IEOR 215: Analysis and Design of Databases

Fall 2002 Syllabus
Professor: Ken Goldberg
Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (IEOR) Dept
University of California at Berkeley
Lectures: MW 2-3, 3102 Etcheverry Hall
Labs: F 12-1, 1173 Etcheverry
Web Page: www.ieor.berkeley.edu/~goldberg/

In this graduate course, we focus on the systematic design of databases and interfaces for commercial and industrial applications. Lectures focus on the relational database model, where a given set of data attributes can be arranged into many alternative designs. We use Chen's Entity-Relationship model to represent these alternatives and Normalization Theory to evaluate and improve designs. We introduce the relational algebra and SQL query languages. Student teams will complete a small Research Project on a current topic in information technology. Student teams will design and implement a relational database in the lab. To supplement the textbook, we will read papers and discuss advanced topics.
Administration
  1. Professor: Ken Goldberg, 4189 Etcheverry Hall. goldberg@ieor.berkeley.edu. Office Hours: M 3-4, W 4-5, or by appointment.
  2. Grader: Zhijie Huang: zhuang@uclink.berkeley.edu. Late homeworks: Mark LATE [DATE] on top and put into Zhijie's mailbox on 4th Floor Etcheverry Hall.
  3. Lab Adminstrator: Jay Sparks sparks@ieor.berkeley.edu. By Appointment.
  4. Textbook (required): R. A. Elmasri and S. B. Navathe, Fundamentals of Database Systems. NOTE: be sure to get the Third Edition! : Benjamin/Cummings, 1999.
  5. Other required readings will be handed out in class.
  6. Grading: based on:
  7. Microsoft (MS) Access is a commonly used commercial database program available on the IEOR lab machines. I expect you to learn this on your own, at your own pace, using the Lab Handouts and Quizzes available on the 215 website. General questions on MS Access will be included in the midterm and final.
  8. Other: I welcome constructive criticism. Please email me with feedback on the course, teaching and format at any time during the term.

Tentative Schedule