CSEP 544 Syllabus

Alon Halevy, Spring 2004

University of Washington 

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, and working with multiple database systems.
We begin by covering basis aspcts of SQL, and illustrating several data management concepts through SQL features (e.g., views, constraints and triggers). Next, we study conceptual database design and normalization theory. We then study management of XML data, and cover the XPath and XQuery languages. We consider the issues arising in data integration from multiple databases, and more generally, issues in managing meta-data. Finally, we cover the basic aspects of the internals of database systems.
Course Format
The class meets on Mondays, 6:30-9:20pm, in the Distance Instructional Lab at the Allen Center. The class will be broadcast to MS. We will follow parts of the textbook (see below) and read several key papers in the field. There will be one programming project and a few small homework assignments.
Main textbook:

The library will have on reserve three other books that you might find useful if you need additional explanation of a topic:
Late Policy
Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date, unless otherwise announced. Barring unusual circumstances, late homework will not be accepted.
Tentative Grading Breakdown
Paper homeworks: 30%
Programming project: 35%
Final: 35%
 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. 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. We follow the academic misconduct policies of the university.