Syllabus

Prerequisites: CECS 228, 274, MATH 122, 222 (or 123). Fundamental topics on database management. Topics include entity-relationship models, database design, data definition languages, the relational model, data manipulation languages, database application programming and normalization. (Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.) Traditional grading only.

Note: CECS 323, Database Fundamentals, replaces CECS 421, Database Systems. This course is now required for Computer Science majors entering under the 2002-2003 catalog, and required for the Minor in Computer Science. It is now a prerequisite for a number of upper-division electives, including CECS 470, 473, and 448. It is also a prerequisite for students applying to the Master's Degree program. It remains an approved upper division elective for Computer Science and Computer Engineering majors under catalogs prior to 2002-2003.

Instructor: Mimi Opkins

Office Hours: MW 5:00-5:30pm, Room ECS-532
Email Address: mopkins@csulb.edu
Phone Number: 714-830-7362

Course Materials

Required: SQL Visual Quick Start Guide (2/e or 3/e), by Chris Fehily, Peach Pit Press
The rest of the material will be on line:
• Database Design with UML and SQL (http://www.tomjewett.com/dbdesign/dbdesign.php).
  Supplementary readings may be announced in class.
• The SQL Tutorial (http://www.w3schools.com/sql/default.asp) listed on the left is also required reading. It contains several SQL concepts that you may need that might not be presented in class. It is also an excellent reference.

Ethics

• Some of the activities in this class (especially some labs and the term project) will require you to work with other students in teams or small groups. In many cases, I want you to compare your work, share ideas, and help each other. But any assignment that I specify as individual work (including the term project report) must be your own individual work. Any form of plagiarism or cheating -- including copying from someone else, cheating on an exam, turning someone else's work in as your own, and so on -- will result in a failing grade on the assignment (at a minimum), and could result in a failing grade in the course or even university disciplinary action.
• Those of you who have taken ENGR 350 will not be surprised that I will emphasize ethical use of the Web in this class. The following list should serve as a general guide, but clear standards and interpretations of the law in this area are still evolving and it would be impossible to make a comprehensive list. Also see the CSULB campus-wide computer use policy for more information. When in doubt, ask.

Attendance, due dates, adds, and drops:

Attendance is required in lecture (just like a job). Some lab activities will require attendance; for others, you may work any place that is convenient for you. Required-attendance activities will be announced in class.

Lab assignments are due at the start of the lecture period on the dates shown in the schedule. See grading page for more information.

If you want to add this class, you must attend the first day of class and fill out a request form. You will not be able to add with VRR. Please do not attempt to add the course (or enroll in it prior to the semester) if you have not completed the prerequisite courses. All students will need to show proof of prerequisite completion during the first week of class.

I will normally honor drop requests where permitted by University policy.