CS 4720: Database Design

Course Objectives:

             This course provides a thorough background in database concepts, 
             as well as practical information on database system design.

Course Description:

             Database structures and schemes; information retrieval; security 
             and integrity. 
             Prerequisites: CS 141 (File Processing) and CS 330 (Data Structures).

Software and Tools Used to Support Class:

 	     ERWIN
	     SQL Server
             Fourth Generation Languages
             E-mail
             Internet Browser 

Required Materials:

             Fundamentals of DATABASE SYSTEMS,  Elmasri/Navathe.

Topics Covered:

             1.      Introduction to Database System Concepts
             2.      Database Models and Languages
             3.      Functional Dependencies and Normalization for Relational 
                     Databases
             4.      Query Optimization
             5.      Concurrency Control Techniques
             6.      Advanced Data Models and Emerging Trends

Project:

             The term project is an important part of the course, and will 
             involve  significant efforts in designing and programming.  
             Students are required to work on projects as an important 
             requirement of the course.  The teams should go through the 
             different phases of the database design process:

             1.      Requirements collection and analysis.
             2.      Conceptual database design.
             3.      Choice of a DBMS.
             4.      Data model mapping (logical database design).
             5.      Physical database design.
             6.      Database system implementation.

             Approval of the instructor is required in choosing the project, 
             development tool, application, and the members of the teams. 
             An outlined proposal with three prioritized applications is due 
             two weeks from the start of the Semester. A progress report is 
             required every other week. The final projects should be submitted 
             two weeks before the last day of class. The teams are required to 
             present their projects in the class or in the Laboratory for a 
	     half period or a full period.
            

Grading Policies:

             The grades for the course will be assigned based on the following
             percentages:
             .       Tests (2-3):            60-75 %
             .       Project:                25-40 %

Instructor:

             Said C. Fares
             Office:                         2132 Nevins Hall 
             Traditional Office Hours:       9:15 - 11:00 AM T/TH
					      or by  appointment
             Electronic Office Hours:        Any day, any time
             E-mail:                         sfares@valdosta.edu
             Phone:                          (912) 333-5780

Fall Semester 1998 Calendar:
	     August     19:	First Class
	     September   7:	Labor Day
	     October     9:	Midterm
	     Nov.    23-27:	Thanksgiving
	     Dec.        9:	Last Class
	     Dec.       10:	Exam-Prep
	     Dec.(Fri.) 11: 	Final (10:15-12:15) 
	     Dec.       17:	Graduation            

Last update August 17,1998.