Database I
INLS 256-02, Spring 2001
Tuesday & Thursday, 3:30 - 4:45, 208 Manning Hall
School of Information and Library Science

Instructor: Stephanie W. Haas Office:305 Manning Hall
Phone: 962-8360 Email: stephani@ils.unc.edu
Office Hours:Tuesday 2:00 - 3:30, drop in, and by appointment

Course Outline and Objectives
Class Policies and Grading
Schedule
Resources

Course Outline and Objectives

Outline

  1. Introduction
  2. Database Concepts and Architecture
  3. Entity Relation Modeling
  4. Relational Model, and Related Topics
  5. Storage and Indexing
  6. SQL
  7. Normalization
  8. Reverse Engineering and Data Quality

Objectives

  1. Develop an understanding of the relational database model.
  2. Become familiar with storage and indexing for databases.
  3. Gain experience with both the theoretical and practical aspects of database design.
  4. Learn about concepts involved in database operation.
  5. Consider some important ideas for databases in the future.


Class Policies and Grading

Class Policies

  1. I will always be prepared for class, and will start class on time. If unforeseeable circumstances prevent this for any reason, I will try to notify you beforehand if at all possible. I expect the same of my students: be prepared for class, be ready to start class on time, and try to let me know if you can't be there.

  2. You are expected and encouraged to participate in discussions.

  3. This is a database design course, not an Access 2000 course. While you will use Access 2000 to complete your labs, I willnot be teaching you how to use the software. You will be expected to learn how to use Access 2000 mostly on your own, although we will devote one class period to an overview of the functions that are most relevant to the labs you will be doing. Please see the Resources section for pointers to workshops and other materials for learning Access 2000.

  4. Reading assignments should be done before the class for which they are assigned so you can ask questions and participate in discussions. The text book is not light reading. You may find it easier to skim the reading before class, and then read it again in more detail after we have discussed it. DON'T SKIP THE SECOND READING!

  5. Assignments must be passed in at the beginning of the class in which they are due.

  6. If there is something you don't understand, ask a question! If you don't want to ask during class, please come see me at some other time, post your question to the listserv, or ask me over email. Your classmates may well be your best resource for Access 2000 questions.

  7. With the exception of Lab 1, all assignments and labs are to be completed individually. You are, however, encouraged to talk to one another about Access 2000 issues of a general nature (for example, for questions like "How do I do <fill in the blank> in Access?"). 

  8. Please subscribe to the class list. The list name is inls256_002, the password is TBA. You can subscribe on the Web at one of the two urls below.

    To post to the list, you can send mail to inls256_002@listserv.unc.edu, or go to the list's web page. For general information on lists, or if you need an onyen, go to the lyris home page.

  9. Honor Code: The principles of academic honesty, integrity, and responsible citizenship govern the performance of all academic work and student conduct at the University as they have during the long life of this institution. Your acceptance of enrollment in the University presupposes a commitment to the principles embodied in the Code of Student Conduct and a respect for this most significant Carolina tradition. Your reward is in the practice of these principles. Your participation in this course comes with the expectation that your work will be completed in full observance of the Honor Code. Academic dishonesty in any form is unacceptable, because any breach in academic integrity, however small, strikes destructively at the University's life and work. (From the 8/1/92 letter to the faculty, signed by Paul Hardin, Chancellor and John Moddy, Student Body President.)

  10. SILS Resources: You will be using SILS library and lab material during the course of the semester. Please remember that many of your fellow students also need to use the same material. Follow the proper checkout procedures and return materials promptly to be a good SILS citizen. (SILS Information Resources Committee)

    Grading
    Assignments, 28%:A1 7%A2 7%A3 7%A4 7%
    Labs, 42%:L1 7%L2 10%L3 10%L4 15%
    Take-Home Final Exam 30%

    All assignments will be graded on the following scale:


    This page was last modified on December 11, 2001, by Stephanie W. Haas. Address questions and comments about this page to Stephanie W. Haas at stephani@ils.unc.edu
    © 2001 Stephanie W. Haas