• Course Title
• Purpose of the Course
• Course Objectives
• Required Textbooks and Suggested Reading Lists
• Class and Laboratory Attendance Policy
• Course Evaluation
• Homework and Lab Assignments

Course Title:  Database Management Systems.

Number:        ISS32101                Prerequisite:  ISS202 and ISS211

Class Time:    Monday and Wednesday, 4:00 - 5:15pm
Lab:           by Appointment

Instructor:    Mrs. M. Thombs
Office:        O'Hare 204,  X3115

Purpose:
     
       To introduce the student to the theory behind the application, logical 
     structure, and implementation of database management system.  Students 
     will learn about the historical evolution of database management systems
     and current events within the field of database systems.  The course will 
     lay the foundation for the 4GL Language course and other senior-level
     courses within the department.  Lab. projects will balance the theory portion
     of the course and provide relevence to topics discussed in lectures and read
     in texts. 
     
Approach:  
     
       The course will consist of classroom lectures, textbook readings, 
     software demonstrations, and lab. projects.  Software will be demonstrated
     by the instructor and hands-on lab. exercises will reinforce concepts
     covered by lectures and textbook readings.  

Required Text:
     
     Database Systems: Design, Implementation, and Management
         by Peter Rob, Wadsworth Press.  ISBN: 0-7895-0052-3
     
     FOXPRO 2.5 for Windows
         by Timothy Trainor and Jeffrey Stripes.  McGraw-Hill
         ISBN: 0-07-051590-5

Course Objectives:
     
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

    1.  understand the historical evolution of database systems and their
        movement from mainframe to microprocessing and distributed systems
   
    2.  list and discuss several types of database models

    3.  design and create a set of relational databases

    4.  have a basic understanding of SQL

    5.  understand the differences between te four Normal Forms discussed
        in the textbook

Class Policy:
     
       Class participation and class attendance are a positive factor
     considered when determining both the midterm and final grades.  
     Students entering late will excuse themselves for the interruption to
     their classmates.  
     
Laboratory Policy: 
     
       Students are encouraged to help each other, but all projects in all
     parts must be the original work of the individual or team passing such
     work for partial course credit.  Your instructor has the right to demand
     proof at any time of the genuineness and originality of the work.  This
     process would most likely be demonstrated by asking a student to
     reproduce a piece of the work from scratch at a terminal in a live
     performance.  Class and Lab Attendance:
     
     - Attendance is mandatory and will be taken at the end of every
       class and lab.  Authorized absences will be accepted only with prior
       approved notice. 
     - Athletes must give written notice of absences  prior to conflicting
       events from the head of the Athletic Department.
     - Each student  missing a class or lab is responsible for obtaining 
       any and all information pertaining to the missed class lab session(s).
     

 
Evaluation:
     
       Each student will be evaluated using a point system.   Each
     course element successfully completed will earn points toward a final
     grade.  100 points earned is the same as a 100% grade using a percent
     grading system.  Your grade will be determined by the following:
          30 points for Lab exercises.  There are approximately ten
     computer-based lab exercises.  Each lab will accumulate three points
     toward the final grade.  Each lab will be evaluated using a check minus,
     check, and check plus method.  Zero points will be awarded for missing
     or plagiarized assignments.  Labs will not be returned and it is each
     student's responsibility to verify that assignments have been received
     and recorded.  The instructor will provide several opportunities for
     students to review lab records during regularly scheduled office hours. 
          10 points Exam 1: Chapters 1 - 3  on week 5 
          10 points Exam 2: Chapters 4 - 7.
          10 points Exam 3: Chapters 8 - 10.
          10 points Final Exam 
          10 points Current events research paper or oral presentation.

       Each student is expected to visit the library and perform current
     events research and report to the class in written or oral form.  Written
     reports and handouts should be confined to three to five pages,  oral
     presentations should be between 5 and 10 minutes in duration.   It is
     possible to include a presentation of your final lab to fulfill this
     requirement.  Longer reports must be approved by the instructor.  
          10 points   subjectively awarded or removed by  instructor for
     class participation and consistent demonstration of quality and
     professionalism. 
          10 points   Class absences will be reflected in your final grade. 
     
Examinations:
     
   . Examinations will not be returned.  Students wishing to review  their 
     exam  may do so by making an appointment with the instructor.
   . Prior  notice must be given by the student if an examination is
     missed.  All such exams may be rescheduled at the discretion of the
     instructor.   Please leave a phone message at extension 3115 before
     class or lab.  
     

General Course Requirements: 
    
           - Textbook readings and class handouts and supplements.
           - Class and Laboratory lecture notes.
           - Lab projects 
           - Purchase and format three 3«" diskettes. 
           - Research and present one current events project.     
 
Homework:
     
     All lab. assignments must  contain a  cover-sheet.    All written 
     assignments  must be typed,  printed  or word-processed.  Pencil  or
     cursive writing is not considered acceptable.  Laboratory assignments
     will be graded but not returned to the student.  Late assignments will
     not be accepted.  Assignments are considered late when they are
     beyond two weeks from the date assigned.  Exceptions will be handled
     on a case by case basis.  If  the instructor is  not available (outside of
     class)  and  an assignment is due, assignments may be dated and given
     to Faculty Services.