A database sequence: theory then practice

ABSTRACT

A two-course upper-division undergraduate sequence in database systems offered by the computer science department at the Atlanta University Center is described. It is observed that the course contents of database program prepares students to fill the increasing number of database positions in industry while providing the broad foundation in the subject matter upon which students can build in graduate school. The program of database study consists of a core and an elective. The core covers database concepts, design, implementation, and processing. With the core as a prerequisite, the elective provides practical laboratory work that is dictated by requirements of the database industry. The database program described in this paper has been implemented at the Atlanta University Center in Atlanta, Georgia, by a JPL computer scientist with a NASA grant.

REFERENCES

• 1: E. F. Codd, A relational model of data for large shared data banks, Communications of the ACM, v.13 n.6, p.377-387, June 1970 [doi>10.1145/362384.362685]
• 2: Peter J. Denning , D. E. Comer , David Gries , Michael C. Mulder , Allen Tucker , A. Joe Turner , Paul R. Young, Computing as a discipline, Communications of the ACM, v.32 n.1, p.9-23, Jan. 1989 [doi>10.1145/63238.63239]
• 3: Jay-Louise Weldon, Data Base Administration, Perseus Books, Cambridge, MA, 1981
• 4: [4] R. L. Borrelli and J. Spanier, "The Mathematics Clinic: A Review of Its First Decade," The UMAP Journal, vol. iv, no. 1, pp. 29-48, 1983.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Curriculum

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Information systems education

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Management