COURSE: CpSc 323 - Database Systems

Catalog Description: Database Systems is a study of relational database concepts as applied to comprehensive information systems. These concepts include data design; modeling; normalization; the use of Structured Query Language (SQL) to define, manipulate and test the database; programmatic access to a database; and practical issues faced by database developers. Prerequisites: CpSc 130, or 140, or 210. (3 credits)

Course Outcomes: This course and its outcomes support the Information Systems and Information Technology Learning Outcomes of Problem Solving and Critical Thinking (PS&CT), Communication and Interpersonal Skills (C&IS), and Ethical and Professional Responsibilities (E&PR). These Information Systems and Information Technology Learning Outcomes are tied directly to the University Wide Outcome of Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication, and Values and Ethics.

Objectives	Strategies	Assessment Methods
The student will be able to: Identify the advantages and the disadvantages of database systems vis-à-vis file processing. [IS: PS&CT b, e; C&IS b; E&PR e | IT: PS&CT c, d; C&IS b; E&PR e] Use a graphical user interface to create/modify database structure. [IS: PS&CT b, c | IT: PS&CT a, b] Use database query language to create/modify the user data. [IS: PS&CT d; C&IS c | IT: PS&CT c; C&IS b] Design & develop database applications of moderate complexity from the user needs including menu-driven user interface for processing the database. [IS: PS&CT a, b, c; C&IS d | IT: PS&CT a, b, c; C&IS c] Identify the concerns prevalent in multi-user database processing. [IS: E&PR a, b | IT: E&PR b, d]	Together, the students and the professor will: Compare and contrast database processing with file processing. Discuss in detail the issues affecting database design. Investigate the semantics of popular database query languages. Study existing databases and database applications examining design and efficiency issues. Compare and contrast single-user with multi-user database processing. Discuss in detail the past, present, and future of database processing. Discuss in detail the hardware considerations in database processing.	The student will: Answer end-of-chapter exercises or questions presented in class by the instructor. Use a popular database query language to access data and database structure in a given database. Produce a database application from the design of the database to the implementation of the menu-driven application. Complete graded exams/ quizzes that assess information storage and retrieval skills and database processing fundamentals. Course-Embedded: PS&CT through assignments, homework and exams, C&IS through homework, database documentation, and exams, and E&PR at professor's discretion.