College of Information Technology

MASTER COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Information
Course Number: Course Title: Credit Points: Contact Hours: Grading Mode: Prerequisite(s): Corequisite(s): Equivalent Course(s): Registration Restriction: Special Facilities required to deliver this course: Maximum Class Size: Professor: Office: Office hours: Telephone: E-mail: CIT 365
Database Systems

3 Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Other: 0 Normal (A-F) CIT 210 OR CIT 225 --BUS 442 --Database laboratory (FF2-1-008 and MF21-008) 22 (F), 20 (M) Dr. Patrick Doran FF1-0-051 UTR 11-12 or by appointment Patrick.Doran@zu.ac.ae

The class is to be held UTR 11:00-11:50 in the Database lab (Y104).

Catalog Description:
Fundamental concepts of current database systems are covered, with emphasis on the relational database model. Major topics include data modeling, operations in the relational model, data definition language (DDL), database manipulation language (DML), constraints in SQL, system aspects of SQL, and object-oriented query languages. Data normalization and implementing databases through interactive web pages are covered. Software tools to be explored are Access, MySQL, and Oracle. Project work will comprise a substantial portion of the course assessment. Students will be expected to explore needed middleware such as PHP, JavaScript, and so on.

Textbook:
Watson, Richard T., Data Management: Databases and Organizations. 5th Edition.

Course Outcomes:
1. To explain good database design practices. 2. To be able to apply ER Model to practical case studies. 3. To be able to demonstrate database design skills acquired by applying such knowledge to the design and development of a working database in Access, MySQL, and ORACLE. 4. To be able to explain the role and limitations of information technology and software to database implementation and management. 5. To be able to query a database using the standard SQL. 6. To be able to implement dynamic web pages using Access, MySQL, and Oracle.

Assessment Activities:
The basic assessment activities are in-class exams, projects, and assignments done outside class. In general, the in-class assessments will test knowledge and understanding of the concepts, and the assignments will test the ability to apply the concepts. Please note that assessment deadlines will be strictly enforced.

Assessment Standards:
In order to receive an A in this course, a student must demonstrate both an understanding of the concepts covered in the course and the ability to apply the concepts in the implementation of term project in an independent manner. Please note that in order to achieve a grade of A your work must be superior to that of almost all other students in the class. Students who are unable to consistently demonstrate either or both of these outcomes will receive lower grades. Students who do not demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and the ability to apply them at a professional level will receive an unsatisfactory grade.

Grading Schema:
Graded Item Midterm examination Final examination Assignments/Projects Total Percentage of Total 35 45 20 100

For more information on the ZU grading system, including the definition of letter grades, please refer to the ZU Catalog (2009-2010). Midterm examination The midterm will cover chapters 3,4, and data modeling. The midterm will be given on three consecutive days (Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday). The first day (Sunday) will test data modeling skills. The second day (Tuesday) will test the students ability to create tables in SQL. The third day (Thursday) will test the students ability to create queries in SQL. Each part of the examination will be 50 minutes long. A student who arrives late will NOT be given extra time, so PLEASE be on time. Final Examination The final exam will cover the material from the midterm as well as chapters 5, 6, and 7. The final will be given on a date and time to be assigned by the University. The examination will contain the same three sections as the midterm (data modeling, table creation, and query creation). Projects (subject to alteration) This semester there will be three projects. 1. The first project will begin after the completion of the material in chapter 3 (The Single Entity). Students must create a single table database using Microsoft Access and a webpage using any tool available to the student. Students must link the Access table and the webpage resulting in a dynamic webpage. In order to do this, students must find a FREE webhosting site that allows you to run scripts. The webpage must allow data to be entered into the database, and also allow data to be retrieved using SQL, and formatted for output. 2. The second project will begin after the completion of the material in chapters 3 (The Single Entity) and 4 (The One-to-Many Relationship). Students will create another dynamic webpage, similar to project 1, but this time they will use MySQL. 3. The third project will begin after the completion of the material in chapters 3 (The Single Entity), 4 (The One-to-Many Relationship), and 5 (The Many-to Many Relationship). Students will create a dynamic webpage, similar to project 1, but will use Oracle.

Assignments There will be assignments for the following: 1. The Single Entity 2. Data Modeling I 3. The One-to-Many Relationship 4. The Many-to-Many Relationship 5. The One-to-One Relationship and the Recursive Relationships 6. Data Modeling II

Chronology of Topics:
Week(s) 1 2-5 Chapter 1 3 Topics Introduction to the course The single entity Dynamic Web Pages The one-to-many relationship Data modeling The many-to-many relationship Midterm One-to-one relationships Recursive relationships Normalization and Other Data Modeling Methods Project submitted Final Exam Week Tools Used

Access MySQL Access MySQL Oracle Access MySQL Oracle Access MySQL Oracle Access MySQL Oracle Access MySQL Oracle TBA

6-7 8-11 12 1314 14 1516 17

4 5

6 6 78

Learning Outcomes :
Major Learning Outcomes 1. Problem identification and analysis. [Accomplished] This outcome is addressed by course outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 4. The course provides tools for analyzing and designing database systems and suggesting solutions. 2. Problem solving. [Accomplished] Every course outcome contributes to this MALO. A major orientation of the course is the design of database system that satisfies the organization data requirements. 3. Technical communication. [Developing] This is not the major emphasis of the course, but learning basic terminology that is widely used among computing professionals enhances the ability to communicate effectively, and producing well-documented reports represents a communication of technical concepts to the reader. Zayed University Learning Outcomes 1. Information Technology [Accomplished] Students increase their skills by using software packages to analyze and design database systems and generate full documentations. 2. Critical Thinking and Reasoning [Accomplished] This ZULO is addressed through the activities of analyzing different alternatives for database system analysis and design.

