Faculty Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION & RATIONALE

• Credit Hours: 3
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 2hrs 40mins
• Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 50mins

Course Description:  Applications development using database programming techniques emphasizing database structures, modeling, and database access. This course instructs the student in the essential concepts and design methodology for the Relational Database Model as implemented by Oracle. Other topics include: the Data Definition Language, the Data Manipulation Language, database normalization, transaction processing, security, multi-user problems and solutions.  

Pre-requisite:  COSC 1315 (or corequisite) or COSC 1336 or department approval.

Course Rationale:  This course is designed as a survey course to teach students to design, implement, and maintain databases. The Relational Database Model and the SQL language will be emphasized. On-line Transaction Processing Systems will be studied and contrasted with Distributed Database Management Systems and Data Warehousing Systems. Web databases will be introduced. The Oracle DBMS will be used throughout the course in Lectures and in labs.

This course is part of the Computer Information Technology Database Certificate plan. Completion of this course provides the student with the initial knowledge required in preparation for consideration as an entry level database programmer, and acts as preparation for Oracle Certification test 1.

Approved Course Texts/Readings:

FIRST DAY approved - digital materials included with tuition

Oracle SQL and PL/SQL 3rd edition by Joel Murach

Other textbook:

Database Systems Design, Implementation, and Management – 14th Ed. by Coronel/Morris –

Published September 2024 Thompson/Course Technology ISBN 9780357673034

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes:

1. Recognize the basic concepts of the analysis and design of a database.

2. Summarize the process of Database Development and Administration using SQL.

3. Enhance Programming and Software Engineering skills and techniques using SQL.

4. Develop a basic understanding of background materials needed for technical support SQL.

5. Solve Database problems using the Oracle DBMS by applying SQL commands to

Create, Insert, Update, and Retrieve a simple database.

6. Recognize the services provided by a Database Management System.

7. Recognize the use and application of the Relational Database Model.

8. Recognize Transaction Processing and Multi-user Database support.

9. Recognize the difference between a Production transaction database and a

Data Warehouse.

10. Recognize the Client/Server structures used in Database Management Systems.

11. Develop and complete the design and Implementation of a basic database solution using the Oracle Database Management System. 

SCANS (Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills):

The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course:

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes:

1. Recognize the basic concepts of the analysis and design of a database.

2. Summarize the process of Database Development and Administration using SQL.

3. Enhance Programming and Software Engineering skills and techniques using SQL.

4. Develop a basic understanding of background materials needed for technical support SQL.

5. Solve Database problems using the Oracle DBMS by applying SQL commands to

Create, Insert, Update, and Retrieve a simple database.

6. Recognize the services provided by a Database Management System.

7. Recognize the use and application of the Relational Database Model.

8. Recognize Transaction Processing and Multi-user Database support.

9. Recognize the difference between a Production transaction database and a

Data Warehouse.

10. Recognize the Client/Server structures used in Database Management Systems.

11. Develop and complete the design and Implementation of a basic database solution using the Oracle Database Management System. 

Grade Policy:

Grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. Exams, quizzes, and lab projects will be a part of the grade.  An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:

Course Requirements

• Each student is responsible for monitoring his/her email account frequently. 
• Students are not permitted to use AI in this course
• Students should check for e-mail and class announcements
• Students are expected to find out class assignments for missed classes and make up missed work. 
• Students are expected to find out if any changes have been made in the class or assignment schedule.
• Students are responsible for submitting a completed assignment. Make sure it is submitted otherwise you earn a zero.
• Written work must be presented in a professional manner. Work that is not submitted in a professional manner will not be evaluated and will be returned as unacceptable.
  • There is a craft to writing.  Spelling, grammar, punctuation and diction (word usage) are all tools of that craft.  Writing at the collegiate level will show careful attention to these elements of craft.  Work that does not exhibit care with regard to these elements will be considered as inadequate for college writing and graded accordingly. 

AI policy statement:

BELOW Policy APPLIES to ANY Assignment that does not specifically say in the instructions that AI os NOT PERMITTED 

Introduction   The usage of AI tools (e.g. Generative, Agentic, Symbolic, ML, Deep Learning) is allowed in this course, but not recommended.  Most of the coding exercises are designed to allow you to use your basic grasp of the introductory language and you are expected to practice this throughout the class.

You do not want AI to be a way of encouraging you to plagiarize or to prevent you from understanding a process.

You do want AI to open up a gateway to new ideas and new pathways that you may not have otherwise considered. When you are in the circumstance of “being employed” or “being interviewed”, you will be evaluated based on your soft skills as well as your technical expertise and knowledge.

