CSE 444 Syllabus

Alon Halevy, Winter 2003

University of Washington 
Web site: http://www.cs.washington.edu/education/courses/cse444/CurrentQtr/

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 study XML as a data model and languages for querying it. We see how XML is used for sharing data among different applications in a distributed environment. 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.
Course Format
The class meets three times a week for lectures. There will be 4 homework assignments (some of which will involve programming). In addition, there will be a programming project, due in 3 stages. You can usually find copies of the slides used in the lecture on the web site, a day before the lecture.
Lectures
MWF 11:30-12:20, EE1 037
Instructor Information & Office Hours (subject to change -- check Web site)
Name 
Room 
Phone 
E-mail 
Office hours 
Alon Halevy, Professor Sieg 310 543-8099  alon@cs.washington.edu TBA
Luna Dong, Teaching Assistant Sieg 226A 616-3997 lunadong@cs.washington.edu Thursday 4:30 - 5:30
Eric Lik Han Chu, Teaching Assistant Sieg 226A 616-3997 likhan03@cs.washington.edu Tuesday 10:30 - 11:20
Texts
Additional Texts
The library will have on reserve four other books that you might find useful if you require another explanation of a topic:
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. There will also be homeworks with no programming at all.
Late Policy
Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date, unless otherwise announced. Barring usual circumstances, late homework will not be accepted.
Tentative Grading Breakdown
Homework: 25%
Project: 30%
Midterm: 15%
Final: 25%
Intangibles: 5%
Attendance
I 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 World-Wide Web and e-mail 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.
Computer Systems
For the required hands-on homework, students need access to Microsoft SQL Server.  This software is available in the NT lab (Sieg 232). Additional software may be required for the project.
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.