Functional Dependencies and Normalization; Normal Forms; Working with Multiple Tables in Microsoft Access. Chapter Three - Structured Query Language; SQL for Data Definition and Manipulation; Table and Constraint Modification and Deletion; Working with Queries in Microsoft Access. Chapter Four - Data Modeling and the Entity-Relationship Model; Requirements Analysis; the Entity-Relationship Model; Entity-Relationship Diagrams; Prototyping Using Microsoft Access. Chapter Five - Database Design; Transforming a Data Model into a Database Design; Representing Entities with the Relational Model; Representing Relationships; Heather Sweeney Designs; Relationships in Microsoft Access. Chapter Six - Database Administration; Need for Control, Security, and Reliability; Database Security; Database Backup and REcovery; Database Administration in Microsoft Access. Chapter Seven - Database Processing Applications; Database Processing Environment; Web Application Database Processing; Web Database Processing Using Microsoft Access. Chapter Eight - Big Data, Data Warehouses, and Business Intelligence Systems. Reporting Systems and Data Mining Applications; Distributed Database Processing; Business Intelligence Systems Using Microsoft Access. Finish all assignments. Work on and complete final project.

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