First, from the user perspective (i.e., how to use a database system), the course will discuss conceptual data modeling, the relational and other data models, database schema design, relational algebra, and the SQL query language. Further, from the system perspective (i.e., how to design and implement a database system), the course will study data representation, indexing, query optimization and processing, and transaction processing. We will also devote some time to current topics of research such as NoSQL databases, data mining and warehousing, cloud databases.

All work must be done on your own personal installation of MySQL / MongoDB. Using another students computer is only acceptable if work is clearly separated. No exceptions or negotiating.

Grading
Programming projects and written assignments [25%]; Midterm [35%]; Final [30%]; Punctuality, attendance, and participation in discussions [10%].
為鼓勵大學部二年級同學提早修習本科目，對其將採取不同的評分標準： 1) 大二同學的修課人數將獨立，不納入修課總人數來計算； 2) 大二同學的學期個人總成績，將依據其他非大二同學調整之後的分數， 向上再提昇至少2至5分 (但以99分為上限)。
Cutoff for passing grades at the end of the semester will be the raw score 60 or close to the scale of 45%, depending on which one is lower. Exceptions are sometimes made for classes perceived to be significantly stronger or weaker than the norm. Moreover, please use the discussion board to post general questions about the course. The staff will attempt to answer these questions in a timely manner, but do not hesitate to answer someone else's question if you know the answer. This will count toward "class participation" and your efforts will not be unnoticed.

Academic Honesty Policy
All graded materials (examinations and programming assignments) must be strictly individual efforts. Students are encouraged to study together, and to discuss general problem-solving techniques that are useful on assignments. But when working on an assignment, students should not share detailed notes, pseudocode or code, and all work submitted must be done individually. Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic conduct. Honest students are frustrated by the unfairness of cheating that goes undetected and therefore unpunished. Students who cheat skew the grading curve in a class, resulting in lower grades for students who worked hard and did their own work. Therefore, if you witness any cheating (in examinations or program assignments) by classmates, please report it to the instructor as soon as possible.

Course Works 課業倉儲