CS157bFall 2002Sec1& Sec2Home Page/Syllabus

This class begins with a review of the database design process as well as a discussion of OO database design. Database architecture and the system catalog are then discussed. Algorithms for processing and optimizing queries are also given. The class will then cover transaction processing. Notions such as serializability of transaction schedules will be introduced and techniques to ensure serializability using locking protocols will be given. Recovery techniques in case of database failures such as logging techniques and rollbacks, will then be presented. Lastly, some aspects of database security will be covered.

Below is a tentative time table for when we'll do things this quarter:

When I assign grades the high score has an opportunity to receive an A+. I do curve grades and my curving will be in line with previous times this class has been taught. If you do better than an A- in this class and want me to write you a letter of recommendation, I will generally be willing.

Links to the current list of assignments can be found on the left hand frame of the class homepage. After an assignment has been returned a link to its solution will be placed off the assignment page. Each homework will consist of a reading, a writing and a programming part. Material from the reading part of an assignment may appear on midterms and finals. Homeworks for this class will be submitted and returned completely electronically. The written and programming parts of an assignment are submitted by clicking on the submit homework link for your section on the left hand frame of the homepage and filling out the on-line form. I will not accept hardcopies or e-mail versions of your assignments. The written parts of an assignment will be submitted as text documents. Homeworks will always be due by the start of class on the day their due. Late homeworks will not be accepted; however, your low homework score will be dropped.

The midterms will be during class time on: Sep 25 and Nov 6.

The final will be: Dec 13 12:15pm-2:30pm (Sec 1) and Dec 17 12:15pm-2:30pm (Sec 2).

All exams are closed book, closed notes and in this classroom. You will be allowed only the test and your pen or pencil on your desk during these exams. Beeper or cell-phone interruptions will result in immediate excusal from the test. The final will cover material from the whole quarter although there will be an emphasis on material after the last midterm. No make ups will be given. The final exam may be scaled to replace a midterm grade if it was missed under provably legitimate circumstances. These exams will test whether or not you have mastered the material both presented in class or assigned as homework during the quarter. My exams usually consist of a series of essay style questions. I try to avoid making tricky problems. The week before each exam I will give out a list of problems representative of the level of difficulty of problems the student will be expected to answer on the exam. Any disputes concerning grades on exams should be directed to me, Professor Pollett.

If you believe an error was made in the grading of your program or exam, you may request in person a regrade from me, Professor Pollett, during my office hours. I do not accept e-mail requests for regrades. A request for a regrade must be made no more than a week after the homework is returned.