Database Systems
CSE 4020/5260


Instructor: Phil Bernhard, Ph.D.
Office: Harris Institute, room 209, 674-7294
Email: pbernhar@cs.fit.edu
Office Hours: TBD

Texts:
Abraham Silberschatz, Henry F. Korth, and S. Sudarshan, Database Systems Concepts, (newest Edition is not necessarily required, but highly recommended) , McGraw-Hill.

FIT Catalog Course Description:
An introduction to the analysis and design of typical database systems. Includes theoretical and practical aspects of designing database systems. A substantial project is included.

Contents:
This course will focus on the theory underlying databases and, in particular, relational databases. This will include the entity-relationship model, the relational model, Structured Query Language (SQL), integrity constraints, and relational database design.

Prerequisite:
CSE 2010 - Students are expected to have a working knowledge of data structures (stacks, queues, linked-lists, trees, graphs), and discrete math (relations, functions, bijections, propositional logic, truth tables).

Reading:
The course will cover the first few Chapters of the book, with some sections being skipped. In general, the course will follow the book very closely. However, supplemental information will be provided as well.

Exams:
There will be two midterms and a final, all are closed book and closed notes, and all will be in-class. No PDAs, cellphones or other electronic devices are allowed to be in use during exams.

Class Project:
Each student will complete a project that will involve designing and implementing a database, and issuing SQL queries against that database.

Grading:
Final grade will be determined as follows (approximately): project - 10%, midterm #1 - 30%, midterm #2 - 30%, final - 30%. Please note that your grade will be determined only by your performance on the above items. In particular, details regarding your GPA, enrollment, employment, or other matters unrelated to the course will not by factored into your grade. Also note that the final exam will only be given on the scheduled date, Students are expected to plan accordingly. Also note that there will be no extra-credit assignments.

Important Dates:
Please check the university website!