The Bryan School of Business and Economics
Department of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management
ISM 218-01 - Database Systems
Fall 2014 Syllabus
Instructor:
e-mail:
Co-Instructor:
Classroom:
Meeting date and time:
Office:
Office hours:
Minoo Modaresnezhad
m_modare@uncg.edu
Xia Zhao
Bryan 213
Tuesday, Thursday, 8:00 to 9:15 AM
Bryan 483
Wednesday, Thursday, 1:00 to 2:00 PM
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Study of database management systems including their design, implementation, query, and use. Topics
include an extensive case study requiring development of a multiple table database system for
organizational needs (Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ISM 110 or equivalent).
WHY LEARN ABOUT DATABASE SYSTEMS?
Databases (DB) are incredibly dominant-- DB underlie technology used by most people every day if
not every hour. Developing virtually every information systems (IS) involves the design and
implementation of a new DB or the use of an existing DB. Databases are crucial component behind
websites, banking systems, video games, and any other software systems or electronic devices that hold
some amount of data. Understanding the fundamental concepts of DB systems and the basic knowledge
of database management systems (DBMS) is a critical first step in your future careers as either users or
developers of IS of any kind.
This is a general course about data and data management, and its intent is to assure your basic
understanding of DB and DBMS. No explicit prior knowledge of the subject is required for this course.
Students enter this course with widely varying backgrounds in terms of education, business experience,
and technology knowledge. Some of you may find that they have more knowledge of particular areas
than is required for the course. I ask you to be patient if you encounter this situation.
The objectives of this course are to:
1.
Create general understanding of data, database systems, and database systems management;
2.
Introduce design of relational databases through the Entity-Relationship Diagrams and
Normalization procedures;
3.
Apply basic skills in the use of SQL in: defining and creating a database, inserting and
modifying entries in a table, and manipulating the database to produce useful decision making
information for management.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
1.
Develop and implement a sound data model for a business data system;
2.
Design, implement, and use a relational database;
3.
Apply SQL to create queries, generate reports, and administer a database;
4.
Evaluate the ways database systems are used in various types of business.
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REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS, MATERIALS, AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
1. Oppel, A. (2011). Databases DeMYSTiFieD, 2nd Edition. ISBN: 978-0-07-174799-8 (DBsD)
2. Oppel, A. (2005). SQL DeMYSTiFieD. ISBN: 978-0-07-226224-7 (SQLD)
Blackboard Class Management System (blackboard.uncg.edu)
You should be familiar with Blackboard. It will be used for announcements and updates, distributing
materials and administering quizzes. I expect you to check Blackboard daily.
iSpartan email and calendar
Most individual communications outside classroom will be done through email. I expect you to check
your iSpartan email daily. I encourage you to email me immediately whenever you feel you need help.
Please check Email Etiquette section on the last page of this syllabus for appropriate conduct.
MySQL account (baeism2.uncg.edu/sql)
This will be your primary working environment. It is free. I will provide you with your access
credentials by email during the first week of the course.
You should have a computer with a functioning internet connection, know your usernames and
passwords and be able to connect to and remain connected to the UNCG network, especially during the
tests. I expect you to bring your computers (laptops or tablets) to every class.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY AND ASSESSMENT
This class will be based on readings and online videos, in-class exercises and discussions, quizzes, and
project related assignments. Feel free to keep notes in any format convenient to you.
Lectures
In-class time will be dedicated primarily to clarify the course materials, to discuss the key concepts,
and to practice. Therefore, I expect you to come to each lecture having read the chapter(s) assigned for
that day.
Assessment and Instruction
There will be 8 weekly short in-class quizzes to check your familiarity with readings and basic
understanding of fundamental concepts. Quizzes will include the entire week’s material. Each quiz will
contain 10 multiple choice questions which will be open at the beginning of each assigned session via
Blackboard and graded automatically. Part of the assignments will be take-home and administered via
Blackboard.
There will be three exams during the semester. Exams will be in-class and need to be taken on the
scheduled day. Make-up quizzes and exams will not be given. If you must miss a test for an
extraordinary reason, please notify me in advance to work out a solution. Additional instructions for
exams will be provided later in the course.
Group Projects
Each student will be assigned to a group of three or four to work on their assigned project. All
deliverables regarding projects are due at the beginning of the class period, on the scheduled due date.
It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of deliverable due dates. Late submissions will not be
accepted. Additional instructions for the project will be provided later in the course.
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ISM 218-01 – Fall 2014
Tentative Course Schedule
This course outline is subject to change. Additional specific changes and changes to the outline will be
provided on Blackboard.
