Kingwood College

ITSW 1407 – Introduction to Database

Course Syllabus

 

 

I.

 

Prerequisite:

 

ITSC 1401 -- Introduction to Computers

 
II.

Instructor:

 

 

 

 Myrna Maurer, Professor, Computer Information Technology

 

Response within 24 - 48 hours
III. Phone/Voice Mail

Email

 (281) 312-1675

maurermc@nhmcdd.edu  

Toll-free Number

Office Location

 1(800) 883-7939, extension 1675

Kingwood College, ADM 205G
Division Contacts:

(281) 312-1665 Tanishia Latino, Faculty Assistant

Margaretha (Mary) Johnson, m.johnson@nhmccd.edu

Dr. Elizabeth Chapman, Dean, e.chapman@nhmccd.edu

 
IV. Credit:

Four (4) semester hours

 
V. Required Materials: Traditional In-class or Distance Education Course
  1. Textbook: Microsoft Access 2003: Second Edition, Comprehensive, Joseph J. Adamski, Kathy Finnegan, ISBN: 0-619-26811-5 © 2006, Thomson Course Technology.
  2. Microsoft Access 2003 software. (The bookstore sells this software for the educational price online.) Access XP and 2000 are usable, but screens will be slightly difference. If you do not have Access at home, you must find an alternative dependable place to do your coursework.

You can order books online by going to <http://www.efollett.com>, select Texas, and then click the Distance Learning link under North Harris Montgomery Community College District.  Books may be shipped to your home or to the NHMCCD bookstore of your choice for pickup.  For immediate processing of your order, Follett Bookstores accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover Card.  Follett will also process your order upon receipt of a money order or cashier's check.

VI.

  Course Description:

Introduction to database theory and the practical applications of a database.  This course offers a case-based, problem-solving approach and innovative technology to make learning Microsoft Access 2003 skills meaningful and applicable for students.
VI. Competencies (Learning Objectives):

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

 

Manage files
Use common features of  database application software
Create and maintain database tables

Query a database
Create forms and reports
Enhance a table's design

Create advanced queries
Create custom forms
Create custom reports
Integrate a database with the Web and with other programs
Use action queries and defining table relationships
Automate tasks with macros
Use and Write Visual Basic for Applications code
Manage and Secure a Database: Explain requirements and techniques for backup, security, performance monitoring and tuning, and database administration when using database systems.

Create output using indexing/sorting records and objects created by other packages
Discuss relational databases and database design

Create an integrated application with complete documentation.

 
VII. Administrative Attendance is regularly required. Logging into WebCT to read and submit your assignments and take tests does count as attendance for an Internet course.  If you get more than two weeks behind, I reserve the right to drop you from the course for excessive absences. Please discuss any special problems or circumstances regarding timely submission of your work with me.

Should you decide to drop this course, it is your responsibility as the student to officially withdraw from the course. You do need my or department approval to drop. Please contact me first, if possible. If you do not officially withdraw before the deadline, a grade of "F"" is assigned.

Internet students must complete at least 50% of the coursework before the Official Withdrawal Date. If not, I may withdraw the students.

 Drop with "W" deadline is in the college catalog (print and online). Please see me before dropping this course.

An "I" (Incomplete) grade will only be considered under the following circumstances and an I-contract must be completed with your instructor:

  1. Documented extenuating circumstances, and
  2. 75% of course work and exams have been completed. Work must be completed as soon as possible within the next regular semester. Failure to complete the work within the agreed contract time will result in an "F."
VIII. Exams: Exams are a large part of your grade. It is important that you take the exams within the date range that I give. I generally give you a window of at least four days to take the exam. No make up exams are given unless documented extenuating circumstances, such as an accident, death in the immediate family, etc.

As an alternative to taking the final exam, you may chose to take the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification exam. You have to complete this by week 15 in order to get credit. If you pass, you will receive the industry standard certification for the application, as well as credit for the class. Contact me to schedule the MOS test (281-312-1675.)
IX. Evaluation: Grades are determined according to the Project and Assignment Schedule and the Grading Points and Scale.

Three Exams are 100 points each; 4 Projects are 25 points each; 24 Projects are 50 points each; Participation activities (4) are 25 points each.  Grand total of 1700 points.

Grading Scale:

1700 – 1530 = A                  1359 - 1190   = C

1529 -  1360  = B                  1189 - 1020   = D

All students are expected to complete their own assignments. Please see the academic integrity statement below.

