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CITC 1303 (formerly INFS 186) Syllabus

Course Syllabus

CITC 1303 (formerly INFS 186) - Database Concepts

3 Credit Hours

Course Information

Course Description:

An introduction to the concepts and syntax of relational database management systems. Topics include data modeling, database design concepts, tables and queries and other database objects using the tools provided in a relational DBMS.

Course Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

  • Perform research and analyze requirements for a database application using database design tools and principles.
  • Translate client/user requirements into a data model.
  • Develop physical database characteristics and define user interface to implement data model.
Prerequisites & Co-requisites:

None

Course Topics:

 

Databases and Database Objects: An Introduction

  • Database Creation
  • The Access Window
  • Determining Tables and Fields
  • Creating a Table
  • Previewing and Printing the Contents of a Table
  • Importing or Linking Data from Other Applications to Access
  • Additional Database Objects
  • Database Properties
  • Special Database Operations
  • Database Design

Querying a Database

  • Creating Queries
  • Sorting
  • Joining Tables
  • Creating a Form for a Query
  • Exporting Data from Access to Other Applications
  • Adding Criteria to a Join Query
  • Calculations
  • Crosstab Queries
  • Customizing the Navigation Pane

Maintaining a Database

  • Updating Records
  • Filtering Records
  • Changing the Database Structure
  • Mass Changes
  • Validation Rules
  • Making Additional Changes to the Database
  • Changing the Appearance of a Datasheet
  • Multivalued Fields in Queries
  • Referential Integrity
  • Ordering Records

Creating Reports and Forms

  • Report Creation
  • Multiple-Table Reports
  • Form Creation
  • Mailing Labels

Multi-table Forms

  • Adding Special Fields
  • Updating the New Fields
  • Multiple-Table Form Techniques
  • Object Dependencies
  • Date/Time, Long Text, and Yes/No Fields in Queries
  • Datasheets in Forms
  • Creating a Multiple-Table Form Based on the Many Table

Using SQL

  • SQL Background
  • SQL Queries
  • Sorting
  • Grouping
  • Joining Tables
  • Comparison with Access-Generated SQL
  • Updating Data through SQL

Database Design

  • Entities, Attributes, and Relationships
  • Relational Databases
  • Database Design
  • TAL Distributors
  • Normalization
  • Special Topics
Specific Course Requirements:

This course is setup so that you will be covering the material in the textbook in sequential order. The course is structured so that you will have:

  • Reading assignments, typically each week
  • 4 Discussions
  • 7 Quizzes
  • 6 Projects
  • Final Exam

The deadlines for all of the above activities are located in the “Calendar.”

For information on specific Module assignments go to the Module Checklist called “Access Module X Instructions” located in the “Content” section of the course or it can be accessed from the Checklist link at the top right portion of the web page. The Checklist will give you all of the information you will need to complete your assignments for each Module.

You will use the Assignments link to submit your projects, and it is a good idea to save a copy of each submitted assignment, for your reference. The discussion board will be used for class discussions, and your participation is essential. Your posted responses will be continuously monitored and threaded discussions will be on-going. All of the Quizzes and Exams are located in the Quizzes link at the top of the web page or you can find a link to them from the “Access Module X Resources” section of each Module.

Notes for the course:

  1. Note: You do not need Windows 10 for this course but you will need a Windows OS to run Microsoft Access. You will need a copy of Microsoft Access 2019 which is included in Office 365. Check with your home school and you may be able to get a free copy through your school. If you want to buy Microsoft Office you can get a student discount on Office 365 from Microsoft by following this link
  2. Note: The Training Videos referred to in this course are optional training materials. These videos are provided by Microsoft training and YouTube. The Microsoft videos may require you to download and install software to make the videos play on your computer. If you are unable to install the software and play the video, it will allow you to read a text version of the training video.
  3. Software Note: In order to view some of the videos in this course you may need to download and install some special software.
  • Microsoft Silverlight can be downloaded at this link.
  • Mac OSX users will need Flip4Mac and it can be downloaded at this link.
  1. Security Warning Message Box: If you get a Security Warning message box when displaying content in this course just select the “No” button. It just means that some content in the web page is not using HTTPS. 

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks:

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course. Move your cursor over the "Books" link in the navigation bar and select "Textbooks & Course Materials." Select your Program, Term, Department, and Course; then select "Submit."

Supplementary Materials:

You do not need Windows 10 for this course but you will need a copy of the Windows operating system. You will also need a copy of Microsoft Access 2016, which is included in Microsoft Office 2019/Office 365. Check with your home school and you may be able to get a free copy through your school. If you want to buy Microsoft Office separately you can get a student discount on Office 365 here.

