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Course Syllabus

CIT 180 — Database Concepts and SQL

College of Southern Nevada

Fall 2024

Instructor: Dr. Kate Pulling, Professor Emerita
E-Mail: Use Canvas course mail

Class Location & Times: This is a three-credit course that meets three hours per week for the sixteen weeks of the semester, which runs from 26 August through 15 December. Classes meet

Catalog Description: Basic principles of data modeling and relational database design. Hands-on learning of Structured Query Language (SQL). Prerequisite: CIT 129 or Instructor approval.

Textbook for CIT 180

eTextbook for CIT 180Required Textbooks:

Joel Murach, Murach’s MySQL, 2nd edition, ISBN 978-1-890774-82-0.

Allen, Gove; Jackson, Robert; Hansen, Gary, Essentials Plus of SQL: Extracting and Updating Data (e-book), ISBN 978-1-7339969-7-6.

Resources (Software): This class will use MySQL as the platform for learning SQL. The electronic book by Allan, Jackson and Hansen includes a Database Management system. Each student has his or her own personal database sandbox. You will be able to use the MySQL dialect of SQL to create tables and to populate them with data, to change the structures of tables and to query tables. You will be able to access the ebook and the data tables using Canvas. The electronic book will get heavy use during inclass exercises, and should be used in reviewing course material.

MySQL Workbench will be used to aid in the design of databases. It is available in the classroom and on one of the pods in the computer labs. Version 8.0.38 is available for download to your laptop and/or home computer from MySQL’s Workbench website(https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/workbench/). Select your OS in the drop-down list. For Windows, download the installer under "Other Downloads:" You may need to sign up for an account.

No additional resources are required.

Course Objectives: This course will provide you with a solid understanding of the relational database model. Furthermore, it will address the needs of both the user and the developer. From the user’s standpoint you will become proficient at translating information needs into appropriate SQL statements (queries). From the developer’s standpoint you will gain experience in designing databases which conform to the relational model. Specifically, when you successfully complete the course, you will be able to

Measurement of Objectives: You will know you are meeting the stated course objectives as you successfully

These activities result in points that are accumulated during the semester. The final point total determines the grade you earn.

Grading Policy: The following are the requirements of the course, their points, and the minimum accumulated points required for each letter grade:

Requirements Points Letter Grade Minimum Points
Exam 1: (Week 5) Sep 24, 25 210 A 360
Exam 2: (Week 10) Oct 29, 30 B+ 330
Exam 3: (Week 15) Dec 3, 4 B 300
Exam 4: (Week 16) Dec 10, 11 C+ 270
In-class Weekly Activities (12 @ 7.5) 90 C 240
Database Design Project Due: (Week 14) Nov 26, 27 Nov 100 D 200
Total 400 F 0
Note: There will be no opportunities for extra credit!

Exams: There will be three 3-hour exams during the semester and a 3-hour comprehensive final exam in Finals Week. Each exam will be worth 70 points. The “exam” portion of your course grade will be the sum of the three highest of your four exam scores.

The dates of the exams are given above and in the Weekly Schedule. Every effort should be made to take the exams at the announced times. No make-ups exams will be given.

All exams will be open-book (Murach), open-note (class notes, notes from e-book; hard copies only) and will be paper-and-pencil exams. There will be no access to computers nor to phones during the exams. Part of one exam will require use of MySQL Workbench.

In-class Exercises: Class time will be used to expand upon, refine and practice techniques presented in the textbooks, as well as to develop new material. In preparation for each class you should complete reading assignment and review previously covered material. A significant portion of each class will involve hand-on exercises.

For each class, bring the Murach textbook, paper, and a writing implement. Lectures will not be recorded, so you will have to take good notes. For each class you miss, you will lose 7.5 points. However, you are still responsible for the material; you will have to get notes from another student.

Database Design Project: You will design and implement a normalized database to meet the needs of a case study, and you will formulate queries to answer specific questions of the database. No late projects will be accepted.

Homework: There are no graded homework assignments in this course. However, that does not mean there is no homework for the course. As rule of thumb, for a 3-credit class having 3 hours in class per week, you should be studying a minimum of 6 hours a week outside of the classroom: completing the assigned reading, reviewing and practicing in-class exercises, and completing any practice exercises provided.

For most students, database conepts and software are new. So, you have to work at becoming proficient in both. This will take time and practice. This will be a time-consuming class.