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Day
Date
Topic
T
19-Aug
Syllabus & Introduction
R
21-Aug
Database Model and Basic Concepts
T
26-Aug
Database Model and Basic Concepts
R
28-Aug
Database Model and Basic Concepts
T
2-Sep
Database Modeling and Normalization
R
4-Sep
Database Modeling and Normalization
T
9-Sep
Database Life Cycle
R
11-Sep
EXAM 1
T
16-Sep
Introduction to SQL
R
18-Sep
SQL: Creating Tables
T
23-Sep
SQL: Creating Tables, Inserting Data
R
25-Sep
SQL: Single Table Queries
T
30-Sep
SQL: Altering Tables, Single Table Queries
R
2-Oct
SQL: Functions
T
7-Oct
SQL: Functions
R
9-Oct
EXAM 2
T
14-Oct
FALL BREAK. NO CLASS
R
16-Oct
SQL: Aggregate Functions
Assignments due
Quiz 1
Quiz 2
Project topic will be discussed; Students
will be assigned to groups of three or four
Quiz 3
PROJECT Due 1
Quiz 4
T
21-Oct
SQL: Aggregate Functions
PROJECT Due 2
R
23-Oct
SQL: Complex Joins
Quiz 5
T
28-Oct
SQL: Complex Joins
R
30-Oct
SQL: Sub Query
T
4-Nov
SQL: Advanced SQL
R
6-Nov
SQL: Advanced SQL; Views
T
11-Nov
SQL: Advanced SQL; Index and Sequences
R
13-Nov
SQL: Advanced SQL; Index and Sequences
T
18-Nov
Review
R
20-Nov
EXAM 3
T
25-Nov
PROJCT PRESENTATIONS
R
27-Nov
HOLIDAY. NO CLASS
Quiz 6
Quiz 7
Quiz 8
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PERFORMANCE EVALUATION / GRADING
Your grades will be based on the following allocation:
Requirements
Points toward grade
Quizzes
20
Group Project
20
Exams (3 exams, 20 points each)
60
Total
100
Your letter grade will be based on the following distribution:
Points
Grade
Points
Grade
Points
Grade
Points
Grade
97-100%
A+
87-90%
B+
77-80%
C+
67-70%
D+
93-96%
A
83-86%
B
73-76%
C
63-66%
D
90-92%
A–
80-82%
B–
70-72%
C–
60-62%
D–
< 60%
F
STATEMENT OF STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This syllabus is a contract between you as a student and me as the instructor in this class. Your full
understanding and acceptance of the following rights and responsibilities will lead to better learning. If
you are in this class after week 1, I assume you have read, understood and “signed” this contract.
You have the right to expect from your instructor:
1.
A clear statement of course policies, expectations, assessment and grading practices;
2.
Opportunities to learn and grow professionally;
3.
Knowledgeable and timely assistance regarding class assignments and course content;
4.
A response to your email within 24 hours, including an arrangement to meet;
5.
Adherence to the University policies;
6.
Professional behavior, equitable treatment, ethical practices, and respect for human rights;
7.
Adequate opportunity to appeal any perceived violations of the above rights.
You have specific responsibilities to:
1.
Commit yourself to grow academically and professionally;
2.
Plan your study and work schedule appropriately to allow sufficient time to do quality work in
the course (Review “Suggested Academic Workload Guidelines” for the Bryan School of
Business and Economics published in the UNCG Undergraduate Bulletin);
3.
Complete all assignments in a professional manner;
4.
Strictly adhere to the posted deadlines;
5.
Practice ethical behaviors and display respect to the rights of others;
6.
Timely contact your instructor and discuss circumstances that may prevent you from achieving
acceptable performance;
7.
Understand and follow the school and course policies, including the UNCG Academic Integrity
Policy (sa.uncg.edu/dean/academic-integrity), and report observed violations of these policies.
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I encourage you to seek ways to learn about the subject matter of this course, apply the knowledge you
gained for the benefits of yours and others, and have fun doing this (in socially and environmentally
responsible ways). You must attend each class period on time and come to class prepared. Please do
not come to class late. When absent, it is your responsibility to ascertain missed information, including
any special announcements. In case of extraordinary circumstances (inclement weather, family, etc.)
your absence must be justified with a document proof. Quizzes and assignments will be opened for
submission in advance long enough to avoid missing them.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
University students are expected to observe academic honesty and the provisions of the UNCG
Academic Integrity Policy in completing their coursework (sa.uncg.edu/handbook/academic-integritypolicy). Discussing your assignments with other students can be a valuable learning opportunity.
However, you are expected to do your own original work. A student is a subject to penalty for
academic misconduct, such as plagiarism. I assume that by submitting your work in this course you
conform to the Academic Integrity Policy. Any violations will result in charges.
DISABILITY SERVICES
If you have any type of learning or physical disability, please contact the UNCG Office of Disability
Services in Suite 208 EUC. The Disability office will contact me once your request is approved.
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EMAIL ETIQUETTE
You are always encouraged to contact me via email with any questions or concerns that you may have.
However, I ask that you comply with the following ‘house rules’:
1. Send your email and reply to my emails from your UNCG account. Given security risks, I will not
open emails from other accounts.
2. Please use appropriate etiquette when you email and I will do the same in return:
(a) begin with a greeting;
(b) state who you are and which class you are in;
(c) end with an appropriate signature;
(d) spell-check as if you email to your future employer.
Example of appropriate email format:
‘Hi Minoo,
My name is [YOUR FULL NAME] and I am in your [NAME OF COURSE]. I have a question about
X ....
Thanks,
[YOUR NAME]’
Example of inappropriate email format resulting in no response (lack of greeting; no personal
identification; no reference to course name; no signature; spelling errors; inappropriate language):
‘Hey,
So I was wondering when you were going to post the notes?’
Proper email etiquette is extremely important in that
(a) it helps me be more efficient in helping you because I don’t lose time trying to figure out
who you are or what you are asking;
(b) it is a vital skill to have in the ‘real world’. Professional relationships necessitate
professional email correspondence. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!
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