| Instructor: | Rich Maclin |
| Email: | rmaclin |
| Office: | 315 Heller Hall |
| Phone: | 726-8256 |
| Office Hours: | 14:00-15:00 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and by appointment |
| Teaching Assistant: | Mahesh Joshi |
| Text: | Ramakrishnan and Gehrke, Database Management Systems, McGraw-Hill, Third Edition |
| Lecture: | 15:30-16:45 Tuesday and Thursday, HH 302 |
| Lab: | 18:00-18:50 Wednesday, MWAH 177 |
This course will present an introduction to database management systems. We will attempt to cover the first 21 chapters of the textbook though certain material will be skipped. The focus of the course will be on aspects of implementing and organizing databases rather than on querying databases, though this issue will also be covered. The course will include one or two query oriented projects as well as several coding projects in which you will build a simple database system as a member of a small team.
This course is designed to achieve a number of goals for each student:
| Item | Points | Date and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Midterm Exam 1 | 175 points | October 14 (Thursday), 15:30-16:45 |
| Midterm Exam 2 | 175 points | November 23 (Tuesday), 15:30-16:45 |
| Midterm Exam 3** | 350 points | December 17 (Friday), 19:00-20:55 |
| Final Exam | 350 points | December 23 (Thursday), 14:00-15:55 |
| Programming Assignments (5-6) | 250 points | TBA |
| Homework Assignments (5) | 50 points | TBA |
| Total | 1000 points | Grade based on total points |
** - Midterm Exam 3 is optional. Students who take Midterm 3 do NOT take the final exam. Students who do not take Midterm 3 must take the final exam.
Grades are assigned on a percentage basis, and then an adjustment is applied based on a minimum effort requirement (see below). The grade percentage cutoffs are as follows:
These percentages may be lowered but will not be raised.
Minimum Effort Requirement: Students must turn in a minimal credible effort for EVERY assignment or their grade will be reduced one full letter grade (an A would become a B, an A- a B-, a B+ a C+, etc.). A turned-in assignment achieving at least 40% of the possible points (before late assignment penalties) will be considered a minimal credible effort (though this percentage may be revised downwards by the instructor as warranted). For example, if a program has a maximum possible 30 points, then a turned-in assignment achieving at least 12 points before late penalties would be considered a minimal credible effort.
Copies of the overheads used in class can be obtained from the textbook web page.
You are responsible for what goes on in class, including lecture material, handouts, and turning in assignments. If you are unable to attend class it is your responsibility to obtain copies of class notes and any materials distributed in class. You may turn in copies of assignments early or have other members of the class turn in an assignment for you.
No exam will be given early. Exams can be made up only in the case of emergencies such as severe illness or death in the immediate family. You must contact me 24 hours in advance in order to arrange a makeup.
All assignments will be collected at the beginning of class on the due date. Late assignments will be penalized 20% of the grade for each working day the assignment is late.
Programming assignments must be your own work. You may discuss general ideas with other students, but should not discuss actual code with others. If you are having problems with an assignment, please come and see me or send me email.
As instructor I shall make every attempt to treat all students equally, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, handicap, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation. I encourage you to talk to me about your concerns of equal opportunity in the classroom. To inquire further about the University's policy on equal opportunity, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity (6827), 269-273 DAdB.
If you have any disability (either permanent or temporary) that might affect your ability to perform in this class, please inform me at the start of the semester. I may adapt methods, materials, or testing so that you can participate equitably. To learn about the services that UMD provides to students with disabilities, contact the Access Center (8727), 138 Kirby Plaza, or the Office of Equal Opportunity (8217), 269-273 DAdB.