Note: Instructors do not have the option of withdrawing students from a class. If you wish to receive a W  in lieu of a grade, you MUST withdraw yourself officially from the class. Once you have withdrawn (dropped), you must discontinue attending the class. Alternatively, you may wish to change from Credit to Audit and continue to attend the class.

You are strongly encouraged to discuss your options with an academic counselor or an academic advisor AND Student Financial Services (if applicable), because these decisions may affect Satisfactory Academic Progress and your financial aid. Students receiving financial aid may find their awards reduced.

The Fall 2024 deadlines for the 16-week session are as follows:

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Weekly Schedule:

Week Tue Wed Planned Topic/Activity
(Complete reading assignment BEFORE class)
1 27 Aug 28 Aug Introduction (Murach: Ch. 1; Allen, et al.: Ch. 1)
2 3 Sep 4 Sep Single-table queries (Murach: Ch. 3; Allen, et al.: Ch. 2)
3 10 Sep 11 Sep Single-table queries, continued;
Multi-table queries (Murach: Ch. 4; Allen, et al.: Ch. 3)
4 17 Sep 18 Sep Multi-table queries, continued
5 24 Sep 25 Sep Exam 1
6 1 Oct 2 Oct Insert, update, delete data (Murach: Ch. 5; Allen, et al.: Ch. 6)
7 8 Oct 9 Oct Database design (Murach: Ch. 10)
8 15 Oct 16 Oct MySQL Workbench, Data types (Murach: Ch. 8)
9 22 Oct 23 Oct Create databases, table, indexes (Ch. 11)
10 29 Oct 30 Oct Exam 2
1 Nov: Deadline to Withdraw from a class or to Change from Credit to Audit.
11 5 Nov 6 Nov Tools for Database Design;
Database Design Project distributed.
12 12 Nov 13 Nov Summary queries (Murach: Ch. 6; Allen et al.: Ch. 4);
Subqueries (Murach: Ch. 7; Allen, et al.: Ch. 5)
13 19 Nov 20 Nov Functions (Murach: Ch. 9)
14 26 Nov 27 Nov Database Design Project Due
15 3 Dec 4 Dec Exam 3
16 10 Dec 11 Dec Exam 4 (Comprehensive Final Exam)

Disclaimer: This syllabus is subject to change as deemed appropriate by the instructor and with advanced notification.

Note: If you have any concerns about this course and/or me, please contact me first. If I cannot resolve your issue, please contact the CIT Department Office at 702-651-5976. You will be directed to the appropriate Program Director or to the Department Chair. You will remain anonymous, if possible, and all communications will be strictly confidential. Please DO NOT wait until the last minute to make your concerns known to me and/or to the CIT Department.

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Student Behavior

Ground Rules: You and your fellow students want to get the most out of this course. This will be possible only if everyone follows these guidelines:

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities: When you choose to become a student at CSN, you accept the rights and responsibilities of membership in CSN’s academic and social community. You can find policies covering students, such as the Student Conduct, Students’ Right to Know, Students’ Academic Integrity, and Disruptive and Abusive Student in the following locations:

Academic Honesty: CSN demands a high level of academic behavior. You are expected to complete your own work in this class. Cheating on exams or assignments is not fair to students who are honestly studying. Cheating is also subject to penalties, which can include getting a zero for the exam or exercise or failing the course. The full list of possible penalties is listed in the CSN Student Academic Integrity Policy. Please make yourself familiar with this policy document.: https://www.csn.edu/_csnmedia/documents/policies-and-procedures/2017_academic-integrity-policy_2_0.pdf.

Plagiarism is a serious offense and is not tolerated in this course. Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own, without proper attribution. This includes, but is not limited to, copying and pasting text from online sources, purchasing pre-written papers, or submitting work completed by someone else.

It is important to note that using artificial intelligence, such as language-generating algorithms to create content for assignments, does not excuse plagiarism. While these tools may be helpful for generating ideas or assisting with research, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to ensure that any work submitted is their own and properly cited.

Any instance of plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the assignment and may also result in further disciplinary action. If you are unsure about what constitutes plagiarism or how to properly cite sources, please consult with the instructor or refer to the course materials on academic integrity.

CSN Student Email: All students enrolled at CSN have a CSN Student Email account. All information from the college will be sent to your CSN-issued student email address (enrollment information, financial aid information, cashier information, college events, etc.). It is extremely important that you check your student email daily. You can access your student email through GoCSNhttps://www.csn.edu/gocsnlogin.