Definition of AI: AI as computer-assisted intelligence technologies are such as Generative, Agentic, Symbolic, ML, and Deep Learning tools.  Students may use specific AI tools of their choice such as: ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Notebook LM, Gamma, Claude, Firefly, CodeWhisper, and DallE.

Rationale:  Given the pervasiveness of AI in essentially all aspects of professional and personal life, the use of AI tools is permitted in this course.  Keep in mind that currently the use of AI tools in employment interviews is uncommon. It is important that using AI does not block a student’s ability to collaborate, think critically, anticipate user actions, test for errors, and brainstorm independently from AI tool cues.

Often combining independent work such as a comparison essay that is cited with a tool like Notebook LM that allows you to manage sources and Gamma to ask critical questions and produce presentations can help open up new frontiers for thinking and collaboration.

Assessment:

 I will not accept plagiarized work from other students being copied or essays being copied from the internet whether summarized by AI or otherwise. I do use SafeAssign to detect things such as that.

I will accept the use of AI for various exercises, but I recommend you use it in moderation so that you gain the necessary basic skills that you will need in the workplace.

You must be able to test, run and justify everything you author and submit to me.

Authored by: Katharine Susman (Katharine.susman@austincc.edu) on 8/13/2025

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Posting of Assignment Grades

Assignments (e.g. programs) are typically graded within one week after the assignment due date. Grades are recorded in Blackboard and may be accessed via the My Grades.

Questions ?

Feel free to email with questions anytime at katharine.susman@austincc.edu. We can also schedule one on one meetings during my posted office hours using the the video conferencing link setup on Blackboard.

Attendance/Class Participation

 For online classes, “Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.”

“In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.”

Withdrawal Policy

Students are expected to regularly monitor their ACC email and this class Blackboard site to keep up with the course schedule. Students who do not comply with course policies may be withdraw from the class. It is the student’s responsibility to complete a Withdrawal Form in the Admissions Office if they wish to withdraw from this class. The last date to withdraw for this semester is Nov 20, 2025. It is not the responsibility of the instructor to withdraw the students from their class even though the instructor has the prerogative to do so under the above listed circumstances.

If the withdrawal is not completed by 5 PM on the last day to withdrawal, the student will receive a performance grade (A, B, C, D, or F) that they have earned.  It is not the responsibility of the instructor to withdraw the students from their class even though the instructor has the prerogative to do so under the above listed circumstances.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.”

Incompletes

Typically, a student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if  the following conditions are satisfied:

1.     The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control.

2.     The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.

3.     The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed.

4.     To remove an “I”, the student must complete the course by two weeks before the end of the following semester.  Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically reverting to an “F”.

Due to COVID or exceptional circumstances, there is an appeal process per college policy as described below.

ACC Incomplete Review Process and Policy::

“An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given in Fall 2025 due to extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion, and must be also consistent with ACC policy for Incomplete grades (see above) .  If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the Spring 2025 semester.  A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair. 

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1.      Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.      The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3.      The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.      Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.      When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.”

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process.

For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ for the course.

Freedom of Expression Policy

It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Student Files – Privacy

Their instructor for educational and academic reasons may view the information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs.

Campus Operations

To limit the spread of COVID-19, ACC campuses remain closed to all but faculty, essential staff, and students who are enrolled in certain Career and Technical Education courses.   Face-to-face classes and services are limited.

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state and federal laws. www.austincc.edu/srr

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements 

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling . 

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

.Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Use of the Testing Center

  For more information about online testing at ACC, visit the Online Testing resource page: https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/acconline/testing

Under non-covid circumstances, the below process would apply:

Under certain circumstances, examinations may have to be taken in a testing center. The ACC Testing Centers follow standard procedures, so students know what to expect when they arrive to take their tests. Students should familiarize themselves with the student guidelines.

Students must present an ACC student ID card or government issued ID and know their ACC ID number before they can test.

It is necessary to check in at the Testing Center kiosk before taking a test. To check in, one must know the following information:

• Student ID number
• Course prefix and number
• Course synonym
• Course section number
• Test number
• Instructor’s name

Personal belongings such as backpacks, books, and electronic devices (including, but not limited to, cell phones and smart watches) are not allowed in the Testing Center. Possession of prohibited items or accessing unapproved resources in the testing room will result in the immediate termination of the exam and possible disciplinary action.

For additional information on using the Testing Center, please go to: http://www.austincc.edu/students/testing-services/instructional-testing

Fall 2025 Course Schedule – ITSE 2309-005-22176 – ONL Susman