Syllabus for CIS-311



Database Management Systems provides students with fundamental concepts of databases and Database Management Systems (DBMS). It offers terminology, conceptual approaches, and practical approaches when designing and implementing different database types. Students will learn design considerations and solutions with a DBMS, using various industry standards and models available. Analytical and problem-solving skills will be strengthened.

The material also includes common tools and techniques utilized to optimize performance and secure the database and related resources. Other topics covered include:


After completing this course, you should be able to:

  1. Describe the basic database systems and database models.
  2. Explain the benefits of a relational database and construct its components.
  3. Use Structured Query Language (SQL) to create database table structures, perform various types of data manipulation and data administration, and query the database to extract useful information.
  4. Explain and provide examples of major database features that must be supported in current-generation databases and models.
  5. Compare the various application architectures used to connect databases to the Internet.
  6. Evaluate a variety of database administration strategies.



Required Textbook

Required Software


Database Management Systems is a three-credit, online course, consisting of six (6) modules. You are required to participate in five (5) graded class discussions, complete four (4) written assignments, take five quizzes, and complete a final project.

Each module includes learning objectives, activities, a quiz and a final project.

Consult the course Calendar for assignment due dates.



Consult the course Calendar for assignment due dates.

Discussion Forums

In addition to an ungraded "Introductions" forum in Module 1, Database Management Systems requires you to participate in five (5) graded online discussion forums.




Deadlines for posting responses to the discussion questions are given in the course Calendar.


Written Assignments

The four written assignments consist of specific topics contained within the chapters from the textbook. Each written assignment may include several essay questions.





There will be five graded quizzes for this course. The quizzes should be taken after you complete the reading assignments and online discussion for each module. There will be twenty (20) multiple choice questions on each of the quizzes, each worth 5 point. Each quiz will cover a particular module.

Consult the course Calendar for test deadlines.

Final Project

There will be a final project using Open Office software due in place of an online final examination. Consult the course Calendar for the deadline for submitting this project.


Statement about Cheating




Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:































Below 60



First Steps to Success

To succeed in this course, take the following first steps:

Study Tips

Consider the following study tips for success:



Academic Dishonesty









