Course Information
- Instructor: Dr. Aaron Garrett (garrettal@wofford.edu)
- Class Meeting (Olin 218): TR 2:30p-3:50p
- Office Hours (Olin 204E): MW 2:00p-4:30p; TR 12:30p-2:30p; or by appointment
- Textbook: None
- Required Software Coddy (discussed in class)
- Final Exam: See the Registrar’s page
Catalog Description
A study of data models, including relational, object-oriented, hierarchical, and network models. Topics include the theory of normal forms, database design, query languages, and implementation of databases.
Prerequisite: COSC 235 with a minimum grade of C.
Goals
- Understand the basic terminology and theory of relational algebra
- Understand functional dependencies and normalization
- Be able to construct conceptual models that map to normalized relational schemas
- Understand the fundamental concepts in database management systems
- Be proficient with Structured Query Language for defining schemas and manipulating data
- Be familiar with basic management tasks in MySQL
- Be capable of interacting with databases from standard programming languages
- Be familiar with semi-structured data such as XML
- Be familiar with the basic implementation approaches for database management systems
Grades
Your grade in the course will be based on a combination of assignments and exams.
- Assignments
- Assignments are short exercises that reinforce the core concepts.
- Project
- A project is a larger, more complex design and implementation assignment.
| Artifact | Points |
|---|---|
| Assignments (~6) | 600 |
| Project | 400 |
| Total | 1000 |
The usual grading scale will be applied to the accumulated points: 93–100: A, 90–92: A-, 87–89: B+, 83–86: B, 80–82: B-, 77–79: C+, 73–76: C, 70–72: C-, 60–69: D, 0–59: F.
Policies
Attendance
You are expected to attend class meetings and come to class prepared. Refer to the General Policy Regarding Attendance in the Wofford College Student Handbook. The policy makes you responsible for catching up on missed classes. If you must be absent for class, please email me in advance to let me know.
Make-up exams are not available. If you have a legitimate, excused absence during the midterm exam, then you must make it up during the final exam period.
Assignment Deadlines
Late assignments will not be accepted without a legitimate excuse. All assignments are expected to be submitted by 11:55p ET on the posted deadline.
Academic Integrity
The Honor Code requires faculty, staff, and students to maintain a high standard of individual honor and integrity. While I may specify some assignments as collaborative, work represented as your own must be your own. If you have any doubt about what is appropriate for a given assignment, you should contact me for clarification.
Accommodations
If you have a disability that requires assistance or accommodation, or if you have questions related to any accommodations for testing, note takers, readers, etc., please contact Dean Beth Wallace by telephone at (864) 597-4371 or in person by visiting the Hugh R. Black Infirmary. You must arrange accommodations during the first week of classes.
Tentative Schedule
Note: This syllabus is subject to change with notice.