COSC 304 Introduction to Database Systems
Fall (Winter Term 1) 2015 - University of British Columbia Okanagan
Overview
The COSC 304 course covers everything a computer programmer needs to know about databases (ER/UML database design, SQL, database programming). This course trains students on critical industrial skills.
On-line Resources
Student Performance
Of the 63 registered students who started the course, all but two got a D or above. The average GPA was 2.96. Charts showing the mark breakdown are below.
Comments
This class is well-tuned (instructor rating: 5.00). The programming labs and project were very interesting to most students and allow for building valuable development skills.
Strengths of the Course
- "This course was fantastic, one of my favorite courses to date. The content is extremely useful and practical. The labs and test were all fair and taught us how to perform industry standard skills. Dr. Lawrence is the best professor I have had to date."
- "Ramon is the best professor I've had so far, without a doubt. I love how he doesn't rely on someone else (e.g. textbook) to teach us the content. His lectures and his notes were straight to the point and informative. For the first time, I felt like I was learning content that I would actually use in the real work force. I love going to his lectures."
- "My first class taught by Ramon and I'm amazed. One of the best courses I've ever taken. All the Computer Science professors should teach more like him. There [were] lots of practical exercises, not too much theoretical. He paid attention to how the class was responding to the information presented and made sure we understood what was being taught, spending more time on concepts that the class found challenging. He also focuses on a VERY important aspect that most professors don't cover.. Industry Skills! Really this was an amazing course and should be offered every year. Also, midterms were marked by the day after writing them, it was very impressive."
- "Just like every course I've ever had with Dr. Lawrence in my time here at UBCO, he has reproduced the same high quality and efficient teaching method that every student of his has grown to love. And he even topped this course off with choosing the perfect TA for the course. Dr. Lawrence needs to become the new head of Computer Science, I feel he is the perfect fit to that role and can single-handedly make UBCO's Computer Science program better (if the experience with every class he doesn't teach was the same as any of the classes he does teach, I'm sure there would be more students interested in pursuing a major in COSC)."
- "Dr. Lawrence in general is one of the best instructors I have ever had, ever. I mean this overall; personality, teaching effectiveness, attitude. He doesn't try to trick you or make things purposefully challenging. It is genuinely about learning the course content."
- "Dr Lawrence has clearly spent a lot of time refining the course over previous years to make it as efficient and enjoyable as possible. A specific example is the starred slides in the notes that represent the essential information for each lecture. His deep knowledge and passion for the content really show through and it definitely reflects in the students' learning capabilities. It also doesn't hurt to further motivate students with candy.
He also would answer any and all questions students had in a way that did not hinder learning. In the rare case that he did not know the answer, he would either test it right then and there or return next class with the answer. I remember one specific example where I was in the lab and Dr Lawrence was walking around in case anyone needed help. He sat down with me and didn't leave until the problem was solved and I understood why it had happened. This is the first and only time the professor of a course had done this for me and I appreciated it greatly."
Weakness of the Course
- "The lab block isn't necessary unless you have run into a problem and need to ask the TA. I think having TA 'office hours' would be a sufficient replacement. People will do the labs in a social setting anyhow if they are the type of person that tends toward group learning."
- "The Web programming part was JSP. It made it easier on the students but I think PHP and other standards are more commonplace now? I think JSP is losing support soon. Should also show students how to setup a SQL server and database so they know how to setup their own projects out of this class. Although, I imagine there is a lot of online information on that."
Most Enjoyable Part of the Course
- "The lectures were made enjoyable with candy and a relaxed atmosphere. It was also always very apparent what you had to make sure you knew for the testing situations."
- "Dr. Lawrence really went above and beyond to foster success in his students and also to teach practical, real world skills in the labs which seems to be lost in many computer science courses. 10/10 would take again."
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