Once you validate your student email address you will have access to Microsoft Office 365 for up to five devices and 1TB of OneDrive storage. Visit CSN emailhttps://www.csn.edu/email webpage for more information.

Safety Procedures: Approved classroom safety procedures are posted in each classroom and are to be followed. Students are to familiarize themselves with the nearest exit to use during fire alarm exercises. Do NOT use the elevators during these drills. Students will take ALL personal belongings with them when exiting the building. No student will be allowed back into the facility until the all clear is given.

Public Health Directives (COVID-19): Students must follow all active CSN public health directives while enrolled in this class, such as properly worn face coverings when required in classrooms as well as inside campus buildings. CSN public health directives are found at CSN Wellness Information See CSN’s public health directives at https://www.csn.edu/wellness.

Students who do not comply with these directives will be asked to leave the classroom. Refusal to follow the guidelines may result in further disciplinary action according to the CSN Student Conduct Code, CSN Student Conduct Code https://www.csn.edu/sites/default/files/documents/student_conduct_code_policy_1.pdf, including being dropped from the course.

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Student Resources

Software Lab: The Software lab will be virtual and be conducted via Canvas and Discord. It will be available starting on 26 August 2024. Many CIT department courses have embedded tutors. For those courses, your instructor will let you know about the tutoring services. The Centers for Academic Success (CAS) may also provide one-to-one tutoring. For more information, contact CAS by visiting the CAS webpage https://www.csn.edu/centers-academic-success.

Centers for Academic Success: Centers for Academic Success (CAS) provides quality DROP-IN academic assistance to all students enrolled in for-credit courses at CSN. Tutors are available for most general education courses and some historically challenging courses. Academic learning support includes assistance with learning strategies, Canvas, Brainfuse online tutoring, Microsoft Office, reading, writing, oral presentations, math, and science. CAS tutors also provide support to study groups and assistance for placement test preparation. CAS is open Monday through Sunday to be more accessible to all students. Hours for all locations are Monday–Thursday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Friday–Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Brainfuse offers free online tutoring, weriting services and homework assistnce, 24/7. Certified Brainfuse tutors provide live, on-demand tutoring and assignment help in a variety of subjects. Brainfuse tutors meet students where they are in order to effecively helps tudents of all skill levels. To access services, students can log into their GoCSN account and then into Canvas. Students can choose a listed course on the left and then click on Brainfuse Online Tutoring. Call 703-651-5619 for additional information.

TutorChat is a free, live, online chat service accessible by CSN students at https://csncentersacademicsuccess.libanswers.com/ or in the navigation menu of your Canvas courses.

TutorChat is designed to answer your quick questions, help you form successful study habits, and show you how to use Canvas and other resources for student success, such as online tutoring and MyCoyoteSuccess workshops, accessed in GoCSN. Quick questions are defined as assistance with topic formulation, proper MLA or APA citation formatting, and development of outlines including thesis statement, introduction clarity, and appropriate conclusion.

TutorChat staff can start audio video sessions and give you information on how to connect with a Centers for Academic Success tutor, which is an in-person service FREE to you. For more information, you can chat with us or submit a question. TutorChat is open to all enrolled CSN students.

*If you need assistance outside their normal business hours (Monday-Sunday 11 am to 4 pm), please submit a question at TutorChat. They usually respond within 24 hours.

You may visit the CAS webpagehttps://www.csn.edu/centers-academic-success for more details about online and in-person services. You may also contact us at one of our offices: Charleston Centers 702-651-5732, North Las Vegas Learning Commons 702-651-4232, Henderson Learning Commons 702-651-3125.

Canvas Computer Instructions & Technology Help Desk: The Canvas Student Quick start Guide be found at Canvas web site. http://guides.instructure.com/m/8470. The entire Student Guide may be found on web sitehttp://guides.instructure.com/m/4212. Telephone Support for Distance Education students having problems logging into a course, using course web site tools, or other technical problems can be found by contacting the CSN Technology Help Desk locally at 702-651-4357, or via 1-800-630-7563 toll-free, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

CSN Libraries: The library provides support for students completing assignments that require research and the use of information. Librarians are available to students for one-on-one assistance locating and citing quality information either on-line on-line at https://library.csn.edu/ask/ or at any of the campus libraries. To find more information, go to the CSN Libraries’ websitewebsite https://library.csn.edu/.

