Course
Description and Prerequisites
INLS 523
Database Systems I
Introduction to Databases (3 credits)
Design and implementation of database
systems. Semantic modeling, relational database theory,
including normalization, query construction, and SQL.
Prerequisite: INLS 261 or INLS 461.
This course will introduce the basic
concepts and applications of relational database management
systems, including semantic modeling and relational database
theory.
-
User requirements and specifications
-
Semantic data modeling
-
Relational databases
-
Structured Query Language (SQL)
-
Normalization and data quality
-
Relation topics and emerging technologies
-
Data ethics and security
Course
Objectives
Through this
course, students should...
-
Garner a general understanding of databases and of the
relational database model
-
Experiment with both the theoretical and practical
aspects of database design and implementation
-
Be
able to consider, discuss, and justify database design
decisions
-
Learn about concepts involved in database operation and
maintenance
-
Understand the basic
concepts of programming database user interfaces
-
Have
an understanding of important ideas for managing data
Instructor
Cliff Missen, Clinical Associate Professor
cliff@unc.edu
Office: 6 Manning
Lab: 30 Manning
Office Hours are Mondays and Wednesdays, by
appointment. Send me email to set up a time. Or... let's chat
after class.
Resources
Textbook: Fundamentals of Database Systems,
Sixth Edition, Elmasri, R. & Navathe, S. (2011),
Addison-Wesley.
UNC Sakai Site
MySQL Community Server Package
http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/
Either download and install on your computer
(recommended) or use a classroom computer
Expectations
-
Attend classes
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Complete all assignments and exercises by the due date
-
Contribute to the class as a professional
-
Participate in class discussions and exercises; working
both
in groups and independently
-
Meet with the
instructor at least once during the semester to ask questions and
provide feedback
Assignments
-
Attendance
is the best way to master the ideas, network with your
colleagues, and meet visiting professionals.
-
Participation in classroom discussions and
exercises is the best
way to demonstrate that you have done the readings and homework.
-
Frequent homework
assignments designed to give you practice applying the
concepts that are discussed in class
-
Quizzes throughout the semester will be designed
to gauge your understanding of the course material.
-
The Midterm Exam and Final Exam will
be computer-based tests on your comprehension of the concepts
and terminology.
-
Each
individual will design a relational database.
-
The entire
class will design a complex schema.
-
You will
be assigned to a small group to design and model one or
more components and then present the results to the class.
|
Course Grading
|
|
10 points |
Attendance |
|
15 points |
Classroom Participation and Exercises |
|
15 points |
Assignments and Quizzes |
|
20 points |
Design Relational Database |
|
10 points |
Midterm Exam |
|
20 points |
Design Component(s) of Complex Schema |
|
10 points |
Final Exam |
Letter grades will be assigned as follows:
| Grad |
Undergrad |
Points |
Description |
| H |
A |
>95 |
Mastery of course content at the highest level of
attainment that can reasonably be expected |
| P |
A-
B+
B
B- |
92-94
87-91
83-86
80-82 |
A totally acceptable performance demonstrating an
adequate level of attainment |
| L |
C+
C
C-
D+
D |
77-79
73-76
70-72
67-69
60-66 |
A marginal performance in the required exercises
demonstrating a minimal passing level |
| F |
F |
<60 |
For whatever reasons, an unacceptable performance |