Fall 2008: Database Management (INFS-614)

Prerequisites: INFS 501, INFS 515, INFS 590. Specifically: good background in discrete mathematics
(e.g., mathematical logic, set theory, relations and functions); programming (good knowledge of either
C, C++ or Java), data structure and algorithms, computer architecture and operating systems.
NOTE: PREREQUISITES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

Textbooks:
R. Ramakrishnan and J. Gehrke, Database Management Systems, Third Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2003.
R. Sunderraman, Oracle 9i Programming: A Primer, Addison Wesley, 2004.

Course Description:
Introductory course in databases.
Topics covered include: Entity-Relationship model, Relational model, Relational Algebra, SQL, Theory of database design.

Course Format: Lectures by the instructor. Grading will be based on homework assignments, a midterm exam, and a final exam.
All work in this course must be done on an individual basis. This includes tests and homework assignments.
Any deviation from this policy will be considered a violation of the GMU Honor Code.

Computing Resources:

General: Oracle database management system is installed in an IT&E Unix server, accessible from Rooms ST2-12, ST2-133, ST2-137. It is also available via network or modem.
Accessing Oracle: You must first open an account in the IT&E Unix Lab (Click on FAQ's). In addition, you must open an Oracle account. This is done by sending an email to the Oracle database administrator oracle@ite.gmu.edu. To verify that your account has been set, login to zeus.ite.gmu.edu, and type sqlplus. If you get the Oracle prompt SQL>, your account is ready to go; otherwise send an email to the Oracle administrator.
Working with Oracle: You may find this small primer useful, as it provides information of our particular computing environment.