CS 461 Database Systems
Instructor: Jeff Salvage
E-mail: jsalvage@cs.drexel.edu When I reply to emails, you will see a return address of
campsalvage@yahoo.com.
Do not write to both places, I have one forwarded to the other. Another email, jks29@drexel.edu also exists. Try not to use this as I check it less often.
Website: http://www.cs.drexel.edu/~jsalvage
Lecture: Monday & Wednesday, 12:30 PM - 1:50 PM - TEC 215
Office: TBD
Office Hours: (Main Campus) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 - 9:30 AM and by appointment (Please note I am not on main campus Monday and Wednesdays)
(BCC Campus) Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 - 12:30 PM and by appointment (Please note I am not on BCC campus Tuesday and Thursday)
Teaching Assistant: TBD
TA email address: TBD
TA Office
Hours:TBD
Textbook: Fundamentals of Database
Systems - Elmasri - Addison Wesley - ISBN:
0321-206738
Overview of Course Contents
The course will be about 15% set theory. The set theory explained will be provide a basis for the mathematics behind basic data base operations.
The course will be about 50% SQL.
The course will be about 15% data model design.
The course will be about 20% optimizing databases for specific uses in the real world.
Class Database
You are expected to have access to either use the department's MySQL databaser server or your own copy of MySQL 5.041. It is available online at www.mysql.org. The department will make a version available for our user.
Grading Scheme
Homework Assignments (up to 5) (50%)
1 Midterm Tests (20%)
1 Final Exam (30%)
Grading is competitive. I will not curve per say, but many of the assignments will be graded on a relative scale. The top 30% of the class will receive an "A", the next 40-60% will receive a "B", the rest will receive a "C", "D", or "F". If the class does really great work as a whole I have been known to give a higher percentage of A's & B's.
Grading is a combination of accuracy, completeness, and originality. Attempting to do the least will not get you an A. Do these homework assignments as if you are a contractor bidding on the system given in the homework assignment. The requirements are intentionally vague and open ended. The amount of effort and common sense you put into your assignments will be reflected in your grade. These assignments can be completed with a minimum of effort, but just like in the real-world you will not receive adequate compensation for a hastily completed job.
Students must work on the assignments individually. If you share files or work together you will be dropped from the course or receive an F for the entire course. DO NOT TAKE A CHANCE!
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Homework #1, Set Theory
Homework #2 Basic SQL
Homework #3, Advanced SQL
Homework #4, Data model
Homework #5, Queries based on data model
Some homeworks will be submited directly to WebCT.
Academic Honesty
The university's Academic Honesty policy is in effect for this course. Please read Section 10: "Academic Honesty" in the Drexel University Student Handbook to make sure you are familiar with this policy. An electronic version of the Student Handbook appears on the 1998 Drexel CD. You may visit the university's student handbook online at http://www.drexel.edu/studentlife/docs/handbook/shindex.html
In addition, just to be clear. Any sharing, copying, or distributing of electronic/paper versions of the homework assignments is considered cheating. Hiring someone to do your work is also considered cheating. Anyone determined to be cheating may fail this class on a first offense.
Syllabus Statement
In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Drexel University’s policies and procedures, the University is committed to the non-discrimination of students with disabilities. Faculty and instructors are encouraged to include a statement in course syllabi advising students with disabilities how to request auxiliary aids, academic adjustments, and services.
The statement should be the same format as other information provided on the syllabus, i.e. font size. The following statement is recommended:
Student with disabilities requesting accommodations and services at Drexel University need to present a current accommodation verification letter (“AVL”) to faculty before accommodations can be made. AVL’s are issued by the Office of Disability Services (“ODS”). For additional information, contact the ODS at www.drexel.edu/edt/disability, 3201 Arch St., Ste. 210, Philadelphia, PA 19104, V 215.895.1401, or TTY 215.895.2299.