Winter 2009
Instructor: Bruce Donald Campbell
Faculty, Continuing Education - RISD
Providence, RI
Research Scientist, Human Interface
Technology Laboratory
Seattle, WA
Email: bcampbel01@risd.edu
Prerequisites: None
DESCRIPTION
While many software application packages address front-end issues, if you want to deepen your experience in the back-end of web design, then MySQL is well worth investigating. With a reported incidence of ten million installations, it is simply the most popular open source database available because of its extreme adaptability to run dependably on more than twenty platforms. Additionally, it is a popular database management tool for such web applications as YouTube, Friendster and Wikipedia, not to mention that it has a particular affinity for PHP. Besides the primary objective of examining the system for its practical applications, MySQL is worth exploring, as it has many uses that are within the General Public License.
GRADING
Class participation - 20%
Written project - 60%
Homework assignment - 20%
RESOURCES
Books
There are no required books associated with this class — instead, we will use the wide resource library available from the Web.
The recommended book for this class is the third edition of the book PHP 6 and MySQL 5 for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide, by Larry Ullman (December 2007), but the book is most useful in conjunction with the Dynamic Web Design with PHP course provided within the Web Design and Development RISD certificate program.
Course Handouts and On-line Readings as identified below and in class.
LINKS
Sun's MySQL Reference Manual
SYLLABUS
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Date
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Topic
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Assignment
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11 January
|
Welcome to MySQL
Goal: To become familiar with the relational database model and an RDMS (Relational Database Management System). |
Read:
- Readings to be determined
Homework:
- Pre-test: Please write a 1000 word essay of your current understanding of relational databases and how databases enable the information age.
|
|
18 January
|
Using Databases for Analytical Inquiry
Goal: To begin to use MySQL databases to investigate large datasets using the Structured Query Language.
|
Read:
- Readings to be determined
Homework:
- Answer the questions assigned from the worksheet working with our large class database example.
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|
25 January
|
Creating Database Tables for Data Storage
Goal: To understand how relational tables work in isolation and in conjunction with a large data model in order to properly hold and maintain a data repository with MySQL.
|
Read:
- Readings to be determined
Homework:
- Build the tables assigned from the table building worksheet.
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1 February
|
Data Modeling
Goal: To participate in in-class data modeling exercises in order to gain exposure to the data modeling process. |
Read:
- Readings to be determined
Homework:
- Perform a data modeling session with your target project data domain.
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8 February
|
Advanced Structured Query Langauge
Goal: To build a solid understanding of SQL in order to build advanced commands for data manipulation and presentation. |
Read:
- Readings to be determined
Homework:
- Work on your class project.
|
|
15 February
|
Connecting a Back-end MySQL Database to a Web Presentation
Goal: Gain exposure to how MySQL databases are used to provide dynamic data services for website presentations.
|
Read:
- Readings to be determined
Homework:
- Work on your class project.
|
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