CSC 240 (Databases)

CSC 240 Syllabus

Contact Info:   

Thomas E. Blum
Office: O-128
Office Hours: MWF 10:00, TR 2:00 or by appointment
Phone: 215-951-1722
e-mail: blum@lasalle.edu
Web: http://www.lasalle.edu/~blum

Description:

The course covers components of database systems, database models (mainly entity-relationship), normalization, integrity, relational algebra, query languages, system security, distributed databases, social and ethical concerns. Case studies are implementated using relational DBMS.

Meetings:

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 12:00 - 12:50

Location:

Olney 201

Texts:

Database Systems: Design, Implementation & Management, Peter Rob and Carlos Coronel (Thomson Course Technology)
ISBN: 0619160030

Microsoft Office Access 2003 Brief, Lisa Friedrichsen (Thomson Course Technology)
ISBN: 0619188065

Supplemental Reading: (on reserve in the library)
Database Nation, Simson Garfinkel (O'Reilly)
ISBN: 0596001053
(http://www.databasenation.com)

Websites:

Online Books:

List of Safari Tech Book Online
Instructions for Accessing Safari Tech Books Online

Titles relevant to this course:

  • Using Microsoft Office Access 2003 / Roger Jennings
  • Database design for mere mortals: a hands-on guide to relational database design / Michael J. Hernandez

Assessment:      

 The components of the course will be weighted as follows
Tests: 48% 3 tests
Labs/Homework: 18% This work is to be done individually.
Project(s): 18% This work is to be done in groups.
Final: 16% The final is cumulative with an emphasis on any previously untested material.
Or if it is beneficial to the student, the following alternative weighting scheme will be used:
Tests: 32% lowest dropped
Labs/Homework: 18%
Project(s): 18%
Final: 32%

In addition,

  • The homework assignment will often include a summary of or reaction to a chapter in the Database Nation. This will consist of a one-page Word document with normal margins (Top and Bottom: 1", Left and Right 1.25") using 12-pt Times New Roman font and double spacing (Format/Paragraph/Line Spacing: double). You can summarize or react to the chapter, but it must be obvious that you have read the chapter.
  • If you take information from any source (book, website, etc.), that source should be cited. Failing to do so may be considered plagiarism and thus cheating.
  • I reserve the right to assign or re-assign students to project groups.
  • A late penalty of 5 pts (out of 100) will be deducted from your score for each class day an assignment is late.
  • Tests may be written, on-line or a combination.
  • The plus/minus grading system will be used.
  • Attendance will be taken.
  • Absences, lateness, etc. will be reflected in the labs/homework portion of the grade. More than three unexcused absences may result in the lowering of a grade.
  • Make-up tests are given at the discretion of the professor. You have to meet with me to discuss the reason for missing the exam and to schedule a make-up. It may be decided that the missed test will serve as your dropped score (see the second grading scenario above).

Self-Study:

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science will be conducting a self-study during the next four years. A part of this process involves inviting external experts who will review our course offerings, assessment measures, and student work. For this reason, faculty members will keep sample copies of students’ work including tests, homework assignments, programming assignments, and projects. Every effort will be made to ensure individual names are eliminated from these “artifacts.” If you prefer not to have your work included in this collection, please inform your instructor.

Classroom Behavior:

While in the classroom or lab, students should behave in a manner that is neither distracting to nor disrespectful to the professor or other students. Cell phones should be turned off. Students should not surf, chat or use email during the lecture portion of class.

Cheating:

 Claiming another's work as your own is cheating. A student caught cheating will receive a score of zero. Cheating may result in a reduction of the final grade. Repeated cheating can result in a failing grade for the course. Asking another for help on part of a homework is acceptable; handing in duplicate or nearly duplicate work is not. If you require a significant amount of assitance, you should seek my help. Finally, openly allowing your work to be copied is also cheating.