Relational databases. Semantic object modeling. SQL in both local and client-server environments, in both embedded and stand-alone applications. Prerequisite: COSC 182 or BIS 333. (Offered fall semester only.)

Jeffrey Hoffer, Mary Prescott and Heikki Topi, Modern Database Management, 9^th edition, Pearson Education, Inc., 2009 (ISBN: 0-13-600391-5)

D. Scott Weaver, Instructor of Computer Science

Required by Computer Science majors. Open to all students.

Upon completion of this course, successful students will have a significant appreciation for the important role database management systems (DBMSs) play in computer systems. This course will allow students:

1. Describe and apply the concepts of data modeling, using both ER and OO modeling approaches and to develop sound data models.
2. Design new and re-design existing databases using normalization techniques, or to defend a decision to de-normalize a database.
3. Create database queries using SQL.
4. Demonstrate understanding in the use of Microsoft relational databases (Access 2000) and open source relational databases (MySQL).
5. Compare and contrast the methods for connecting to databases (ODBC, JDBC).
6. Integrate database applications with the Internet.
7. Define, design, implement and deploy a database application.

Because SQL is embedded in Java in one assignment to meet objective 5 above, COSC 182 is required. Most of this course requires only the maturity of an upper-division Computer Science major, so as to be able to see more than one solution to a problem, and to handle abstract notation.

1. Entity-relationship modeling.
2. Relational databases, normalization, and SQL.
3. Embedded SQL in Java and other ODBC or JDBC client-server environments.
4. Solving six business problems as individual homework or laboratory assignments.
5. Conceptual overview of the place of databases in the project life cycle and in corporate decision-making.

One license copy per enrolled student of Microsoft Access, and of Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 (supplied with the textbook), and the hardware and operating system to run them on. Netscape 4.5 to observe client-embedded applications. A PC laboratory such as Frey 166 with at least as many seats as enrollment for homework assignments, and for about 5 closed laboratories.

Two SQL labs are closed laboratories using a Piagetian approach to discovery. Homework assignments are individual work, not teamwork.