Database Management Systems
CGS2540

Syllabus

Fall 2009

Section 0M1

Course Objectives

Database Management Systems is an introductory level, management-oriented database course.  The emphasis will be on database structure and building applications.  Topics covered will include (1) Database theory of table structure and data modeling (2) Using Access as a user interface for the database objects (3) Producing information from the database tables using queries and reports (the QBE in Access and Access SQL will be used); and (4) Producing a small working application using Access.

ACCESS FOR MS OFFICE 2007 will be used as our database software.  NOTE: This course introduces many, but far from all, of the tools required for the Microsoft Office User Certification (MOUS) exam for Access Office 2007.  It should be noted that to pass the MOUS exam, extra practice will be required of the student.

Why are we using the database software Access for this class?  (1) Access is easy to use and gives a good picture of the database objects.  (2) Access can create all the database objects we need – tables, forms, queries, reports, and more.  Most database software creates only the tables and queries; the forms and reports are created using a separate programming product such as C++.  The tables and queries are created at the command prompt – and can be difficult to envision as a first database experience. 

The format of this class is of the ONLINE type wherein our entire class will be held off-campus; there will be no on-campus meetings. 

The class will be conducted using the online software Angel for all information, labs, and homework.  For this format to be successful, each student must be very clear about accepting responsibility for their work and staying current.  For example, all assigned reading must be completed before the next period in order for the upcoming work to be successful.  The book material will not be re-covered on Angel.  If there are questions, please use the discussion board and class mail to reach your instructor for help.  Posting questions on the discussion board so other classmates can help is also an important tool.  Messages will continually be posted on Angel for assignments and information so it is crucial that each student review their Angel account often to stay in touch with the instructor and class.

Prerequisites: CGS1000 (Using MS Office suite) and COP1000.  CGS2557 is recommended.

Instructor

Name	Debbie Reid
Office number	N-211
Office phone	395-4402
Office hours	Monday	9:00am – 10:00am, 11:00am – 1:00pm
	Tuesday	9:00am – 11:00am online*
	Wednesday	9:00am – 10:00am, 11:00am – 1:00pm
	Thursday	11:00am – 1:00pm online*
	Friday	By appointment only
E-mail	debbie.reid@sfcollege.edu
Instructor Web site	http:// home.ite.sfcollege.edu/~debbie.reid/

Course Policies

• In On-Campus sections, class attendance is required.  Regular attendance in both lecture and lab will be critical to success in this course.  In an online section, regular attention to the Angel site is required.  It will help guide you toward successful completion of your projects and assignments. Students are responsible for getting all work and lecture notes missed due to absence.

• You must turn in all assignments on the due date by the time and method indicated in the instructions.  No extensions are given for any reason; therefore you must make sure to start on assignments early.  It is understood that computers are not perfect. However an excuse such as, "the computer wasn’t working" is not acceptable because you can always use another computer in the labs provided at SFC.

• If all of your assignments are turned in on time, the lowest assignment grade will be dropped. If you have any missing assignment, no grade will be dropped.

• All quizzes will be announced in advance.  No make-up quizzes will be given under any circumstances.

• Class sessions will include lectures, presentations, and discussions as well as hands-on projects. When the instructor asks for your attention, discontinue working on the computer. No one may work on the computer during lectures, presentations, and discussions unless instructed to do so.

• Assignments must be organized and submitted following the course guidelines and in the specified format. Depending on the assignment this might include any or all of the following: submitting a disk, submitting a printout, uploading to the Web, or sending via e-mail. Methods other than those specified are not acceptable.

• If you are working on assignments at home, it is your responsibility to maintain your computer system. Requirements cannot be waived due to problems with your hardware, software, or Internet connection. Campus labs can be used to complete your work.

• Do not tamper, in any way, with the setup of our lab computers unless you are specifically instructed to do so. This can be quite disruptive to the conduct of our classes. “Unauthorized modification of the system setup of Santa Fe’s computer teaching labs” is a violation of the Student Conduct Code, Article III, Proscribed Conduct.

