James Sprunt Community College
Course Syllabus
Spring 2008
Course Title/Course Number: DBA 110 Database Concepts
Course Meeting Days/Times: MW 1:00-3:05
Lecture Hrs: 2 Lab Hrs: 3 Clinical Hrs: NA Credit Hrs: 3
Prerequisites:
CIS 110 or CIS 111
Course Description:
This course introduces database design and creation using a DBMS product. Emphasis is placed on data dictionaries, normalization, data integrity, data modeling, and creation of simple tables, queries, reports, and forms. Upon completion, students should be able to design and implement normalized database structures by creating simple database tables, queries, reports, and forms.
Instructor Name: Nicole Thompson
Office Location/Building: 111 Williams
Office Telephone: 910-296-1563
Office Hours: MW 10:45-11:45; TTh 10:15-11:45
E-mail Address: nthompson@jamessprunt.edu
Textbook:
New Perspectives Access 2003 Comprehensive, 2nd Edition, by Adamski, Joseph and Finnegan, Kathleen. ISBN 0619268115
Other Required Materials:
1 Flash Drive
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Define relational database.
2. Identify various DBMS.
3. Open an existing database in Access.
4. Demonstrate database management techniques such as backing up, restoring, compacting and converting a database.
5. Create a new database, table, and query.
6. Create a form and report using the wizards.
7. Create a relationship between two tables.
Course Methodology:
1. Lecture: The instructor will present information relevant to the course at all class meetings except for test days.
2. Tests: Tests will be given on material relevant to class discussion and reading assignments at times deemed appropriate by the instructor. Several tests will be given during the semester. These tests will be objective (true/false, multiple choice, matching). Missed Tests: There will be no make-up tests given. All tests will be announced at least one class period in advance. For extenuating circumstances a test may be taken at a time other than the class time only if arrangements are made in advance with the instructor. Missed tests MUST be taken before the class reviews the tests, which will normally be the next class day after the test.
3. Computers should NOT be turned on unless instructed to do so.
4. Cell phones are distracting in the classroom, therefore, all cell phones should be turned off or on vibrate. I do not want to see or hear a cell phone. No texting is allowed in class. If you are caught text messaging during an exam, it will be assumed you are cheating, and you will receive a grade of zero.
5. Lab: Students will complete exercises to improve proficiency with the software package. Completion of lab assignments may require time outside of class. The instructor will be available to provide assistance during lab time.
Evaluation Methods and Grading Criteria:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F Below 60
Tests: 60%
Lab Assignments: 30%
Participation: 10%
Attendance Policy:
You are expected to attend each scheduled class. Attendance is considered in the 10% class participation grade. You are permitted 3 absences for any reason without penalty. Any absences beyond 3, regardless of the reason, will result in a one-point penalty in the 10% class participation portion of your grade. Any student who misses more than 15% of the scheduled classes (5 days) may be dropped from the course.
Be aware that coming to class late disrupts the discussion and is unfair to other students. Being tardy twice will be equivalent to one absence in determining the 10% class participation grade. Arriving later than 10 minutes after the beginning of class will result in an absence toward your class participation grade.
Special Needs:
If you have a physical, psychiatric /emotional, medical, or learning disability that may impact your ability to carry out assigned course work, I urge you to contact Mr. Melvin Felton, Special Needs Advisor in Student Services, located in the Strickland Center, or call 296-2447. Mr. Felton will review your concerns and determine with you, what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. Correctional Center students should contact Mr. James Williams, Department Head-Correctional Center programs at 296-2580. All information and documentation is confidential.
Tutoring:
Everyone has subjects that they find easy and some that they find more difficult. If you think you might need additional assistance outside of class to have a full understanding of the material being covered, please contact me. Tutoring is available and I can assist you with deciding if tutoring might help you with your course work. If you need assistance, the earlier you ask for it, the more successful you will be in the class.
Cheating Policy:
Cheating is not tolerated. Cheating includes using unauthorized notes during exams, copying another student’s homework, class work, or tests and handing it in as one’s own work, and plagiarism on themes and term papers. If a student cheats, he/she will fail that exam or assignment. If the student cheats a second time, whether it is in the same course or a different course, he/she will fail the course, even if the student asks to be withdrawn. All cheating incidents will be documented and the documentation kept on file in the office of the Dean of Student Services. Repeated offenses of cheating may result in the student being suspended by the Dean of Student Services.
