SD321 Data Storage

Course Policy, Fall AY24

Coordinator

Mr Jeff Kenney, 410-293-6815, Hopper 456, kenney at usna.edu

Course Description

This course provides students with an introduction to data storage methods and systems. Topics include hardware and software used to efficiently store large datasets, relational databases and data models, SQL, and applications that interact with databases.

The pdf version of the course policy: Course Policy

Credits

2-2-3

Pre-requisites

Prereq: SD212 Data Science and Progrmming II
Coreq: SD311 Data Structures and Scalability or permission of the Dept Chair

Learning Objectives

Upon completing this course, students should be able to:

  1. Explain the main advantages of modern database management systems over file systems.
  2. Design and create relational databases to satisfy user requirements.
  3. Write SQL queries for data loading, data cleaning, data exploration, and data analysis
  4. Interact with a relational database from a language such as Python or R
  5. Explain the main data storage hardware systems and associated cost-benefit tradeoffs.

Student Outcomes

This course will assess the following student outcomes:

Textbooks

Recommended Textbooks:

Syllabus

Extra Instruction (EI)

EI is available and encouraged. Since this course continually builds upon material previously presented, it is crucial that you seek EI as soon as you have problems understanding the material. However, you must come prepared with specific questions or areas to be discussed (i.e. have read the assigned readings). If you have missed class, get the notes from a classmate first. Email your instructor to schedule EI. The instructor will provide a response to a student’s email within 1 business day. Students requesting EI/help should expect to meet for EI within 2 to 5 business days of their request. Although students may "show up" for EI without appointment, no expectation of instructor availability should be assumed. Email questions are also encouraged, though in some cases the reply will request in-person / virtual-meeting EI as the most effective solution.

Honor

The guidance in the Honor Concept of the Brigade of Midshipmen and the Computer Science Department Honor Policy must be followed at all times. See https://www.usna.edu/CS/Resources/honor.php. Specific instructions for this course:

Generative AI/ChatGPT use: Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to complete any part of assignments (quizzes, labs, projects) or exams in this course is prohibited. Use of AI without explicit written authorization from your professor in this course is a violation of the Naval Academy’s Honor Concept.

Classroom Conduct

Late Assignments

Labs: You are expected to upload the work you have completed at the end of a lab period to submit.usna.edu, this will allow your instructor to see how far the section has progressed.

Projects: Multiple deadlines will be provided during the semester. The project will have milestones that you will need to meet, each of those milestones will be due on the time and date specified on the calendar. Late submission policy for each part of the project will be noted on the calendar.

Grading

The course will employ plus/minus grading, in accordance with Provost Instruction 1531.60B. We will use the following mapping from percentages to letter grades:
[93-100]: A
[90-93):  A-
[87-90):  B+
[83-87):  B
[80-83):  B-
[77-80):  C+
[73-77):  C
[70-73):  C-
[67-70):  D+
[60-67):  D
[00-60):  F

6wk12wkFinal
HW & Quizzes5%5%5%
Labs 45%45%35%
Projects 15%
Exam (6wk) 50%25%10%
Exam (12wk) 25%10%
Exam (Final) 25%

Projects

There will be one group project. Project must be completed entirely by the students making the submission. The project grade will be based upon the instructor's estimation of the group's collective results, adjusted for each team member based upon the other group members' estimation of the individual's teamwork and contribution.

Exams

All exams will be comprehensive. If for some reason a make-up exam will be required, inform the instructor at least one week in advance. All exams will be closed books, closed notes. Students will be allowed to bring individually prepared "study sheets" with anything handwritten on it (1 double-sided sheet for the 6-week exam, 2 double-sided sheets for the 12-week exam, and 3 double-sided sheets for final). Photocopies and computer printouts will not be allowed (in fact these will be collected prior to the respective exam if attempted). Study sheets will be collected at the conclusion of the exam.

Quizzes

Expect quizzes weekly. Quizzes may be open or closed book/notes, as announced.