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 CSE444 Introduction to Database Systems - Winter 2011
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CSE 444 Syllabus

Course Goals
 
Databases are at the heart of modern commercial application development. Their use extends beyond this to many applications and environments where large amounts of data must be stored for efficient update and retrieval. The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the design and use of database systems, as well as an appreciation of the key issues in building such systems.
 
 
We begin by covering the relational model and the SQL language. We then study methods for database design, covering the entity relationship model. We then inspect the architecture of a database system, and discuss efficient storage of data, execution of queries and query optimization. Finally, we touch on some advanced topics in database systems.
 
 
For the detailed list of topics and schedule, please see the course calendar.
 
Course Format
 
The class meets three times a week for lectures; we won't meet in the computer lab. We will follow parts of the textbook (see below). The lectures are designed to be clear and self-contained, and to cover all the material used in class. Still, you are strongly encouraged to read from the textbook, both in order to get a better understanding of the material covered and to learn about related topics, which are not covered in class.
 
There will be three homework assignments (some of which will involve light programming), and there will be four mini-projects. You can usually find copies of the slides used in the lecture on the web site, on the day of the lecture.
 
In addition to the lecture there will be two sections taught by the TAs. The sections will give you an opportunity to ask questions about homework assignments and projects.
Lectures
MWF 12:30-1:20 pm, EEB 045

Exams
Midterm:  Please see course calendar for location and time information
Final:   Please see course calendar for location and time information
Texts

Main textbook:

Web sources: there will be some reading assignments from the Web:

Other texts:

The library has the following that you might find useful if you require another explanation of a topic.
  • Database management systems by Raghu Ramakrishnan and Johannes Gehrke. (often used alternative textbook)
  • Foundations of database systems by Abiteboul, Hull and Vianu. (focus on theory)
  • Fundamentals of database systems by Elsmasri and Navathe.


Programming and Homework
 
Some programming will be necessary in this course. One can only start to appreciate database systems by actually trying to use one. Databases only hold the data, the application logic needs to be written in some general purpose language.
 
Late Policy
 
You are allowed a total of 3 late-days that you can use in 24-hour chunks at anytime. Please note that once you use-up your late days, no additional extensions will be granted for any reason at all. You should thus save your late-days only for true emergencies. Also note that everything must be handed in by the end of the last lecture in the quarter. No assignments nor projects will be accepted after that date even if you have late-days left.
Grading
Homeworks: 30%
Mini-projects: 30%
Midterm: 15%
Final: 25%
 
 Attendance
 
We hope you will attend every lecture. If you miss a lecture, talk to a friend who was present, and be sure to check the Web site for class messages.
 
Tools
 
The course website and mailing list will be used extensively to provide you with course information, such as the schedule mentioned above, homework assignments and solutions, class messages and many other things. Please see the main webpage of the course for details.
 
 
Computer Systems
 
For the required hands-on homework, access to Microsoft SQL Server is needed, for which you will all be given accounts. This software is available in the NT lab. Additional software may be required for the project. You are allowed to use a different relational database management system, such as MySQL, Oracle and DB2, if you wish. In that case you need to install it yourself. We will provide no support at all.
 
Note: You will be required to change the passwords the first time you access to MS SQL Server IISQLSRV. The new passwords must obey the Windows password policy as follows (from "MSDN" website):
Password complexity policies are designed to deter brute force  attacks by increasing the number of possible passwords. When  password complexity policy is enforced, new passwords must meet the  following guidelines:
   * The password does not contain all or part of the account name of 
     the user. Part of an account name is defined as three or more
     consecutive alphanumeric characters delimited on both ends by
     white space such as space, tab, and return, or any of the
     following characters: comma (,), period (.), hyphen (-),
     underscore (_), or number sign (#).
   * The password is at least eight characters long.
   * The password contains characters from three of the following four categories:
         o Latin uppercase letters (A through Z)
         o Latin lowercase letters (a through z)
         o Base 10 digits (0 through 9)
         o Non-alphanumeric characters such as: exclamation point (!),  dollar sign ($), number sign (#), or percent (%).

Please contact the TA if there is some problem with your account on IISQLSRV.
 
 
Computer Use Policy
 
Some excerpts from the campus policies. Take them seriously: "You must use all UW [computing] resources in strict accordance with local, state, and federal laws. These laws cover such areas as illegal access to computer systems, networks, and files; copyright violations; and harassment issues... Software and information resources provided through the university for use by faculty, staff, and students may be used on computing equipment only as specified in the various software licenses. Unauthorized use of software, images, or files is regarded as a serious matter and any such use is without the consent of the University of Washington...If abuse of computer software, images, or files occurs, those responsible for such abuse will be held legally accountable."
 
Academic Misconduct
 
 All work turned in is expected to be your own. Although students are encouraged to study together, each student is expected to produce his or her own solution to the homework problems. Coping or using sections of someone else's program, even if it has been modified by you, is not acceptable. The University has very clear guidelines for academic misconduct and the staff of CSE 444 will be vigorous in enforcing them.


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