CS 265 Project Assignment 0
Name:
Preamble:
Project Assignment 0 will help decide upon working groups that you are assigned to,
particularly in the second half of the semester. For short answer questions, simply type
your answer immediately after the question, using as much space as you need.
Prior Knowledge and Interests
1. Which of the following best describes your familiarity with database, the subject of
this course? (Please circle all that apply)
a.
b.
c.
d.
I have little or no knowledge of database design and theory
I have self-taught myself in database design and theory
I have taken academic courses in or studied database design and theory
I have worked in database design and theory
2. If you answered that you have knowledge of database through self study, formal
academic work, or work experience, then please elaborate on this experience in 2-3
sentences (or more, if you wish).
3. For each of the topic areas of the course (https://my.vanderbilt.edu/cs265/topicoverview/ ), rate your knowledge as best you can, from knowing nothing (0) to expert
(5); along with an (b), (c), (d) from question 1 to indicate where your prior knowledge
comes from (if you rate your topic expertise as 2 or above). If you mark all 0’s that is
perfectly fine (and typical).
Weeks 1-7, 10-11, 15 Relational Databases (if 0 or 1, skip to week 12):
Week 2 Relational Algebra:
Week 3-4 SQL:
Week 5 Constraints, referential integrity (e.g., foreign keys):
Week 5 Triggers:
Week 6 Unified Modeling Language (for DB design):
Week 7 Relational design (e.g., functional dependencies):
Week 10 Indexes:
Week 10 Transactions:
Week 11 Views:
Week 11 DB Authorization:
Optional (end of semester) SQL recursion:
Week 12 XML Data representation:
Week 12 JSON Data:
Week 13 XPath and XQuery:
Week 14 Online Analytical Processing:
Week 15 XSLT:
4. Describe your primary interests in databases coming into the course. These interests
can relate to topic areas (e.g., the list above), application areas (e.g., medical
informatics, ecology, finance), or professional opportunities.
5. Since databases are ubiquitous, what other areas of computing do you have
experience in (self-taught, academic, work) that might be paired with databases as a
project in the second half of the semester? Discuss as many computing areas as you
think relevant (e.g., mobile app development, web programming), ideally as a bulleted
list.
6. Since databases are ubiquitous, what other application interests do you have that
might be paired with databases as a project in the second half of the semester? Discuss
as many areas as you think relevant (e.g., music, visual arts, medicine and health,
environmental sustainability, culinary arts, social networks)
Expectations
7. Familiarize yourself with the ABET criteria for assessing competencies of graduates
in the computing sciences, which are listed below.
In 2-3 sentences each, describe how you anticipate this database course will contribute
to your competencies in each.
The program must enable students to attain the following ABET desiderata, by
the time of graduation:
(a) An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to
the discipline
(b) An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing
requirements appropriate to its solution
(c) An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system,
process, component, or program to meet desired needs
(d) An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
(e) An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues
and responsibilities
(f) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
(g) An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals,
organizations, and society
(h) Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional
development
(i) An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing
practice.
(j) An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and
computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems
in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design
choices.
(k) An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of
software systems of varying complexity.
8. Familiarize yourself with the IEEE Code of Conduct, which is listed below. For tenets
5, 6, and 10 below, at a minimum, describe in a sentence or two why and how you
anticipate that this database course will increase your appreciation for it. You need not
do this for the other tenets, but you are free to do so.
IEEE Code of Conduct
1. to accept responsibility in making engineering decisions consistent with the
safety, health and welfare of the public, and to disclose promptly factors that
might endanger the public or the environment;
2. to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest whenever possible, and to
disclose them to affected parties when they do exist;
3. to be honest and realistic in stating claims or estimates based on available
data;
4. to reject bribery in all its forms;
5. to improve the understanding of technology, its appropriate application, and
potential consequences;
6. to maintain and improve our technical competence and to undertake
technological tasks for others only if qualified by training or experience, or after
full disclosure of pertinent limitations;
7. to seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work, to acknowledge
and correct errors, and to credit properly the contributions of others;
8. to treat fairly all persons regardless of such factors as race, religion, gender,
disability, age, or national origin;
9. to avoid injuring others, their property, reputation, or employment by false or
malicious action;
10. to assist colleagues and co-workers in their professional development and
support them in following this code of ethics.
Learning Methods
9. In a sentence or two, describe what a MOOC is.
10. What is your experience with online courses (e.g., on Coursera) and online videos
(e.g., on Khan Academy)?
11. What experience have you had and/or heard about with “flipped classes”?
Environment
12. How would you rate your overall involvement with social networking? (answer
optional)
Very high
High
Some
Low
Very low
11a. Which social networking tools do you use regularly (check all that apply,
answer optional)
(Note: This is a list of sites from Wikipedia,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites )
Facebook
Google+
Twitter
Linkedin
Instagram
Bebo
Tagged
Other, please list:
13. Do you know friend/s or students who you have collaborated with on campus taking
CS 265 with you? (answer optional)
Yes
No
14. Do you have friend/s or others you know taking the Widom online course who are
not in CS 265 this semester? (answer optional)
Yes
No
15. Have you made professional contacts in computing that are DB relevant? (answer
optional)
16. As part of CS 265, would you like to consult with learners and/or mentors who were
outside CS 265? Outside Vanderbilt?