ClassInfo

IT 240 Introduction to Databases

Fall 2018-2019
Class number: 14619
Section number: 401
MW 11:50AM - 1:20PM
LEWIS 01509 Loop Campus

Summary

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



Texts

Please don't purchase a textbook for this course until after the first class meeting.


Grading

There will be ten to twelve assignments and a final project in this course. Assignments will be worth a total of 50% of the grade in the course, with the final project making up the other 50% of the grade.

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 only in D2L. Late submissions of assignments will not be accepted without approval.

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.

Why use databases? What is a database system? The Access Workbench - getting started with Microsoft Access. The Relational Model. Relations; Types of Keys; Functional Dependencies and Normalization; Normal Forms; Working with Multiple Tables in Microsoft Access. Structured Query Language; SQL for Data Definition and Manipulation; Table and Constraint Modification and Deletion; Working with Queries in Microsoft Access. Data Modeling and the Entity-Relationship Model; Requirements Analysis; the Entity-Relationship Model; Entity-Relationship Diagrams; Prototyping Using Microsoft Access. 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. Database Administration; Need for Control, Security, and Reliability; Database Security; Database Backup and REcovery; Database Administration in Microsoft Access. Database Processing Applications; Database Processing Environment; Web Application Database Processing; Web Database Processing Using Microsoft Access. 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