ZU Learning Outcomes Outcome

Development Level Primary Evidence Secondary Evidence IT A X GA CTR A X ILC TL

Major Learning Outcomes

PIA A X PS A X ITA SPP TC D X

Course Assessment Activities and Standards

Grading policies There has been a perception that grades at University are negotiable, and that effort without learning is acceptable. Would you want to pay a brake mechanic who spent a lot of time and effort but could not fix your brakes? The faculty do not, and will not, negotiate grades. Students earn the grades they receive. Here is what is expected (and please note that average performance is a C, not an A). A's are for exceptional performance, B's are for strong performance, C's are for good performance, D's are for minimal performance, and Ds and F's are for poor performance. The instructor does not, under any circumstances, "curve" grades. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure adequate performance. Grades allocated for performance are not open to negotiation. There will be no allowance for students to make up for poor performance through extra assignments, papers, or the like. Meaning of letter grades in this class: * A = Student has demonstrated a level of knowledge of material (specific information, methods, models, etc.,) relevant to the course and ability to use the same in unfamiliar situations. Said knowledge and ability are well beyond that expected. Students will have no difficulty using and extending this knowledge to most new situations nor in continuing to learn in this direction. * B = Student has demonstrated a level of knowledge of material relevant to the course that is beyond expectations. Student will be able to use and extend this knowledge in some situations. * C = Student has demonstrated an acceptable level of knowledge relevant to the course and should be able to continue learning in this field of study. * D = Student has an unacceptable level of learning to be able to extend any knowledge. * F = Student has not learned sufficiently to be given credit for learning.

Course Evidence of Outcome Achievement LO CTR Description of Topics That Support the Learning Outcome
This outcome is supported by topics 1 and 3 (will be able to develop a valid data model for a business system of medium complexity; will be able to assess when a relational, hierarchical, or network design is appropriate for a particular information system). Students will develop a skill set specific to database systems, and students will be at the accomplished level for this outcome with respect to data modeling techniques as well as the Oracle and Access programs. Primary evidence will be the continuing assignment as well as data models. This outcome is supported by all topics and activities in this course. Again, this outcome, while at the accomplished level, is specific to the set of database systems skills rather than overall IT knowledge This outcome is directly supported by topics 1 and 3 (will be able to develop a valid data model for a business system of medium complexity; will be able to assess when a relational, hierarchical, or network design is appropriate for a particular information system). Students will be at the accomplished level with respect to database systems. Primary evidence will be the data models. This outcome is directly supported by topic 2 (will be able to build and use a relational database) at the accomplished level for database technology. Students will be at the accomplished level with respect to database systems. Primary evidence will be the continuing assignment as well as data models. This is not a major emphasis of the course. However, learning and communicating basic terminology and diagrams that are widely used among computing professionals enhances the ability to communicate effectively. Producing well-documented reports represents a communication of technical concepts to the reader.

IT PIA

PS

TC

Course Policies:
Exams Policy: There will be TWO examinations (MIDTERM AND A FINAL). The format for the exams are generally (but NOT always) as follows: one section covering data modeling, one section covering table creation, and one section covering database queries using SQL. Makeup exams will only be granted in extreme situations. Arrangements to take a test at a time different from the one scheduled MUST be made prior to the scheduled test time. To make sure you pass the exams, you should do the assignments yourself. The point allocations, grading methodologies, and evaluation procedures are not open to negotiation. Assignments Policy: Several assignments will be issued. All assignments must be turned in at the beginning of class on due dates. Late submissions without approved permission will receive a grade of zero. All work has to be done independently. All assignments and papers must be competed on time in an acceptable fashion. Failure to do so will invariably result in a grade of F for the assignment or paper. Attendance: Excellent attendance is expected. Zayed University policy automatically assigns a WF grade if a student misses more than 10% of the classes, not including excused absences. Do not ask me to mark you present if you are not going to be in class. If you arrive late for class or leave before class has been completed you will be recorded as being absent. Both of these situations disrupt the class and negatively affect the learning of other students. Please be considerate of your fellow students. Cheating: "The act of plagiarism (unlawful copying of any form of intellectual ideas, thoughts, written scripts, etc.) will be dealt with. Cheating or copying from your peers on exam, quiz, or homework is illegal and unethical and will consequently result in the student receiving ZERO grade on that particular exam/assignment; resubmission WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. Zayed University discrepancy measures will be enacted to counteract any such scholarly misconduct. Academic dishonesty, in the form of cheating, plagiarism, copying, or any other form, as defined by the instructor and the University guidelines, will result in the following: a grade of F for the assignment, paper, or test; a grade of F for the course; and referral of the case to the University administration for further disciplinary measures including expulsion from the University.

In the Name of God Most Gracious Most Merciful

Zayed University Honor Code

As a student of the University that carries the name of the beloved and revered father of the nation, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may his soul rest in eternal peace), I pledge to: Demonstrate the virtues of honesty, respect and fairness Adhere to the highest standards of personal moral conduct Refrain from any and all forms of academic dishonesty Present a positive image of myself by acting with maturity and honor Take responsibility for my actions and do my part to maintain a community of trust Dedicate myself to the achievement of the Universitys excellence

I promise to honor Sheikh Zayed and to preserve his legacy by following the example set by the wise and beloved father of the United Arab Emirates.