IEOR 215: Analysis and Design of Databases

Fall 2006 Syllabus

Prof. Ken Goldberg, UC Berkeley
Fall 2006

Lecture: MW 5-6, 3108 Etcheverry Hall
Lab: F 11-12, 1173 Etcheverry Hall
Web Page: www.ieor.berkeley.edu/~goldberg/

Professor Ken Goldberg
4189 Etcheverry Hall
goldberg @ieor.berkeley.edu
Office Hours: MW 1:15-2pm, or by appointment

Course Description:

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.

Microsoft (MS) Access is a commonly used commercial database program available on the IEOR lab machines. We expect you to learn this largely 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. MySQL is a commonly used open source SQL database. PHP is a language for accessing MySQL through the web to make online databases. More details on this will be given in the labs.

I respect and will accommodate religious beliefs, disabilities, and other special circumstances. Please contact me in person with advance notice so that we can plan accordingly.

I welcome constructive criticism. Please email me with feedback on the course, teaching and format at any time during the term.

Teaching Assistant:

Xingwei Wu
E-mail: xingwei@berkeley.edu

Office Hours: Wed 1-3pm, 1116 Etcheverry

　

Graders: TBA

Homeworks and Lab Quizzes:

Hardcopies will be collected in Class. Sorry, but due to class size we cannot accept emailed homeworks or quizzes. If you miss class for any reason, Mark LATE [DATE and TIME] on top with explanation, and put into grader's mailbox on 4th Floor Etcheverry Hall. To discuss homework or lab grades, please contact the Teaching Assistant first. 

Lab Adminstrator:

Jay Sparks
sparks@ieor.berkeley.edu

Textbook (required):

Fundamentals of Database Systems.
R. A. Elmasri and S. B. Navathe, Fourth Edition: Benjamin/Cummings, 2003.

NOTE: be sure to get the Fourth Edition.

          Other required readings will be handed out in class.

Software Reference (not required, available from Amazon.com):

S. Roman, Access Database: Design and Programming. 2nd edition, O'Reilly Press, 1999.

Grading based on:

                   Tentative Schedule (check website for updates!)

Assignments & Due Dates (tentative)