CSE 444 Syllabus

Alon Halevy, Spring 2002

University of Washington 
Web site: http://www.cs.washington.edu/education/courses/cse444/CurrentQtr/index.html

Course Goals
Databases are at the heart of modern commercial application development. Their use extends beyond this to many applications and environments where large amounts of data must be stored for efficient update and retrieval. The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the design and use of database systems, as well as an appreciation of the key issues in building such systems.
We begin by studying database design, covering the ODL and entity relationship models. We will then cover the relational data model and relational algebra. Next, we consider the usage of database systems through the SQL query and manipulation language. We cover active aspects of database systems, recursion and preliminaries of object-oriented systems. Throughout the course we often consider the insides of a database system and briefly look at issues such as data storage, query optimization and transaction processing.
Course Format
The class meets three times a week for lectures. There will be 6 homework assignments (some of which will involve light programming). In addition, there will be a programming project. You can usually find copies of the slides used in the lecture on the web site, a day before the lecture.
Lectures
MWF 1:30-2:20, Mary Gates Hall 231
 
Instructor Information & Office Hours (subject to change -- check Web site)
Name 
Room 
Phone 
E-mail 
Office hours 
Alon Halevy, Professor Sieg 310 543-8099  alon@cs.washington.edu Wednesday 2:30 - 3:30
Luna Dong, Teaching Assistant Sieg 226A 616-3997 lunadong@cs.washington.edu Monday 3:30 - 4:30
Manchun Liu, Teaching Assistant Sieg 226A 616-3997 manchun@cs.washington.edu Friday 2:30 - 3:30
Texts
Additional Texts
The library will have on reserve four other books that you might find useful if you require another explanation of a topic:
Programming and Homework
This is not a programming class! Nevertheless, some programming will be necessary. There will be some mandatory SQL programming for setting up and querying a database. Such queries are usually short compared to typical programs in other languages. There will be some SQL practice, and some homework that doesn't involve programming at all. The bulk of the programming will be for the class project
Late Policy
Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date, unless otherwise announced. Barring usual circumstances, late homework will not be accepted.
Tentative Grading Breakdown
Homework: 25%
Project: 30%
Midterm: 15%
Final: 25%
Intangibles: 5%
Attendance
I hope you will attend every lecture. If you miss a lecture, talk to a friend who was present, and be sure to check the Web site for class messages.
Tools
The World-Wide Web and e-mail will be used extensively to provide you with course information, such as the schedule mentioned above, homework assignments and solutions, class messages and many other things.
Computer Systems
For the required hands-on homework, students need access to Microsoft SQL Server.  This software is available in the NT lab (Sieg 232). Additional software may be required for the project.
Computer Use Policy
Some excerpts from the campus policies. Take them seriously: "You must use all UW [computing] resources in strict accordance with local, state, and federal laws. These laws cover such areas as illegal access to computer systems, networks, and files; copyright violations; and harassment issues... Software and information resources provided through the university for use by faculty, staff, and students may be used on computing equipment only as specified in the various software licenses. Unauthorized use of software, images, or files is regarded as a serious matter and any such use is without the consent of the University of Washington...If abuse of computer software, images, or files occurs, those responsible for such abuse will be held legally accountable."
Academic Misconduct
 All work turned in is expected to be your own. Although students are encouraged to study together, each student is expected to produce his or her own solution to the homework problems. Coping or using sections of someone else's program, even if it has been modified by you, is not acceptable. The University has very clear guidelines for academic misconduct and the staff of CSE 444 will be vigorous in enforcing them.