Database Principles, Fall 2012 Main | Syllabus | Grading | Programming Style | Honesty | Archive/Handouts

Welcome to Computer Science 3810, Database Principles.

ANNOUNCEMENTS and LINKS TO USE - Last Updated: 12/5/12

Useful Links for the Next Few Weeks:

• The PHP Manual
• All about cookies:
  • http://www.w3schools.com/php/php_cookies.asp
  • http://php.net/manual/en/function.setcookie.php
  • http://www.tizag.com/phpT/phpcookies.php

Due on Friday, December 7th:

• Project #6: Implement the Web Front-End (FINAL SUBMISSION)
• Study for the Exam Review Session using the Final Exam Review Sheet

Click here for past assignments and handouts

OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE

In the age of large data, the ability to structure those data in order to optimize searching and querying becomes critical. This course is about how Database Management Systems (DBMS) are used, from the design of models representing the data to the storage and indexing of information. We will discuss the creation of queries, the use of SQL, concurrency control, administration, security, and recovery procedures. Each student will also create his or her own database with a web-served front-end that helps the user access and modify the information stored within.

By the end of this semester, you should:

• Understand the relational database model, query languages (SQL), and transactions.
• Understand the use of data modeling in the dsign of relational databases.
• Understand the use of normalization in the refinement of database design.
• Understand the specialized data structures used for efficient database implementations.
• Be familiar with object-based database concepts.
• Understand query planning.

EMAIL POLICY

Information and announcements will be frequently communicated via email. It is the student's responsibility to check for email announcements every day.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

The textbook for this class is Database Management Systems, by Ramakrishnan and Gehrke, Third Edition.

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS

If you believe that you need accommodations for a disability, please contact Elaine DiVincenzo, ADA Academic Coordinator, via email at Elaine.DiVincenzo@merrimack.edu or by telephone at 978-837-5140. The ADA Office is located on the 3rd floor of the McQuade Library in the Center for Academic Enrichment. The ADA Office is responsible for coordinating disability related accommodations and will issue Accommodation Letters & Plans to students with documented disabilities. In this course, it is better to be pro-active than to wait until difficulties have already interfered with assignments or exams. Please note that it takes time to arrange accommodations for exams.

COURSE WEBSITE

If you are viewing this text on paper, you may want to also check it out online at:

http://http://www.merrimack.edu/lmichaud/courses/csc3810

The online version will be kept up-to-date with assignments and announcements.