IST 211
Advanced Relational Database Management Systems
Syllabus

Course Overview

IST 211 aims to develop an in-depth understanding and ability to use advanced relational database management systems, specifically to understand and use advanced normalization procedures, advanced referential integrity, and advanced SQL queries. Students will be exposed to the administrative aspects of robust database management systems. This course will incorporate collaborative and active-learning experiences wherever appropriate. Emphasis will be placed on developing and practicing writing and speaking skills through application of the concepts that define the course. Students will be evaluated by examination, exercises, quizzes, and a small project from design to implementation (including documentation). IST 211 is the first advanced IST course for students pursuing the Data Option in the IST Associate Degree program. It may be taken simultaneously with IST 212. IST 210 is a prerequisite for IST 211.

1) E-mail: lxn@psu.edu
2) Phone: Office (717) 771-4142
3) Office Hours

Policy on Academic Dishonesty: Any form of cheating/plagiarism will be considered a "major infraction" (as defined by current University policy), and will result in immediate course failure.

Required Texts:

1. Newcomer, SELECT...SQL, Macmillan, ISBN 0-02-386693-4
2. Petkovic, SQL Server 2000 A Beginner's Guide, Osborne McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-212587-X
3. Mannino, Database Application Development & Design, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, ISBN 0-07-303345-6
4. Bradley and Millspaugh, Programming in Visual Basic .NET, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, ISBN 007-255998-5

Optional References:

1. Watson, Data Management: Databases and Organizations, John Wiley & Sons, ISBN: 0-471-18074-2
2. Petkovic, SQL Server 7: A Beginner's Guide, Osborne McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-211891-1
3. MCDBA SQL Server 7 Administration, Osborne McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-211904-7
4. Morrison & Morrison, A Guide to Oracle 8, Course Technology, ISBN 0-619-00027-9
5. Otey & Conte, SQL Server 7 Developer's Guide, Osborne McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-882548-2
6. Morrison & Morrison, Database-Driven Web Sites, Course Technology, ISBN 0-619-01556-X
7. Byrne, Building Microsoft SQL Server 7 Web Sites, Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-079763-4
8. Freeze, Hands On Microsoft SQL Server 7 with VB6, Prima Tech, ISBN 0-7615-1385-X
9. Amo, Transact-SQL, IDG Books, ISBN 0-7645-8048-5

Class Format: The traditional lecture approach will be supplemented with demonstrations and hands-on collaborative and individual student learning activities. It is critical that you do the reading assignments before class. The course material is deceptively difficult and there is a lot of it. Plan to spend a significant amount of time reading and doing practice exercises outside of class.

Grading, Tests, and Assignments: There will be exams on single chapters and groups of chapters as determined by the instructor. Homework assignments will also be given. Tests will be hands-on in the lab if appropriate. There may be unannounced quizzes at any time. Each test will count as a separate grade. Final grades will be based on test average, laboratory exercises, participation in team projects, and in-class performance. It is imperative that you do the readings below before each class period, and that you practice outside of class. If you have special needs with respect to tests or other course work please see me as soon as possible. There will be no make-up exams (no exceptions). In place of make-up exams, papers or special projects on relevant topics will be assigned to those students who have notified the instructor prior to missing a test. You must have a passing average on the tests in order to pass the course.

It is Penn State York's policy to not discriminate against students with documented disabilities. If you have a disability related need for modifications in this course, contact your instructor during the first week of class. You should see the Learning Center staff (lower level of the Library) for assistance with testing accommodations that extend beyond the scope of the instructor.

In the table below, NE = Newcomer (SELECT ... SQL), VB = Programming in Visual Basic .Net, DAD = Database Application Development & Design, and SS2 = SQL Server 2000 A Beginner's Guide. Depending on the pace of this particular class, topics (and corresponding readings) below may be dropped, shortened, or expanded as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

© Larry Newcomer (Updated July 15, 2002)