Comp 3005 Course Introduction - Fall 2024

Instructor and Course Structure

• Instructor: Louis Nel, teaching both sections A and B.
• Teaching Team: Includes Leila (TA coordinator) and 11 TAs.
• Course Type: Online course with no in-person labs or tutorials.
• Office Hours: Managed online via Zoom, schedules posted on Brightspace.

Course Content

• Focus: Database Management Systems, particularly the philosophy and architecture of relational databases.
• Trends: Inclusion of databases like JSON stores relevant to web applications.
• Main Technology: SQLite, used for course assignments and projects.

Platforms Used

• Brightspace:
  • Administrative portal for assignment submissions, quizzes, and TA office hours.
  • Links to external content and quizzes.
  • Discussion forums for Q&A.
• Course Content Website:
  • Maintained by Louis Nel.
  • Hosts lecture content, notes, and assignment descriptions.
  • Requires login: User ID - 3005AB, Password - fall2024.
• YouTube: Hosts lecture videos.
• SQLite.org: Reference for SQL syntax and examples.

Course Resources

• Lecture Content: Posted weekly, may include new recordings or past lectures.
• Assignments: Details and submission are managed on Brightspace.
• Quizzes: Held bi-weekly on Brightspace, window from Wednesday 4 PM to Thursday 7:30 PM.

Assessment Structure

• Assignments: 50% of the grade, best 4 out of 5 counted.
• Quizzes: 35% of the grade, best 5 out of 6 counted.
• Project: Required, no free allowance like assignments and quizzes.

Important Policies

• No Extensions: No medical notes or extensions for missed assignments due to illness; slack is built into the grading with the best of system.
• Withdrawal: Recommended if unable to meet 80% of deliverables.
• Appeals: Must be made within 10 days of receiving a grade.

Course Materials

• Textbook: No official textbook, but references to "Fundamentals of Database Systems" by El-Mazri and Navath.
• Software Requirements: SQLite, accessible on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Additional Notes

• Assignments: Combine programming and written work; adherence to submission format is crucial.
• Communication: Weekly emails for tasks and deliverables. Regular checks on Brightspace recommended.
• No Discord Server: Use Brightspace forums for official Q&A.