DATAMAN 100

Database Management Fundamentals

Course Introduction

Welcome to Database Management Fundamentals. One might easily have added to that title "and an introduction to their use" because this course focuses on databases as a means to get at and understand data of interest—rather than on uncovering the inner technical workings of databases. In this course, we introduce tasks and roles that contribute to the management of the design and security of database systems in an organizational context. This course is designed for a broad audience of managers, planners, and those pursuing careers in database administration. While taking this course, you will gain a basic understanding of database management systems and administrative practices, as well as hands-on database experience.

This course will be especially helpful to planners and managers with little technical background who wish a basic understanding of database issues as they affect critical infrastructures. The course will also provide a solid foundation for more advanced work in database programming and administration. As part of this course, you will be introduced to the types of applications you may be required to develop or support in the future and gain a solid understanding of how database systems are deployed and used within the context of real-world issues.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, you will be able to

• describe the rationale for database management systems;
• differentiate organizational roles which support data management, database design, information security and presentation;
• describe the structural components of databases, e.g. elements, tables, and indexes;
• discuss standard methods for designing databases;
• perform basic queries and analysis against provided data;
• understand organizational roles as these roles contribute to implementation, maintenance, and security; and
• describe legal and ethical issues related to privacy and ownership.

Course Organization

This course consists of ten lessons. You will be asked to complete six assignments.

The course is structured with an early emphasis on information retrieval. Later in the course, we work "back" to discover the underlying structures and the principles governing the design of databases. Throughout the course, the primary objective of databases (to deliver valuable information to the user) is kept in focus. It is only through the goal of "information value delivery" that such subjects as design and development methodologies can be treated in a meaningful context.

Some assignments require the use of Microsoft Access. You will need this software in order to investigate certain aspects of the material and complete the course requirements.

Lesson	Topic	Assignments	Readings
One	General Database Purpose and Structure	Assignment 1	Hoffer, chapter 1 chapter 2: Ed7 pp. 36–37; pp. 56–58 Ed8 pp. 34; pp. 52-55
Two	Information Structure	Assignment 2	Hoffer, chapter 7: ALL
Three	Information Retrieval	Assignment 3	Hoffer, chapter 8: to page 340 (Ed7) to page 348 (Ed8)
Four	Information Analysis	Assignment 4	There are no reading assignments for this lesson
Five	Data Modeling and Database Design	Assignment 5	Hoffer, chapter 3: ALL
Six	Relational Database Design and Implementation	x	Hoffer, chapter 5: ALL
Seven	Databases and the System Development Project	x	Hoffer, chapter 2: Ed6 pp. 35–47; Ed7 pp. 38-48; Ed8 pp. 36-46
Eight	Security	x	Connolly and Begg, chapter 18; Security Architecture. hristopher King, Chapters 4, 5
Nine	Ethical and Legal Issues	Assignment 6	There are no text reading assignments for this lesson (recommended browsing to and reviewing the US govt site (http://www.cybercrime.gov/) and the EPIC web site (http://www.epic.org/)
Ten	Course Review and Project Critique	x	Hoffer, chapter 12: ALL

Course Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Technology

In order to participate in the course you need be able to

• send and receive electronic mail;
• access the World Wide Web with a Web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape, Versions 7.0 or above; and
• use Microsoft Word and Access (2000 or later).

About the Online Environment

Your online course offers several advantages to the traditional classroom, including the comprehensive Online Student Handbook and links to a rich array of UW Library Services.

Online Student Handbook

This handbook answers questions about your online learning course, such as how to purchase your text, schedule an exam, obtain a transcript, and get technical help if you need it. The handbook also provides additional resources, such as how to order books or journals from the library and how to study for an online course.

UW Library Services

As an online student, you have access to a wealth of Web resources compiled to provide fast, easy access to information that supports your online learning experience. Organized by subjects, UW Library Services links you to sites with help for writing and research, study skills, language learning, and library reference materials. All links have been assessed for credibility and reliability, and they are regularly monitored to ensure their usability.

About the Lessons

1. General Database Purpose and Structure
   This lesson presents an overview of the entire course as well as an introduction to the reasons behind the growth of database management systems (DBMS). It explores the history of database use and the mistakes and dead-ends of the past to present the student with a context in which to develop criteria for judging database design and effectiveness. This lesson also introduces the main types of DBMS structures.
2. Information Structure
   This lesson differentiates between data and information structure. It expands on the central theme of information retrieval by introducing Structured Query Language (SQL). Practical examples of procedures for querying and reporting data are provided.
3. Information Retrieval
   In this lesson, you will use several separate database tables to retrieve data by joining files in various ways. In addition, you will explore the kinds of information available to you in public-domain databases, as well as to non-SQL methods of information transfer and retrieval such as those used on the Web.
4. Information Analysis
   You will be exposed to analysis techniques that identify common characteristics of data and that can help identify exceptions. Techniques suitable to large and small scale databases are contrasted.
5. Data Modeling and Database Design
   You will develop a conceptual database design using industry standard methodologies. Diagramming techniques will be used to design the "big picture" that provides a robust data model. This, in turn, will be used to convey the design to the database builders.
6. Relational Database Design and Implementation
   In this lesson you will be exposed to the development of the logical design for a database using techniques such as normalization. Standard techniques will be used to take database design from the "big picture" to the actual table structure.
7. Databases and the System Development Project
   This lesson describes the required components of an application system—and the techniques used to design and develop the non-database parts of such a system. Once you understand the building of an application, we will discuss organizational roles as they relate to implementation, maintenance, and security of database systems.
8. Security
   In this lesson, the principles of security of data and systems is developed, and types of data loss and methods for preventing data loss are examined.
9. Ethics and Legal Issues
   In this lesson, we will discuss legal and ethical issues as they relate to privacy and ownership of data and software systems.
10. Course Review and Project Critique
    This final lesson reviews several key concepts covered in the course and provides students with an opportunity to review and critique a few ER diagrams.