Note: If you have problems with your home computer, it is your responsibility to use one of the campus open labs to do your coursework, or use any other NHMCCD college open lab.  Not having a home computer or the correct software does not change your due dates for assignments, projects, or tests.

 
X. Campus Open Labs and Instructional Support Services Computer labs are available in the following locations (hours are determined at the beginning of each semester).
  • Academic Support Center (ASC) in SFA 200-205 – (281) 312-1439
  • ADM Building – 2nd floor (281) 312-1665

 
XI. Computer Virus The college will not be held liable for any corruption of data caused by virus contamination. The college computers are regularly screened and are protected against computer viruses to the best of our ability. HOWEVER, there is no guarantee that viruses will not ever exist on our systems. Procedures are in place in all labs for you to scan your diskettes. It is YOUR responsibility to protect your data from corruption due to virus—whether from one of our machines or from any other location. Be sure to make backup copies of your files. You can use your eCampus Locker.
XII. Software Piracy Students are strictly prohibited by law from any unauthorized copying of software, which has been purchased by the College for use in the laboratories. The CIS Department is responsible for abiding by the copyright laws, and the Administration of Kingwood College will take appropriate disciplinary action against students violating these laws.
XIII. SCANS The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) has researched and listed the skills and competencies that employees will need for workplace success. The SCANS skills that are found in the course learning outcomes are:

1.      Resource Allocation
Students who commit themselves to take this course display a level of skill at allocating time and money in the pursuit of a goal. They learn to take advantage of available resources, human (instructor, librarians) as well as material (laboratory workstations, productivity applications, publications, Internet). This is further enhanced during the semester, as students must apply their knowledge to work-like situations, study for tests, and prepare for comprehensive exams.

2.      Information Collection and Gathering
Class attendance (in-class or Internet), note taking and research develop the students' ability to collect data and extract information, which are necessary for understanding the course material and working on laboratory assignments.

3.      Interpersonal Communication
Students are routinely quizzed during the course to develop verbal and written communication skills, using the Internet and personal communication. They are also encouraged to work in groups, participate in class discussions, and share their experience in the use of technology.

4.      System Understanding.
This course is highly technical and introduces students to the concepts of practical database usage.

5.      Technology Understanding.
Students use software applications in ways that encourages the comprehension of database theory, usage and importance.

6.      Basic Skills.
A course of this level requires listening, speaking, reading and writing skills for comprehension of content as well as for the research and completion of laboratory assignments. Creating, designing, developing, and using databases enhances analytical and logical thinking skills.

7.      Thinking Skills
Class discussions, tests, and assignments (in-class or Internet) are designed to enhance students' thinking skills rather than emphasize rote memorization.

8.      Personal Qualities
Responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, integrity and honesty are emphasized and developed in the course of the semester as students learn to apply the skills they are practicing in the classroom, on the Web and in laboratory experiments.
     

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
(From the NHMCCD Catalog)

NHMCCD is committed to a high standard of academic integrity in the academic community. In becoming a part of the academic community, students are responsible for honesty and independent effort. Failure to uphold these standards includes, but is not limited to, the following: plagiarizing written work or projects, cheating on exams or assignments, collusion on an exam or project, and misrepresentation of credentials or prerequisites when registering for a course.

·         Cheating includes looking at or copying from another student's exam, orally communicating or receiving answers during an exam, having another person take an exam or complete a project or assignment, using unauthorized notes, texts, or other materials for an exam, and obtaining or distributing an unauthorized copy of an exam or any part of an exam.

·         Plagiarism means passing off as his/her own the ideas or writings of another (that is, without giving proper credit by documenting sources). Plagiarism includes submitting a paper, report or project that someone else has prepared, in whole or in part.

·         Collusion is inappropriately collaborating on assignments designed to be completed independently. These definitions are not exhaustive.

·         Misrepresentation is falsifying, slating or exaggerating facts or figures.

When there is clear evidence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion or misrepresentation, a faculty member will take disciplinary action including but not limited to: requiring the student to retake or resubmit an exam or assignment, assigning a grade of zero or "F" for an exam or assignment; or assigning a grade of "F" for the course. Additional sanctions including being withdrawn from the course, program or expelled from school may be imposed on a student who violates the standards of academic integrity.

“Education is the best provision for old age.”

--Aristotle

Equal Opportunity Statement: “The North Harris Montgomery Community College District (NHMCCD) is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment.  NHMCCD does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, disability, age, veteran status, nationality or ethnicity in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, employment policies, scholarship or loan programs, and other District or College administered programs and activities.”