Database Systems

CSE 4020
Instructor: Phil Bernhard, Ph.D.
Office: Olin Engineering Complex, room 266, 674-7294
Email: pbernhar@cs.fit.edu
Office Hours: MTWF, 1-2pm
Text:
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). If you do not satisify
the prerequisites, then taking the class is at your own risk.
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.
Makeups:
Unless arrangements are worked out in advance, missed tests cannot be made up, and 5 points per day will be
deducted for late project submissions. I understand that your job may occasionally take you out of town; so does
mine. If you are going to be forced to miss class on the day something is due, let me know ahead of time, in writing,
preferably by email.
Grading:
Final grade will be determined as follows (approximately): project - 10%, midterm #1 - 25%, midterm #2 - 30%,
final - 35%. 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!