INLS 258: Database Systems II - Fall 2005
Syllabus

 

Course Catalog Description: INLS 258 Database Systems 2 (3 credit hours). Advanced study of database systems. Topics include database design, administration, current issues in development and use, object databases, and distributed databases.

Prerequisites: knowledge of relational theory, including normalization and referential integrity knowledge of basic SQL (both DML and DDL) knowledge of ER diagramming techniques and how to turn this into a database schema If you've taken INLS 256 or INLS 157 (Database Systems I), these topics were covered - please come talk to me if you have not taken this course or if you have questions about the knowledge and skills listed above.

Course Objectives: examine advanced concepts and issues in database modeling and design. further develop SQL knowledge and experience. gain practical experience with Oracle and SQL through the design and implementation of an Oracle database project. gain experience with Oracle development products, such as 9iDS (Oracle Forms and Reports) and SQL*Plus. explore social, ethical, administrative, and policy issues surrounding databases.

Hardware & Software Requirements: You are welcome to use the SILS lab computers for this class, but if you have a laptop, feel free to bring it to class. The laptop has to be networked to access the Oracle server, but if you don't have a wireless card, they are available in the SILS library for checkout. We will be using the following software applications for this class: SSH client You can use PuTTY (freeware) or You can download SSH secure shell from ATN a secure FTP client (note that SSH secure shell has an integrated secure FTP client) Oracle client You can get this from Software Acquisition on campus - check for the SKU you'll need (for example, if you're running Windows, you'll want SKU 9012 to get just the Oracle 9i client), and place an order at https://www.unc.edu/atn/software/unconly/studentorder.html (Optionally) Oracle Forms and Reports, Oracle JDeveloper The Oracle software will also be available through the SILS lab; please see me if you have questions about obtaining these.

Evaluation: Your grade will be based on both individual and group assignments. A brief overview of assignments is given below - more detail is available on the assignments page. Assignment Value Description Current issue presentation (pairs) 15% You will present a discussion of a current database issue of your choosing. Database design and implementation 25% You will implement a database in Oracle or MySQL, including queries, indexes and potentially views. Quizzes and SQL Puzzles 15% 3 @ 5% each - you must complete at least 3 of these, though more may be offered. Participation 10% Instructor's perception of your participation in and out of class. Final Project (group) 35% This is a full-featured solution on a problem of your choosing. You and your team will determine the problem area, develop an implementation plan, and execute it. While this is not a full-fledged Systems Analysis project, much of the same types of documentation and processes will be required. This project is divided into several interim deliverables, which are due on different dates (see the assignments page for more info).

Grading Scale: Graduate Grade Graduate Score Undergraduate Grade Undergraduate Score H 100-95 A 100 - 95 P+ 94-90 A- 94 - 92 P 89-85 B+ 91-87 P- 84-80 B 86-83 L 79-70 B- 82-80 F below 70 C+ 79-77 C 76-73 C- 72-70 D+ 69-67 D 66-60 F Below 60

Honor Code: The University Honor Code is in effect. When work or ideas are not your own, you must attribute them. When an assignment is designated as individual, then the substance of the work you turn in must be your own. If you have any doubts or questions about a course of action or a specific situation, please ask for clarification. Students should NOT receive (or give) major creative assistance or ongoing minor support on individual assignments. If you have any questions about this, please ask me. UNC has also put up a web page on plagiarism and the correct way to cite other's work.

Listserv: The class list address is: inls258@listserv.unc.edu. To subscribe to the class listserv, address a message to: listserve@listserv.unc.edu, leave the subject fields blank, and place the following command in the body of your message: "subscribe inls258 your-first-name your-last-name." I will use the list primarily for class announcements, though class discussion is highly encouraged. Not signing up for the listserv could result in missing out on important or vital information that could make an impact on your grade. Postings to the class list will be included in my evaluation of your participation efforts.

Text: This course has one required text and one recommended text. Readings may also be available online or on reserve in the SILS library. You may elect to choose supplemental readings from alternate texts (particularly for an SQL reference), as well as the class resources page. It's usually a good idea to read the assigned readings before the class date they are assigned for, and review as necessary afterwards. Elmasre, R. and Navathe, S. (2004). Fundamentals of Database Systems, 4th ed. Addison-Wesley. Required Morrison, J. and Morrison, M. (2003). Guide to Oracle 9i. Course Technologies. Recommended