U p d a t e d (15Nov99)

University of Nevada, Reno
CSci 457/657 Computer Database Management


Description

This course provides an overview of the two principal computer database management systems (DBMS) paradigms in common use, xBASE and SQL, treating: physical data representation and organization; language constructs for data definition and manipulation, and programming; data accuracy, integrity, and security considerations in both stand-alone and networked computer environments; and data administration issues. Entity-relationship and object-oriented modeling techniques and the concepts of database normalization, independent of any specific DBMS implementation, are introduced. Additionally, practical aspects of DBMS selection, database applications development, and systems integration are instilled through a series of set exercises.

Instructor

J.T. Hastings & S.Underwood (TA)
EMail: jordan@cs.unr.edu & underwoo@cs.unr.edu
Office: SEM 232
Phone: 784-4356
Student Meeting Hours: Mon/Tue 2:00 - 3:00p, and by appointment
Class Website: http://www.cs.unr.edu/~jordan/cs457/

Required Texts (in ASUN Bookstore)

1. Ullman, Jeffrey D. and Widom, Jennifer
   A First Course in Database Systems
   PTR Prentice-Hall
2. Ashton-Tate (1984; a classic!)
   dBASE III for your 16-bit PC
   Provided courtesy of Borland International

Additional Texts (on Reserve in deLaMare Library)

1. Carter, John (1993)
   Programming in SQL with ORACLE, INGRES, and dBASE IV
   PTR Prentice-Hall
2. Pascal, Fabian (1993)
   Understanding Relational Databases, with Examples in SQL-92
   Wiley
3. Roman, Steven (1997)
   Access Database: Design and Programming
   PTR Prentice-Hall

Note: Other materials will be placed on reserve throughout the semester.

Prerequisites

• Minimum: CS 201/202 (or equivalent) - Introduction to Computer Science
  and CS 308 - Data Structures
• Recommended: CS 326 - Programming Languages
  
  Note: This is a senior/graduate technical course: good conceptual and problem-solving skills, plus substantial programming are required.

Course Mechanics

• Recitation: Mon/Wed 4:00p - 5:15p in PE 208
• Practicum: Tue 4:00 - 5:30p (in SEM 231 and/or LME 322D; occasional schedule)
• 1-1 Meetings Mon/Tue 1:00 - 2:00p in SEM 232 (encouraged)
• Laboratory: Independent Schedule

Grading

CS457 - Two hourly tests (40% total), set exercises (50%), class participation (10%).

CS657 - Two hourly tests (30% total), set exercises (40%), class participation (10%),
plus term paper/project (20%).

Perspective

This is a "hands on" course utilizing DOS/Windows PCs. It is not, formally, a programming course, although substantial programming skill is expected. The focus of the course is on the application of computers (which requires programming) as clerical and management tools in: 1) the logical design of databases, which otherwise is tedious; and 2) the physical implementation of databases, which inherently must be automated.

A set sequence of database exercises is required of all students, culminating in a practical database application implemented in a small "team" environment. In addition, for graduate students, an independent research project/paper on a pre-agreed topic of mutual interest to the student and the instructor is required.

Set Project Exercises

A sequence of set project exercises is expected of each student. These exercises are designed to realistically iterate the implementation of a significant Name-and-Address database for Faculty, Staff and Students in the UNR / College of Engineering using various xBASE- and SQL-style database management systems. (For Graduate students, a term project option is to apply the techniques of the exercises to a real-world application for other organizational units on- and/or off-campus.)

Students work individually on Exercises I through IV below, and in small teams (2-4 people) on the remaining Exercises.

In fairness to all, late assignments will not be accepted.

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