COSC 404 Database System Implementation

Spring (Winter Term 2) 2015 - University of British Columbia Okanagan

Overview

COSC 404 provides an overview of how database systems are built including topics such as query processing, transactions, concurrency, and reliability. Although the course provides foundational material for students that will engage in database research, it is also designed to provide practical knowledge and programming experience that relates to other areas such as operating systems and networks and allows all computer scientists to improve their skills in data management.

On-line Resources

• Syllabus

Student Performance

Of the 38 registered students who started the course, 33 received a C or above. The average GPA was 2.79.

Comments

The COSC 404 course was very successful this semester (course and instructor rating: 4.9 out of 5). The labs were substantially improved and expanded to have a programming lab each week on a variety of database systems. Weekly homework assignments were also updated. Clickers were used for the first time in the course with very good success.

Strengths of the Course

• "Very kind, polite, and intelligent professor. Knowing exactly what was expected of us and how we were evaluated was very helpful. Knowing the exact content of exams and knowing assignments weren't as significant as simply understanding the material."
  


• "Excellent lectures really help everyone fully understand the material. Above and beyond making sure everyone knows what they are doing and with helping outside of class. Notes are really well done and are made easily accessible."
  


• "So far it seems to be the most relevant course I have taken so far in terms of hireable skills."
  

Weakness of the Course

• "I felt that the written homework was a bit too long for many assignments, and that the labs were too short. I would prefer to have more coding and a bit less written, as I personally get a lot more out of the applied sections than the written."
  


• "Assignments were overwhelming at times. The combination of a lab and a written assignment due every week was tough to juggle with a full course load."
  

Most Enjoyable Part of the Course

• "Everything, the material and lectures were perfect. This was my first course with Dr. Lawrence and I can honestly say that he is my new favorite professor at this university. I have never learned so much in a course, and truly felt that what I was learning was useful. The professor also had such a great level of knowledge on the material that he could answer any questions any of the students asked. He also genuinely seemed to care about our success which was a pleasant change. I would recommend this course to any and everyone."
  


• "The social aspect of the class. The professor encouraging everybody to discuss questions and work together was great for learning and understanding the material."