MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY
CIS 340 COURSE SYLLABUS

revised 1/7/2002

GENERAL INFORMATION

Course number: CIS 340
Credit/Contact hours: 3
Term: Spring, January 14 - May 3, 2002
Course title: Database Systems
College website: www.mansfield.edu

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Instructor name: John Phillips
Instructor office location: Elliott 205 A
Instructor office hours: to be announced
Instructor telephone: 570-662-4704
Instructor e-mail address: jphillip@mnsfld.edu
Instructor website: www.programbetter.com

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Description

First course in the theory and use of database management systems. Provides experience in the creation of an actual database system and the manipulation of the data in it. Prerequisite: CIS 301 and CIS 306.

Textbooks

Database Systems, 3rd Ed., Thomas Connolly and Carolyn Begg, 2002, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-201-70857-4.

Course Websites

www.programbetter.com for the syllabus and course information.

www.coursenotebook.com for the class discussion board.

Course Outline

1. Introduction to Databases
2. Database Environment
3. The Relational Model
4. SQL: Data Manipulation
5. SQL: Data Definition
6. Programmatic SQL
7. Commercial RDBMSs: Access and Oracle
8. Web Technology and DBMSs
9. Semistructured Data and XML
10. Database Planning, Design, and Administration
11. Fact-Finding Techniques
12. Entity-Relationship Modeling
13. Enhanced Entity-Relationship Modeling
14. Normalization
15. Methodology-Conceptual Database Design
16. Methodology-Logical Database Design for the Relational Model
17. Methodology-Physical Database Design for Relational Databases
18. Methodology-Monitoring and Tuning the Operational System
    

Class Schedule

MWF 10:00 - 10:50 AM

Equipment and Supplies

Access to the Internet is required either using your own computer or by using a computer in the school's computer lab. You should keep a backup copy of all work you do on one or more diskettes.

Grading Scale and Policy

Work that meets the stated requirements will in general earn a C grade. Work that goes beyond the basic requirements will in general earn anywhere from a C+ to a B- grade. Work that is very good and exceeds the instructor's expectations will in general earn a B grade. Only the most outstanding work will earn an A grade.

(Refer to the Mansfield University Catalog for grades that can be awarded.)

A >= 90%
B >= 80%
C >= 70%
D >= 60%
F < 60%

In addition, the instructor may choose to further differentiate grades with plus and minus subdivisions as outlined in the catalog.

Tests will be closed book, closed notes unless otherwise specified.

The final exam will be closed book and closed notes. The exam will be comprehensive.

Late Work Policy

Any work that is late will lose one letter grade for each day late. No excuses. Computer, server, ftp, and Internet problems will happen, therefore, make it a point to complete your work at least one day before the deadline.

No makeup tests will be given. However, if you have a legitimate college-approved excused absence (i.e. a note from your doctor), the final exam score will count in place of the one missed test.

Methods of Instruction

Material will be presented in lecture format. You are expected to read each assigned chapter prior to the lecture. Feel free to ask questions on any material you need clarified during the lecture.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all courses and course activities for which they are registered. Any class meeting missed, regardless of cause, reduces the opportunity of learning and may adversely affect a student's achievement in the course.

Bad Weather Policy

On days that we have icy or snowy weather, the instructor may choose to hold class on-line. This will be announced on coursenotebook.com.

Academic Integrity

It may be tempting to cheat in this class. Do not do it! You will be posting some of your work for all to view. Feel free to browse other students' posted work, on-line web sites, and other books for ideas. However, if you copy that work and you do not give credit for it, that is plagiarism. Likewise, if you discuss an exam you have taken with another student before they take it, that is cheating. You may not do anything that gives you or another student an unfair advantage. If you are in doubt then discuss the situation with your instructor.

Withdrawal Policy for Individual Courses

The last day to withdraw from a College course with a "W" grade is published in the Academic Calendar. It is the responsibility of the student to complete and submit the necessary forms to the Registrar's Office. An official withdrawal would entitle the student to a grade of "W" in the course.

Syllabus Change Policy

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus as the course progresses.

COURSE TIMELINE