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Hello & Welcome

CGS2540C Database Management.

     Thank you for enrolling in CGS2540C, Database Management. I would like to welcome you to this on-line course. I am looking forward to working with each of you and hope that you will find the course both enjoyable and informative. My name is Dick Grant and I am the instructor for the course. Please visit my web site (http:/www2.scc-fl.edu/dgrant ) and review the syllabus. This site is not password protected. E-mail (grantd@scc-fl.edu) me with any questions you have.

     Distance Learning Considerations: To succeed in a Web-based course, you should be motivated, self-directed, and willing to work on your own. This type of course is not for everyone. If you like to interact regularly in person with an instructor and classmates, this is probably not the course for you. If you can solve computer problems on your own without asking for much help, this type of instruction is right down your alley. Good time management skills, self-discipline, and motivation are required to complete this course.

     Course Description: This course covers a wide variety of technical and managerial topics related to the design, construction, use, and maintenance of databases. It is not a beginning course. CGS2100C Microcomputer Applications is the prerequisite. You will design, create and use database tables. You will also learn the basics of the Structured Query Language (SQL). This will involve some rudimentary programming. You will learn about different types of databases including the strengths and weaknesses of each.

To take this course in the on-line format you must have basic computer skills such as using e-mail, navigating the Web, and using the keyboard and mouse. Tests will be administered online. Assignments will be submitted via email (preferred), postal service, or hand delivered to my office.
To Get Started: I recommend you do the following when the term starts :

Go to the course site and read through the syllabus and other general course information. Most of your questions will be answered there, so be sure to read carefully!

The URL for the course site is: http://ecampus.scc-fl.edu

You will need to have your Angel Login ID and Password ready to log in to Angel. You must create your login and password by visiting the MySCC site. Visit the DL Student Support site for more information on login IDs and passwords. Please complete the online problem form if you have any difficulty logging into Angel or call the DL office at (407) 328-2424.

Purchase your textbook and review it so that you can see the depth of the work and assignment material. Reviewing the syllabus, class calendar, and the textbook will give you an idea of what will be expected of you in the course. Be prepared and keep up with your reading and assignments.

Please send me an e-mail at grantd@scc-fl.edu once you are officially registered. Include the following information: Last Name, First Name, Course Name, Course Number, Section Number, and phone number (day time number preferred). I keep this information on file in case I need to contact you and Angel is not available.
Class Attendance: There are no regularly scheduled class meetings either on campus or online. You can communicate with me and other students via the course bulletin board and email. You may also contact me by phone (407-328-2055) or stop by my office (J004E). You must login to the class at least once during the first 2 weeks of the term. I will withdraw you from the class if you have not logged in within that time period. I will not reinstate in you under any circumstances.

Required Materials: You may purchase the required textbook at the SCC bookstore. The text is Fundamentals of Database Management Systems by Gillenson; 1st Edition. ISBN 0-471-26297-8.   You may also visit the SCC Bookstore website to order your text.

Angel: Angel is a course management program where much of the course resides. Student tracking, lecture notes, grades, and testing will take place within the Angel environment. You cannot actually enter the course on the site until the term begins and I place your name and ID into Angel. Hopefully I will have you entered within a day after the term starts. You will need an ID and Password to enter the course. If you have never used Angel you may want to visit this student support site for information on using this tool. This site doesn't require a login ID and password.
The CGS2540C site does require a login ID and password. You must create your login and password by visiting the MySCC site. Visit the DL Student Support site for more information on login IDs and passwords.

Hardware and Software Requirements:

You are required to have access to a computer able to access the Internet. For best results, please use a version 4 (or newer) Internet browser. If you don't have access to the necessary hardware you may use the computers in the SCC open labs. There is an open lab at both the Sanford and Oviedo campuses. The open lab at the Sanford campus is in the Library. The open lab at the Oviedo campus is on the second floor of the OVE building. The open labs are available seven days a week. Check the sign outside the lab for hours of operation.

I strongly suggest you have access to a database system that processes standard Structured Query Language (SQL) scripts. Microsoft Access, MySQL from Open Source, and Oracle Personal Edition are three systems previous students have used successfully in this course. You may download a free copy of MS Access through the SCC MSDNAA program. You may download a temporary free copy of Oracle 10g Personal Edition from the Oracle web site (http://www.oracle.com/). You may download a free copy of MySql from www.mysql.com. I do not make any recommendations regarding these products nor do I assume responsibility for any damage they may cause to your system. You should read and abide by the license agreement for any of the products you plan to use. If you do not have the software, you may call CompuCom (1-800-989-8999) for academic software at great prices. Identify yourself as a SCC employee or student and you may order by credit card.

Students occasionally run into hardware or software problems at home or work that impact their ability to complete assignments. These hardware and or software problems are your responsibility. Do not expect extra time to complete assignments. I will work with you as best I can but the solution may be for you to come to the SCC campus and complete your assignments on PCs in the open labs.

You must have everything in place the first day of class. This entire course will be conducted on-line. Good luck and again, I very much look forward to working with you in this course.