CS 317 Database and Transaction Systems                Spring 2015

Dr. Jill Zimmerman
office: JR 11111112
phone: 410 337-6227
email: jill.zimmerman at goucher.edu
http://phoenix.goucher.edu/~jillz

Office Hours:
        10:00 - 11:00 Tu
        9:00 - 10:00 F
        others by appointment or drop in

Text: Kifer, Bernstein, and Lewis, Databases and Systems (Introductory Version) 2nd Edition.

Class web page: http://phoenix.goucher.edu/~jillz/cs317

Course Description:
This course will be a study of the underpinnings of modern database design, at the application level, with the implementation of a web-based transaction processing system semester project.  We will also examine deeper issues which are essential to effective design at the application level:  relational algebra, data organization and indexing strategies, and query processing and optimization.

Course Objectives:

Course Mechanics:

I know that this class is early in the morning!!  I try very hard to make class time a valuable experience for you and I want you to attend and arrive on time.  To that end, I will be adding an incentive for you to arrive to class on time.  At least once a week (maybe more!) I will start class with a bonus question.  You will have a few minutes to answer, and a correct answer will earn you a bonus point on the next exam!  The question will be closed after the first few minutes of class so if you are late you lose this opportunity.  We are talking about some serious bonus points that you can rack up during the course of the semester!!

Instead of a traditional lecture approach, you will be presented with questions which will generate class discussions.  We will be using socrative.com (room 44772) where you will each "vote" on an answer.  Prior to the vote you will have a short time to work through the question by yourself, followed by a longer period of time in discussion with a partner.  Try to convince your partner of your answer if you disagree! You all know the drill already.

You will be have labs and homework problems assigned periodically.  (See course website for schedule.)

No late lab or homework will be accepted.
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. (See the Honor code for definition and disposition of academic dishonesty.)

Additionally, there will be a group semester-long project.  There will be several milestones for the project throughout the semester where grades will be assigned.  You get to decide the domain of your project and this is a chance for you to do something meaningful and rewarding!  Here is a quote from a past student evaluation of the course: "Totally got to design a project from scratch. I have friends in graduate school database courses that didn't go as in depth as we did."

You are expected to attend class and to arrive on time. You are also expected to complete the assigned readings prior to class so that you can fully participate in class activities.

Grading:
Your course grade will be based on the following:
        Homework/Labs 20%
        2 Exams (20% each) 40%
        Group Project 40%