ClassInfo

IT 240 Introduction to Databases

Dolores Kalayta

Office: CDM 617
Fall 2013-2014
Class number: 11123
Section number: 701
W 5:45PM - 9:00PM
LEWIS 01214 Loop Campus

Summary

This course will introduce students to the design, implementation and use of desktop databases. Major topics include: modeling using ER diagrams, creating and maintaining a database using a PC based application, compose and use queries in Structured Query Language, create and customize forms and reports, and integrate databases with other sources of data and applications.

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

    Database Concepts, 6th Edition
    By David M.Kroenke,David J.Auer
    Prentice Hall, 2013. ISBN-13: 978-1-1118-2591-1, ISBN-10: 1-1118-2591-2.
    eTextbook: Database Concepts, CourseSmart eTextbook, 6th Edition ISBN-13:978-0-13-274443-0
    Publisher's Web Site



    Grading

    There will be eight to nine assignments, a midterm and a final exam.

    Percent of final grade
    Assignments (includes database project) : 40%
    In-Class Midterm Exam :30% -- Oct. 16, 2013
    In-Class Final Exam (comprehensive):30% -- Nov. 20, 2013


    • The lowest assignment grade (does not include the database project) will be dropped.

    • All assignment descriptions and requirements will be posted only on the course web pages on COL.

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

    • Be sure to read the assignment 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 A A- B+ B B-
      Percent100 - 93 92 - 90 89 - 87 86 - 83 82 - 80




      Grade C+ CC- D+ D F
      Percent 79 -- 77 76 - 73 72 - 70 69 - 67 66 - 60 59 - 0





    Prerequisites

    None.



    Course Management Web Site

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

    Changes to Syllabus


    This syllabus is subject to changes as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be addressed during class.


    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.

    Important Dates


    Class begins on : Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013
    Last day to add class : Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013
    First assignment due date : Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013 (no exceptions)
    Last Day to drop class with no penalty : Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013
    Midterm Exam (In-Class) : Wednesday, Oct 16, 2013
    Last day to withdraw* from class : Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013
    Final Exam (comprehensive - In-Class) : Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013

    * Students who withdraw from the course do so by using the Campus Connection system (http://campusconnect.depaul.edu). Withdrawals processed via this system are effective the day on which they are made. Simply ceasing to attend, or notifying the instructor, or nonpayment of tuition, does not constitute an official withdrawal from class and will result in academic as well as financial penalty.

    Tentative Week by Week Schedule

    The following is a tentative schedule of the topics to be covered in this course. The order of the topics is subject to change. (Last updated: 8/22/2013)



    Week 1 Ch. 1 pp 3 - 23
    • Syllabus and course overview
    • Why use a database
    • What is a database system

    Week 2 Ch.2 pp 59 - 72
    • Relational Model
    • Types of Keys
    • Null Values
    • Relational Algebra Concepts: Selection, Projection, Join
    • Set Theory Concepts
    • Using the ACCESS SQL Editor
    Week 3 Ch.3 pp 131 - 143
    • SQL: SELECT
    • Single table
    • Boolean Operators
    • Comparison Operators
    • Wildcards
    • Nulls
    • Sorting
    Week 4 Ch.3 pp 143 - 159
    • Aggregate Functions & Calculations
    • Groupings
    • Multiple Tables: Subqueries
    • Multiple Tables: Joins
    • Left / Right Joins
    Week 5
    • Review Midterm Study Suggestions
    • Entity Relationship Data Model
    Week 6 Ch.4 pp 219 - 226
    • Midterm Exam (In-Class)
    • Entity Relationship Diagram
    Week 7 Ch.5 pp 259 - 287
    • Transforming ERD to Database Design
    Week 8 Ch.3 pp 115 - 127
    and pp 159 - 165
    • SQL: Data-Definition
    • SQL: Populating Tables
    • SQL: Data Modification and Deletion
    • SQL: Table Modification and Deletion
    Week 9 Ch.1 pp 144 - 50
    • Forms
    • Reports
    • Importing Data (notes)
    Week 10 Ch.2 pp 72 - 82
    • Functional Dependencies
    • Normalization
    • Review Final Exam Study Suggestions
    Week 11 In-Class Final Exam (comprehensive)

    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