COSC 304 Introduction to Database Systems
Fall (Winter Term 1) 2011 - 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 for critical industrial skills.
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Student Performance
Of the 19 registered students who started the course, all got a D or above. The average GPA was 3.16. 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
- "Very structured. Expectations clear. Exercises in class were very helpful. Notes are much better than a textbook. Great feedback. Marks quickly returned. Lectures were structured in a very logical way. Labs explain themselves and help to teach."
- "The course is ultra-relevant to any aspiring computer scientist. Engaging content and broad subjects cover a wide variety of applications while keeping one interested."
Weakness of the Course
- "A few of the labs later in the course are a bit ambiguous in what they are asking for on some questions. Astah isn't great, but I don't have a better suggestion. More encouragement (extra marks?) should be given to do an original project."
- "No discussion of varieties of relational databases and their specific challenges e.g. sensor networks, massive data, latency requirements ; No reason was made apparent as to why relational algebra is important as opposed to SQL ; lack of opportunity for research/exploration in course projects ; normalization glossed over in a lecture or two when for people seeing it first time it takes a couple weeks to sink in"
Most Enjoyable Part of the Course
- "Compared to other courses this one is heaven."
- "Ramon has a lot of energy and is very engaging. He clearly enjoys teaching it and this makes it my most enjoyable class."
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