Assessment and Grading

Assignments count for 100% of your total grade. There is no final exam.

What are the assignments like and how are they weighted?

My goal in creating assignments is to provide an opportunity for you to give feedback to me and, more importantly, to yourself as to your understanding of important course topics. The assignments are not onerous, but they do require critical thinking on your part. Please see the Assignment Due Dates schedule linked from the course syllabus for a breakdown of assignments by lesson.

How am I graded?

Some students will enroll in the credit version (URBDP 301) of this course and others in the noncredit version (DATAMAN CP100). In both cases, individual assignments will be graded according to the rubric below. An acceptable final grade for course completion is the equivalent of at least a 3.0 or a "B." However, your final grade will be either Credit/No-Credit or Successful/Unsuccessful Completion. The distinctions are described below.

If you are taking this course for CREDIT (as a prerequisite for pursuing the Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastructures degree) you will earn three quarter-credits from the University of Washington upon successful completion of this course. Your final grade for the course will be "C" or "NC" ("Credit" or "No-Credit"). In order to receive "C" for the course, you must complete all required assignments at an acceptable level (3.0 and above) as described by the rubric below. For example, upon completing assignments and demonstrating acceptable work, your final grade would be reported as "C" and three credits would be awarded.

If you are taking the NONCREDIT version (as a student pursuing the Database Management certificate) you will earn three Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion. Your final grade for the course will be "SC" or "USC" ("Successful Completion" or "Unsuccessful Completion"). In order to receive "SC" for the course, you must complete all required assignments at an acceptable level (3.0 or above) as described by the rubric below. For example, upon completing assignments and demonstrating acceptable work, your final grade would be reported as "SC" and three Continuing Education Units (CEUs) would be awarded.

Assessment	Interpretive Statement
4.0	Excellent and exceptional work. Unusually thorough, well reasoned, sophisticated, and well written. Student approaches work with insight and creativity; the product is professional.
3.5	Strong work. Shows signs of creativity, is thorough and well reasoned, and demonstrates clear recognition and good understanding of the issues.
3.0	Competent work. Adequate, though some weaknesses are evident. Shows understanding of the issues and problems. Shows neither unusual strengths nor exceptional weaknesses.
2.0	Substandard performance. Understanding of major issues is incomplete. Revision is needed.
1.0	Lowest assessment. While learning may have occurred, the minimum requirements for the course were not met. Work is not adequately developed and/or has flaws or omissions and needs major revision.

How Do I Submit Assignments?

Please fill out the Assignment Due Dates on your syllabus and submit it to your instructor. Because this is a self-paced course, using this schedule will help you plan your course work over your enrollment period. Note that you should complete the last lesson three months after the date of your enrollment in the course.

Please submit assignments via e-mail only to carron@u.washington.edu.

In the subject line put the course abbreviation, your last name, assignment number as in the following example: DATAMAN100 yourlastname ASGT 1 or URBDP 301 yourlastname ASGT 1.

I will also be available by email to answer any questions you may have. View the Assignment Tips page for further information on submitting assignments.

When Should I Submit Assignments?

Since this class is self-paced, assignments can be submitted on a flexible schedule. Assignments must be submitted in sequence. Please do not submit them in a group or within 2 days of the previous submission. You should plan on completing the course within two to three months. If you would like to complete it in less time, please send a request by e-mail to your instructor. Use the Assignment Due Dates schedule on your course syllabus to plan your assignment due dates, and submit them to your instructor.

Am I Expected to Participate in Group Activities or Discussions?

Because this particular course is "non-cohort"—meaning that students can start on their own schedule and progress at their own pace—group discussion is not part of this course.

How Should I Study for This Course?

• Pace yourself. Don't try to do everything at once, especially right before the assignment is due.
• Try to establish a routine. Set aside time each week that is dedicated exclusively to this course.
• Readings do not have to be completed before beginning each lesson. In fact, lessons are structured to encourage you to complete readings throughout the course of a lesson. Set aside enough time to include readings as a part of the lesson.

About the Course Developer

Neil Carroll brings to the course more than 20 years of experience in systems development and database administration. He started his career with IBM when the market was dominated by its IMS and DB2 database management systems—and maintained a strong interest in database technology as he became a chief programmer, and then project manager, with Canadian Airlines. Database technology presented a fast-moving target throughout the 80s and 90s as improved generations of systems succeeded each other. Specifically, Neil has developed applications using IBM's DB2, and, as a database administrator, using Oracle. Neil has also undertaken projects in Data Warehousing and Data Mining in the insurance and retail industries. In addition to database instruction at the University of Washington, Neil has taught Statistics and Systems at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.

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