Syllabus for IS141

Spring 2008

Calvin College

Instructor: Patrick Bailey (pmb4@calvin.edu)

Required Text: Microsoft Office Access 2007 – Comprehensive; Joseph J. Adamski and Kathleen T. Finnegan ISBN: 142390589X, Thomson Course Technology

General Description: An introduction to information processing with databases. This course introduces table structure, keys, queries, reports and the relational database model. Prerequisite: Interdisciplinary 110.

Further, students will be introduced to fundamentals of database design to include basic modeling, database normalization and other related topics

Course Approach: Lectures will generally focus on considerations when planning a database application. The labs will focus on a specific feature of implementing a desktop database using Access. Typically, students are expected to work through each chapter’s hands-on tutorial and complete the assigned exercise for the week.

General Outcomes:

• Be able to implement a pre-designed multi-table database in Access.
• Understand the concepts of database normalization and third normal form.
• Understand the appropriate data types in creating tables.
• Be able to create queries based on the Access visual interface.
• Understand how to define criteria for record selection using comparison operators and logical operators.
• Understand how to define queries using aggregate information.
• Understand how to define relational constraints using the Access interface.
• Be able to create action queries.
• Be able to create simple reports and forms using Access tools.

Grading: Points are awarded for a mid-course and final test, weekly exercises, and a small project. Specific points are awarded as follows:

Evaluation Area	Points
Weekly hands-on tutorial 6@5	30
Weekly exercise 6@5	30
Mid-Course test	50
Final test	50
Project	50
Total	210

Letter grades are awarded based on a percentage of the available total points as follows: A=93% of total, B=83%, C=70%, D=50%

Grades of plusses or minuses are awarded at the discretion of the instructor and are provided to only promote and never to penalize. General willingness to work with others, showing up on time to class and an overall attitude that demonstrate respect and dignity towards others is taken into consideration.

Schedule: Below is the list of topics we will cover. Please note, assignments are not posted earlier than scheduled. It is the personal philosophy of the instructor that all students should have the same start and ending opportunities to complete quizzes, assignments and exams. The instructor reserves the right to alter the schedule depending on the direction of the class.

Week	Topic/Chapter	Lab
1/29	Introduction to Access, Ch 1, App A	Ch 1 tutorial, Case Problem 1
2/4	Building a Database, Ch2, App A	Ch 2 tutorial, Case Problem 1
2/11	Maintaining/Querying a Database, Ch 3	Ch 3 tutorial, Case Problem 1
2/18	Mid- course test Introduce project Creating Forms/Reports, Ch 4	Ch 4 tutorial (tutorial only)
2/25	Advanced queries, Ch 5	Ch 5 tutorial, Case Problem 1 and 2
3/3	Action queries/advanced relationships, Ch 9	Ch 9 tutorial, Case Problem 1
3/10	SPRING BREAK
3/17	Final test Macros	Final Project due Saturday

Notes on Schedule and assignment submission:

• For Tuesday/Thursday classes the lecture will be during the first half of the two hour block on Tuesday. Regular lab is conducted during the second hour. Thursdays are reserved to provide general assistance.
• For Tuesday/Thursday classes, the mid-course and final tests will be given on Thursday of the weeks scheduled. For the evening class, the tests will be given during the first hour we meet those weeks.
• All case problems are due on the Saturday of the week scheduled. They must be emailed to me at the following email address: pmb4@calvin.edu . DO NOT USE THE ELECTRONIC DROP BOX. The Subject on the email must be in the following format: <Section Letter>-IS141Ch-,<chapter number> For instance, if you are in Section B and are submitting the work for chapter 2 (the tutorial and the case problem), the subject line should appear as follows:

Subject: B-IS141-Ch2

• If you are not using a standard Calvin email address, then please make sure you include your name in the email so I can find it in the online grade book.

General Administrative Notes:

Files: Basic files needed for your exercises will be posted on Knightvision.

Exam and Assignment Policy: Each student is required to take all tests at the scheduled times. All exceptions must be cleared with the instructor prior to the test time. Tests missed for insufficient reason will be assigned a score of zero.

Assignments and projects: Assignments are due by midnight of the date due – it is your responsibility to ensure the instructor or grader has received the work. Excuses such as “my email wasn’t working” or I couldn’t find the grader are not acceptable reasons for late turn-ins.

Attendance: Students are responsible for any material covered, tests, or announcements made in class. There is a direct relationship between attendance and your grade.

Special Needs: Calvin College will make reasonable academic accommodations for persons with disabilities. Students should notify Student Academic Services if they have a documented disability. Students with disabilities should meet with their instructors during the first two weeks of class to discuss academic accommodations.