“Safari Books Online” is of special interest to students in CIT courses. To access this digital library of technical books and videos,

Use your CSN (Canvas) credentials to access the Safari resources.

Printing @ CSN: Printing in CSN classrooms, computer labs and libraries falls under the Print Wise initiative, designed to help save natural and fiscal resources. Print Wise provides each CSN student with a $10 credit toward printing at the start of each semester, which will provide for up to 200 black and white copies at 5¢ a page, or 40 color copies at 25¢ a page. After that, you may put money into your account on-line or at a CSN Cashier’s Office to purchase additional prints at the same rate. It is your responsibility to maintain your printing accounts to cover printing expenses during each semester.

For more information, visit the Print Wise webpagehttps://www.csn.edu/printwise.

Computers are available in the Campus Computer Labs. Visit the Computer Labs webpagehttps://www.csn.edu/computerlabs for locations and hours.

Academic Advising: Academic Advisors help students assess academic strengths and limitations, learn academic success strategies, explore careers, declare a major, navigate the educational system, access campus and community resources, and connect to campus life. Contact Information:

For more information about Academic Advising, please visit the Advising website https://www.csn.edu/advising.

Counseling & Retention Services: Counselors can help with these situations:

For more information about Counseling & Retention Services, please visit the Counseling website https://www.csn.edu/counselingdepartment.

Counseling and Psychological Services: The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers short-term, problem-focused counseling to CSN students who may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of college, work, family, and relationships. Clinicians are available to help students cope with stresses and personal issues that may interfere with their ability to perform in school. The service is provided confidentially and free to currently enrolled students. To schedule an appointment, please call CAPS at WC (702) 651-5518, at NLV (702) 651-4099, and at HN (702) 651-3099.

Disability Resource Center: CSN is committed to equal opportunity and access in education for all students, including those with disabilities. The CSN Disability Resource Center provides support to students with documented medical, mental health, or learning disabilities and students who need support due to pregnancy.

To register with the DRC, students should complete the new student application in the AIM DRC tile in GoCSN. Students are encouraged to register with the DRC as early as possible in or prior to the start of the academic term. The granting of any accommodation will not be retroactive and cannot jeopardize the academic standards or integrity of the course.

Please Note - Instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from the DRC has been provided.

If you have questions, please contact the DRC directly (702-651-5644) or visit DRC’s webpage. If you have questions, please contact the DRC directly (702-651-5644) or visit https://www.csn.edu/disability-resource-center.

Pregnant Students: CSN prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities. This prohibition on discrimination extends to pregnancy and related conditions, including childbirth, lactation, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and recovery therefrom, as well as to parental and family status.

If you are pregnant or have a pregnancy-related condition, and you are in need of accommodation because of your pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, you must contact Dr. Armen Asherian, Title IX Coordinator, at titleixcoordinator@csn.edu or 702-651-7481, or the Disability Resource Center at 702-651-5644 for West Charleston, 702-651-3795 for Henderson, and 702-651-4045 for North Las Vegas to explore reasonable accommodation.

Sex-Based Harassment and Discrimination: CSN is committed to creating a safe and open learning environment for all students. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, CSN prohibits unlawful sex-based harassment against any participant in its education programs or activities. Sexual-based harassment includes quid pro quo (this for that) harassment, a hostile environment, and criminal sexual violence (including sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking.) This prohibition applies to CSN students, employees, and visitors.

Incidents of sex-based harassment or discrimination should be reported to CSN’s Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Armen Asherian, at titleixcoordinator@csn.edu, or 702-651-7481 or University Police Department at 702-895-3669 to report a crime.

TRIO Student Support Services: One stop shop for first-generation college, financial aid-eligible and disabled students offering tutoring, academic advising, career exploration, college-transfer assistance, and development of college success strategies. Contact information: North Las Vegas Campus: Building E Room 109: 702-651-4441 or https://www.csn.edu/trio.

Immigrant/ UndocuAlly Support: CSN is committed to the inclusion and representation of a diverse campus population. As such, CSN acknowledges that our campus population consists of individuals whose status is undocumented, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, as well as immigrant students. If your immigration status presents obstacles to engaging in specific activities or fulfilling specific course criteria, please reach out to the Immigrant and UndocuAlly Committee at https://www.csn.edu/all-access.

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Important Dates in the College Calendar

Note: The page you are viewing is not sanctioned by CSN.

Updated: 23 Aug 2024

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