CIS 445: DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Course Syllabus - Summer 1999
Dr. Tommie Singleton

TEXT: Rob and Coronel, Database Systems: Design, Implementation & Management, 1997; Shelly, Cashman, and Pratt, Access 2 for Windows, 1995.

MATERIALS: You need at least two blank diskettes (preferably a 3.5" high density).

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Theory and practice of processing in a database environment with actual experience with a database management system; database files, record-file relationships, database languages and their use by other programming languages, database management. Three (3) hour course with the following prerequisites: CIS 201 or CIS 207, and CIS 330.

OBJECTIVES:

(1) To introduce students to the fundamental concepts of database processing in a management information systems (MIS) framework.
(2) To help students learn the importance and phases of database design (data modeling) and how data is stored (data structures).
(3) To acquaint students with various database models and database languages.
(4) To familiarize students with various procedures that can be used to normalize (reduce the anomalies) a database.
(5) To acquaint students with various technical aspects of database administration.
(6) To help students learn that the database function is an important part of the overall information system of an organization, and knowing the hows and whys of database design to enhance the decision-making skills of managers.

PARTICIPATION GRADE: You are expected to attend all class meetings. Part of your participation grade is based on attendance. A part of your participation grade will be based on your contribution to class discussions and your contribution (participation) to your group.

HOMEWORK: Several homework assignments will be made during the semester. Full credit for assignments to be turned in will be given only when turned in on time. Assignments turned in later than the due date will be penalized 20% per day late. ALL HOMEWORK is due at the beginning of the class period on the due date. Each student is expected to do his/her own work.

CLASS MATERIALS:  Most of the lecture outlines and class handouts are located on the class home page at [http:www2.una.edu/cis/445-buttons.html]. You will need the ID and Password for access to the private web site; please contact the instructor for them.

PROJECTS:

[1] GROUP DATABASE PROJECT:  [cancelled]

[2] EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PAPER:  You will be assigned an emerging technology to research. You will write a minimum 3 page report on the effects this technology has (or will have) on DBMS. The same report will be presented orally to the class. The reports will be compiled for those who want a copy for future.  The paper must be turned in both in printed form and on a diskette.  See Dr. Singleton's guidelines for this project.

TESTS: Two tests will be given during the term. Each exam is 100 points. NO MAKEUP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN FOR ANY REASON. The final exam is comprehensive.

DISABILITY STATEMENT:

It is the policy of the University of North Alabama to afford equal opportunity in education to qualified students. If you have a disability that prevents you from meeting the course requirements, contact the instructor within the first three class sessions to file a Student Disability Statement and to develop an accommodation plan. Course requirements will not be waived but accommodations will be made to allow you to meet the requirements, provided that you are timely in working with the instructor to develop an accommodation plan.