DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
CSC 420 DATABASE PRINCIPLES AND DESIGN
COURSE SYLLABUS
CLASS MEETS: MONDAY/WEDNESDAY/FRIDAY, 11 AM – 12 PM IN RTC 202
INSTRUCTOR
Name:
Office:
Phone/E-Mail:
Office Hours:
Dr. Cheryl V. Hinds
Robinson Technology Center (RTC) 310-B
757 823 9551/ chinds@nsu.edu
RTC 310-B: Monday: 9 – 10, Wednesday: 9 – 10, 1 - 2 Friday: 9 – 10
Online Office Hours: Tuesday: 10 - 12
COURSE DESCRIPTION
An introductory course emphasizing the basic concepts and principles of database systems.
Topics include an introduction to database systems and databases, different database system
models, basic system and language support (SQL) for database systems, relational modes,
relational algebra, an introduction to relational database design as well as an overview of
common database system issues.
COURSE GOALS & INTENDED OUTCOMES
The major goals of the course are to:
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Introduce students to basic database system concepts
Introduce students to basic database models
Acquaint students with basic database systems and languages such as Structure Query
Language (SQL)
Introduce students to different components of SQL that perform different database
system transactions
Expose students to the relational model and relational algebra expressions
Introduce students to relational database design
Introduce database security
Explain the importance of data security and database security.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
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Describe the hierarchy of database systems and database management systems
Differentiate between the relational, hierarchical, network, and object oriented
database system models
Understand and utilize the relational model to solve problems related to database
systems
Use Structure Query Language (SQL) to retrieve data from a database, update existing
data in a database and create and modify database objects
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Illustrate the importance and means to maintain database integrity, database security
and resolve concurrency issues
Explain the importance of maintaining security of the data
Design and create basic relational database objects using Oracle DBMS
PREREQUISITE
CSC 260 Computer Programming II
COURSE CREDIT HOURS
3 semester hours
COURSE RATIONALE
This course is a required course for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science
(Information Systems Track. BS.CSC.IS). Activities and assignments in this course support the
department’s program objectives currently listed on the departmental website.
(www,cs.nsu.edu/programs/ugradprogram.html).
COURSE OUTLINE
 Introduction to Database Systems
 Data Models
 The Relational Database Model
 Data Modeling
 Normalization of Database Tables
 Structured Query Language
 Database Design Strategies
 Concurrency Control
 Query Optimization
 Database Security
TEXT BOOKS
1. Database Systems Design, Implementation and Management. 11th edition. By Carlos Coronel,
Steven Morris. ISBN: 978-1-285-19614-5. Publisher- Cengage Learning
2. Oracle SQL by Example; WEB ISBN 0-13-704734-7. Free 24/7 online access is available through
Safari via NSU library at http://0proquest.safaribooksonline.com.library.nsu.edu/book/databases/oracle/9780137047345
REFERENCES
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Fundamentals of Database Systems 5th Edition; Elmasri/Navathe; ISBN 0-321-36957-2
Database System Concepts, 4th Edition; by Silberschatz, Korth, Sudarshan
A Guide to SQL featuring ORACLE, by Philip J. Pratt
An Introduction to Database systems; by C.J. Date
EVALUATION
Examinations
Quizzes
Homework
Team Project
Final Exam
30%
15%
15%
20%
20%
GRADING STANDARDS / EVALUATION CRITERIA
The final semester grade will be based on the following semester averages.
A = 90 – 100
C+ = 75 – 76
A- = 87-89
B+ = 85 – 86
C = 70 – 74 C- = 67-69
B = 80 – 84
D+ = 65 – 66
B- = 77-79
D = 60 – 64
F = < 60
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION
The primary instructional method for this class will be lecture and discussion. Students will also
work in a team to design, test and implement a relational database system. The course
management system Blackboard (nsu.blackboard.com) will be used to provide supplemental
material and/or to administer some or all of the quizzes and examinations.
TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE, HARDWARE AND SKILLS NEEDED
 Basic knowledge of using a personal computer and navigating the Internet
 Reliable Internet connection
 A means to store your work while using a computer other than your own.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STANDARDS
Unless otherwise specified, all required work is to be completed by the individual student. The
Department of Computer Science employs a no tolerance policy on cheating. Cheating
includes, but is not limited to, copying others work, misrepresenting the work of others as your
own (includes online sites and the use of code provided by online sites), plagiarism, sharing
when unauthorized, and the use of cell phones and/or electronic media when
unauthorized. The following outlines the departmental procedure if a student is suspected of
cheating during their academic tenure with the Computer Science Department at Norfolk State
University.
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Offense 1 – The student will receive a grade of ZERO on the assignment AND a note will
be placed in the student’s permanent departmental file. Non- CS Majors will receive a
ZERO and will be reported to the chair of their respective department.
Offense 2 – The student will receive a letter grade of ‘F’ for the course AND the student
will be reported to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for adjudication.
CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY: UNIVERSITY
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The University expects students to attend all classes. The student assumes full responsibility for
work missed due to an absence. Not more than twenty percent (20%) of class meetings may be
missed by a student during a given semester. University policy states that at the discretion of
the instructor, a student whose absences exceed 20% of scheduled class meetings for the
semester may receive a grade of “F” for the course.
TUTORING
Tutorial services are available, by posted schedule in the STARS Tutoring Center in the Nursing
and General Education Building. Faculty,teaching assistants and upper classmen provide
assistance to those students who may be experiencing difficulty in mathematics, science or
computer science classes.
OFFICE LOCATION
The Department of Computer Science is located on the third floor in Robinson Technology
Building. The individual faculty offices are located within the suite.
WRITING COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT
All students who matriculate at Norfolk State University beginning Fall Semester 2001 and
thereafter, will be required to take "entry" and "exit" examinations to assess their writing
competency. Both examinations will be administered by the English Department during
enrollment in English 101 and 102 respectively. The entry examination is untimed, multiple
choice, and computerized. The exit examination is a two-hour, essay format, and the topic will
be relevant to the student's discipline. Therefore, students enrolled in Computer Science
courses will be required to complete writing assignments in addition to other requirements to
assist them in their preparation for the exit examination. All students are required to take the
exit examination prior to completing 90 semester hours.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, we ask if you have a disability or think you have a disability
please make contact with the Disability Services Department.
Location: Student Service Center Suite 110
Contact Person: Janet L. Timberlake
Telephone: 823-8325
DISCLAIMER: The instructor reserves the right to revise the syllabus as appropriate and will make
reasonable attempts to notify students.
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