Instructor
Dr. Jingnan Xie
Email: jingnan.xie@millersville.edu
Course Description
Introduction to Database Systems. Topics include data modeling, building databases, database queries, basic data management, Model View Controller design paradigm, basic database-driven application development, and non-relational database systems.
Course Outcomes
- Compose queries to extract data from a relational database
- Design a data model using techniques such as entity/relationship modeling and normalization
- Construct a database according to a data model
- Design and implement abstractions of database operations in a software architecture
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the Model View Controller design paradigm
- Compare the benefits and drawbacks of adopting a relational or non-relational database
- Implement a basic database-driven application
- Compose queries to extract data from a non-relational database
Textbook & Resources
Course Policies
Responses: Emails will be answered within 24 weekday hours. Weekend emails may have delayed responses.
Announcements: Important materials and updates will be posted on D2L.
Lecture & Labs: Attendance is expected. Labs have a grading turnaround time of one week. Late submissions are only allowed with grace days provided.
Exams: No cellphones or laptops allowed unless specified. Exam rules are enforced strictly.
Grading Policy:
- Attendance: 5%
- Laboratory Assignments: 15%
- Homework: 10%
- Midterm Exams: 35%
- Final Exam: 35%
- Active participation bonus: up to 2%
Grades are rounded, and all exams/assignments must be attempted to pass. The average of all three exams must be >= 70% to gain C- or above.
Weekly Topics & Handouts
| Week | Topic | Handouts / Links |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chapter 0: Overview, Chapter 1: Relational Model | Lec00_Overview Lec01_Relational_Model |
| 2 | Chapter 1: Relational Algebra and Relational Model | HW01_Relational_Model (submit to D2L) |