CSC 106
Pima Community College - Downtown Campus
Spring 2000 ()
3 credits
Instructor: Nathan Denny


About me and the class...

Click here for the syllabus.
Click here for the course outline.

Have a question?  e-mail me: denny@ece.arizona.edu

See my other class, CSC100.
Visit my home page at the University of Arizona Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.



Class notes and news...

Scooby Doo example table
Student example table

Paper 1. "Your database"
due Tuesday, February 1, 2000
Think of a database that you can use in your life. Write a 1+ page paper explaining in detail the tables that you would need, the fields of each table, the types of the fields, and the data constraints on the fields.

Paper 2. "Normalization"
due Thursday, February 10, 2000
Expanding upon your previous paper, analyze your tables and redesign (as necessary) your database to put all tables in Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF). Also, add more data and complexity to your database. The minimum requirement is 1 page, although for a thorough analysis, you'll probably need more than 1 page.

Here are some HTML authoring links:
The Barebones Guide to HTML
HTML colors

The official Python website
Python tutorials
Python documentation
Here are some example Python programs.

Paper 3. (Draft one) "Scripting forms and reports"
You are to expand your project to include a script of a user interface to your database. Please draw and narrate forms (include which SQL commands are executed by which user action!). Keep in mind usability issues such as form clutter, ease of learning, consistency, error prevention, etc. Also, draw and narrate any reports (include your SELECT statements for each report). I do NOT expect you to bring a complete project -- this is a first draft. The intent of this assignment is to induce thought on how potential users of your database will interact with the data AND how to communicate your design to others. Bring three hard copies, two will be for peer review and one will be for me. Include a brief description of the motivation for your database and your database design (tables,constraints) for completeness and reference.
Due Tuesday, February 29, 2000

EGad! Tutorial

Paper 3. (Draft two) "Refinement"
After receiving feedback from myself and your peer reviewers, make any necessary changes to your project forms, reports, tables, etc. Complete any remaining forms and reports. Draw state transition diagrams to show how users move through your application.
Due Tuesday, March 14, 2000

More SQL for practice

Here is a short homework assignment.
Due Thursday, March 30

An example of a Prolog program for a simple zoo classifier.
zoo.pro

Paper 3. Final
The final version of the paper. After this is completed, it's off to implementation!
Due Tuesday, April 12, 2000

Paper 4. Database comparison.
You are to research TWO databases and compare and constrast them. Think about the following questions:

  • Relational, Object-Relational, or Object Oriented?
  • Pricing model?
    Free? Flat fee? Cost per connection? etc.
  • What operating systems and hardware will run the database?
    Windows 95/98? Windows NT? Linux? Solaris? etc.
  • Query language?
    SQL89, SQL92, SQL3, Relational Algebra, OQL, etc.
Here are a few links to get you started. Bonus points for case studies. ;)