Syllabus

Introduction to database concepts, data models, file structures, query languages, database management systems.

Topics we will cover include:

• Modeling data so it can be stored and used effectively
• The relational model and algebra
• Creating databases based on these data models
• Storing, updating, and querying data in a relational database
• Structured Query Language, the standard mechanism for working with relational databases
• Accessing the database from applications
• Transactions and data integrity
• Current directions in databases (NoSQL, distributed storage, key-value stores)

Logistics

Credits

3

Prerequisites

CS 3358 (Data Structures)

Lectures

Thursdays 6:30–9:20 PM in Alkek 147 (San Marcos) and Avery 366 (Round Rock)

Web site

• http://cs.txstate.edu/~m_e114/f14/cs4332/
• TRACS

Instructor

Michael Ekstrand

Office

Comal 307F (San Marcos)

Avery 464-X (Round Rock)

E-mail

ekstrand@txstate.edu

Phone

512-245-7523 office, mdekstrand Skype

Office Hours

• MW 3–4PM
• Tu 10–11AM
• Th 4–6PM (on days I lecture in Round Rock, these office hours will be at the Round Rock campus; see the class schedule).
• Other times by appointment (in-person or via Lync or Skype)

Textbook and Resources

Required Textbook

Concepts of Database Management, 7th Edition, by Pratt and Adamski (ISBN 978-1-111-82591-1)

Online Resources

• PostgreSQL Reference Manual
• Python-related documentation (for the project):
  • Python and its standard library
  • PsycoPG2 database adapater
  • Flask web framework
• Online Q&A sites - StackOverflow for programming and DBA.SE for database modeling and administration.

Suggested Reading

Mastering Data Modeling by Carlis and Maguire

Grading

Grading for this class will be as follows:

Component	Count	Contribution
Homework Assignments	5	30%
Group Project	1	30%
Midterm	1	20%
Final Exam	1	20%

Final grades will be no worse than those that would arise from a standard 70-80-90 scale: if you have a total weighted grade of 90/100 points, your grade will be no worse than an A-; likewise, 80 points guarantees you at least a B-.

Homeworks

There will be 5 homework assignments. These assignments must be completed individually and submitted via TRACS. Please only submit PDF files.

Each homework is due before lecture the week it is due (6:30 PM on Thursday).

Project

There will be a substantial project running for the bulk of the semester. More details will be available by the fourth week of class.

This project will be a group project, with the groups pre-assigned. By default, all members of a group will receive the same project grade; individual grades may be adjusted if there is clear evidence of imbalanced contributions from the members of a team.

Exams

There will be two exams: a midterm and a final. The final will be comprehensive, but more than half of the exam material will be presented before the midterm.

For exams, you may have a single 8½×11 inch sheet of hand-written notes (two sides).