• College regulations specify that “food and drink cannot be used in classrooms.” This includes our computer labs. Adhere to this policy at all times.

• Learning should be fun and we want you to enjoy class but in an atmosphere that is suitable for a college course. Maintain a courteous and professional demeanor toward your classmates and instructor. Arrive on time and inform your instructor if you need to leave early. Communicate in an appropriate manner in classroom and on-line discussions. Courtesy also includes avoiding the use of cellular phones or other noisy electronic devices during class and not reading e-mail, playing games, sleeping, or chatting during lectures and presentations.

Academic Integrity

The highest level of academic integrity is expected in this course. Make sure that the work you submit is original and of your own creation. Copying or imitating someone else’s work and presenting it as your own is a serious violation of academic integrity. This pertains to your projects and homework assignments as well as exams. The consequences for academic dishonesty can be severe, including but not limited to, a failing grade in the course or expulsion from the Florida College and University System. For further information, refer to the Student Conduct Code, Article IV, Academic Dishonesty at the SFCC Human Resources Policies website http://admin.sfcc.edu/~humresourc/policies/

Course Materials

Required

• Introduction to Database Management, by Mark L. Gillenson

ISBN:  978-0-470-10186-5

• GO! With Microsoft Access 2007, by Gaskin, Marks, Townsend

     ISBN:  0-13-2440601

• Software:

· MS Office Access 2007

· MS Visio

· Suggested:

· Notepad

· MS Word and Excel (2007)

Grading

Grade Components – Percent of grade
Exercises (4 – 6)		30%
Projects (4 – 6)		30%
Quizzes (3 online)		20%
Final Exam		20%
Grade Scale
90-100	A
87-89	B+
80-86	B
77-79	C+
70-76	C
67-69	D+
60-66	D
0-59	F

Grading Standards

Grading will be based on objective standards as well as such subjective criteria as overall impression, thoroughness, attention to detail, and extra effort. Completing the minimum requirements does not guarantee an A grade for projects and assignments. Excellent grades are reserved for outstanding work. Also, it is your instructor’s prerogative not to accept sloppy or incomplete assignments.

Important Dates

Aug 24	Classes Begin
Aug 28	Last day to drop and receive a refund
Sep 7	Holiday – Labor Day
Oct 16	Holiday - Homecoming
Nov 3	Last day to drop and receive a W
Nov 11	Holiday – Veteran’s Day
Nov 26 – 27	Holiday - Thanksgiving
Dec 4	Last Day of SFC classes
Dec 7	Final Exams begin

Withdrawals and Incompletes

If you fall behind in the course, you should strongly consider withdrawing. However, you should discuss this option with the instructor prior to making a decision. Check the Important Dates section for the last day to withdraw and receive a W as a grade.

An Incomplete grade will be given only in situations where a student has successfully completed 90% of all of the semester coursework and has experienced an emergency situation at the end of the term. The circumstances must be documented and the student must contact the instructor prior to the end of final exam week in order to agree on incomplete terms, deadlines, etc.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

If you are a student with a disability: In compliance with Santa Fe Community College policy and equal access laws, your instructor is available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that you may require as a student with a disability. Request for academic accommodations need to be made during the first week of the semester (except for unusual circumstances) so arrangements can be made. You must be registered with Disabilities Resource Center (DRC) in S-229 for disability verification and determination of reasonable academic accommodations.

Discrimination/Harassment Policy

SFCC prohibits any form of discrimination or sexual harassment among students, faculty and staff. For further information, refer to the SFCC Human Resources Policies website at http://admin.sfcc.edu/~humresourc/policies/

Agreement to Syllabus

This syllabus is a contract between you and your instructor. To continue in this course you are required to send a message to your instructor using the method he/she specifies. In this message the following message must be included. “I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the course syllabus.”