George Mason University

Department of Computer Science

CS-450: Database Concepts

Fall 2008 --- Prof. Ami Motro

This course covers basic and intermediate knowledge on the design, implementation and use of relational database systems. The main topics include the Entity-Relationship (ER) and Enhanced Entity-Relationship (EER) models for database design, the relational algebra, Structured Query Language (SQL), SQL programming techniques, functional dependencies and normalization, object and object-relational databases, and database security. Students will practice the design, development and implementation of a relational database in the Oracle ssystem, and use the database for queries, transaction processing and report generation.

Course Outcomes
  1. Knowledge of fundamental concepts of file and database management.
  2. Knowledge of database design principles, and ability to model real-world environments using the ER/EER model.
  3. Knowledge of the formal principles of the relational database model and its query languages, and ability to design relational databases and express queries in the relational algebra and calculus.
  4. Knowledge of the Structured Query Language (SQL) and database programming principles, and ability to author SQL queries and implement Java database applications using the Oracle database system.
  5. Knowledge of the basic principles of the mathematical theory of database design, and ability to design databases that adhere to Boyce-Codd Normal Form.
  6. Experience in the complete database creative process: from database design, to database constuction, to database programming.
Prerequisites
Grade of C or better in CS-310 (Data Structures) and CS-330 (Formal Methods and Models). Specifically: good background in discrete mathematics (e.g., set theory and mathematical logic), programming (good knowledge of C or Java), data structures and algorithms, and computer architecture and operating systems.
Note: prerequisites are strictly enforced!

Requirements
Two exams and about eight homework assignments and proijects, some involving computer work (approximate weights are indicated in parenthesis):
  1. Homework assignments (30%)
  2. Midterm exam (30%)
  3. Final exam (40%)

Textbooks
  1. Fundamentals of Database Systems (5th Edition)
    by Elmasri and Navathe, Addison-Wesley, 2006.
  2. Oracle 9i Programming: A Primer
    by Sunderraman, Addison-Wesley, 2003.

Instructor
Dr. Ami Motro
Office: S&T2-455, Telephone: 993-1665
Email: ami@gmu.edu, http://www.ise.gmu.edu/~ami
Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday 3:00-4:00

Teaching Assistant
TBA

Meeting
Tuesday and Thursday, 1:30-2:45, IN-134