Fall 2000, CSC 261 70 2, M 7:00-9:30 PM, Curtis 208

Norm Lippincott, Curtis 105, 610-606-4666 ext. 3697

Mon 3:00-5:00 PM, Tue 2:00-6:00 PM, Wed 2:00-5:00 PM, Thu 10:00-11:00 AM

Silberschatz, A., Korth, H., & Sudarshan, S., Database System Concepts, 3 ed., McGraw Hill, 1999.

An examination of the concepts of database systems. Topics include the relational, hierarchical, and network models of databases, file organization, management and security, and query interfaces.

The grade for the course will consist of four components weighted as follows:

Assignments (6) 50%

Tests (2) 25%

Final Exam 20%

Class Participation 5%

Assignments for this course will include written and/or lab-based work. Written assignments should be typed when practical. This means that, in general, you should prepare your assignments using a word processor and hand in a printed copy. If your written work includes a diagram, drawing, etc., that will be time consuming to produce using a word processor, feel free to produce that item by hand.

The tests and final exam will be written, and will consist of problems, short answer questions, and essays. There may also be a computer-based portion. The final exam is comprehensive.

A final grade percentage will be computed according to the weights above and rounded to the nearest full percent. Final grades will be awarded as follows:

93-100 A 77-79 C+

90-92 A- 73-76 C

87-89 B+ 70-72 C-

83-86 B 67-69 D+

80-82 B- 60-66 D

0-59 F

Attendance will be taken for each class, however record of attendance does not directly affect the student’s grade. The student is responsible for all material covered in class. If a student has excessive absence and is not showing responsibility for the course material, an academic performance notice will be issued to the Advising Center. If a student will be absent on the day of a test, arrangements for a makeup must be made in advance of the test. Failure to do so will result in a grade of zero for the test.

Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day they are due. By turning in assignments on time your work will be graded and returned in a timely manner (usually by the next class meeting), and with comments as appropriate.

Work turned in late will be subject to any or all of the following:

1. A 1 point penalty (on a scale of 10) will be assessed; 2 points if work is a week late or more.
2. The assignment may be graded without comment.
3. The assignment will be graded and returned at the instructor’s convenience, possibly as late as the end of the semester.

The Cedar Crest College Student Handbook, Honor Philosophy (pp. 10-12) part III, Community Standards for Academic Conduct, includes the following:

"As a student at Cedar Crest College, each student shall:

• Only submit work which is his/her own.
• Adhere to the rules of acknowledging outside sources, as defined by the instructor, never plagiarizing or misrepresenting intellectual property.
• Neither seek nor receive aid from another student, converse with one another when inappropriate, nor use materials not authorized by the instructor."

Unless specifically designated by the instructor, assignments for this course are individual assignments, not group projects. It is reasonable and appropriate for students to discuss an assignment outside of class, particularly for programming projects. However, the actual assignment work, whether programming or written, is to be one’s own. It is not appropriate to collaborate on programming assignments, nor is it appropriate to copy another student’s program (or other assignment), alter the program’s (or assignment’s) appearance (e.g. changing formatting, variable names, output text), and present it as your own individual work. Evidence of such behavior will be considered a violation of the Honor Philosophy and will result in a grade of zero for the assignment. A second offense will result in a grade of "F" for the course.

Appropriate classroom behavior is implicit in the Cedar Crest Honor Code. Such behavior is defined and guided by complete protection for the rights of all students and faculty to a courteous, respectful classroom environment. That environment is free from distractions such as late arrivals, early departures, inappropriate conversations, and any other behaviors that might disrupt instruction and/or compromise students’ access to their Cedar Crest College education.

Computer science classes are often conducted in computer classrooms. When this is the case, the computers are to be used only for activities directly related to the class. Use of class computers for other activities, such as web browsing, e-mail, games, instant messaging, and so on, is not permitted. Be aware that such activity not only distracts you from the class, but distracts other students as well. Students who engage in such activity during class will receive a reduced class participation grade.

The following is a tentative schedule for the course. It should be used as a guide for your reading prior to class. Also, dates on which assignments will be given and will be due are listed. This is provided so that you can plan your semester accordingly. This schedule is subject to change.

Resources for this course, such as PowerPoint slides, sample programs, etc., will be placed on the campus network in the following location:

T:\users\nlippinc\csc348

In addition, the textbook has a companion web site at:

http://www.bell-labs.com/topic/books/db-book