Hardware and Software Requirements:

Minimum hardware requirements can be found here.

Minimum software requirements can be found here.

Common applications you might need:

Web Resources:

Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab (for APA, MLA, or Chicago style)

The Writing Center Online Writer's Handbook

Student Resources:
  • Technical support information can be found on the TN eCampus Help Desk page.
  • Smarthinking virtual tutoring is available FREE of charge. to access Smarthinking, visit the course homepage and select Smarthinking under Course Resources. You also view sample sessions to see what Smarthinking offers and how it works.
  • Information on other student issues or concerns can be located on the TN eCampus Student Resources page.

Instructor Information

Please see "Instructor Information" in the Getting Started Module for instructor contact information, virtual office hours, and other communication information. You can expect to receive a response from the instructor within 24-48 hours unless notified of extenuating circumstances.

Participation, Assessments, & Grading

Testing Procedures:

Students are expected to complete their own work, unless group projects are designated. Exams will not be proctored, but will be given online. After the exam is made available, a specific deadline for completion will be set (see course calendar for details). 

Grading Procedures:

There will be four discussions, eleven quizzes, ten projects and a final exam. Each quiz will cover a specific chapter of the text. Incomplete work will be graded, with those parts incomplete marked as incorrect. Work that is not turned in will receive a grade of 0 for that assignment. It is in your best interest to read all assigned chapters and build the Camashaly Design database that is covered in each chapter.

Grading Scale:
Assignments and Projects:

A list of assignments and their due dates can be seen on the course calendar. The details and specifics will be supplied in the checklist. You can use the “Module X Instructions” link in each module for more information on your assignments. 

ActivityTotal Points
Discussions 4@ 25 points each100
Quizzes 7 @ 60 points each420
Projects 6 @ 20 points each120
Final Exam100
Total Points740
Class Participation:

As aforementioned, reading the required text and following threaded discussions are a major part of this course and students are required to participate. In addition, emailing the instructor (inside the course shell) is another preferred method of teacher/student contact. If you have questions or need clarity, feel free to email me or other students for a different perspective. Respond promptly when receiving email from the instructor and feel free at any time to chat with other students who may be logged on at the same time as you are. 

Late Policy:
Late Policy:
Typically late work is not accepted and it is the responsibility of the student to turn in all work on time. If an extenuating circumstance arises notify the instructor immediately and the instructor will work with you to help you resolve you problem. 
 

Punctuality:
The calendar lists deadline dates as course milestones to keep students on track. Since this is an asynchronous environment, you are responsible for managing your time wisely and staying abreast of the proposed course schedule. 

Course Ground Rules

The following two statements (1., 2.) were derived from the TBR System-wide Student Rules document, released January 2012:

RULES OF THE TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS STATE UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM OF TENNESSEE SYSTEMWIDE STUDENT RULES CHAPTER 0240-02-03 STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

Read the document in its entirety here.

1. Standards of Conduct:

  • Students are required to adhere to the same professional, legal and ethical standards of conduct online as on campus. In addition, students should conform to generally accepted standards of "netiquette" while sending e-mail, posting comments to the discussion board, and while participating in other means of communicating online. Specifically, students should refrain from inappropriate and/or offensive language, comments and actions.

2. Review the TN eCampus Academic Integrity/Academic Honesty Policy:

  • In their academic activities, students are expected to maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty is prohibited.

Such conduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • an attempt by one or more students to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam
  • to submit as one's own work, themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, computer programs, or other products prepared by another person,
  • or to knowingly assist another student in obtaining or using unauthorized materials.

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.

Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are subject to disciplinary action through the regular procedures of the student’s home institution.  Refer to the student handbook provided by your home institution to review the student conduct policy.

In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed, the instructor has the authority to assign an "F" or zero for an activity or to assign an "F" for the course.

Other Course Rules:

Students are expected to:

  • Participate in all aspects of the course
  • Communicate with other students
  • Learn how to navigate in Brightspace
  • Keep abreast of course announcements
  • Use the assigned course management (Brightspace) email address rather than a personal email address
  • Address technical problems immediately:
  • Observe course netiquette at all times.

Guidelines for Communications

Email:

  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members

Discussions:

  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in TN eCampus programs and courses. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading will be included within the course modules. To access the Virtual Library, go to the course homepage and select the Virtual Library link under Course Resources.

Students with Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this syllabus is for general information purposes only. While we endeavor to keep this information up-to-date and accurate, there may be some discrepancies between this syllabus and the one found in your online course. The syllabus of record is the one found in your online course. Please make sure you read the syllabus in your course at the beginning of the semester. Questions regarding course content should be directed to your instructor.


Last Revised on July 12, 2021