Course Syllabus
Contact Information
About Your Instructor
Dr. Theodore Larson, a.k.a. Bjorn, is a long-time educator and industrial professional. He has been at the forefront of the Business Analytics educational development for the better part of a decade. He has a Master's degree in Computer Science and Intercultural Communication. Research interests involve understanding how to understand things better, although he is most interested in what others are interested in. All questions welcome—inquire within!
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Learning Objectives
The activities, content, and assignments in this course will guide your learning process to ensure you can:
- Apply principles of database design to solve problems in the applicable business field
- Design solutions to common business tasks using databases
- Communicate database solutions to senior managers clearly and concisely
- Relate the appropriate use of database concepts, design principles, and technology to in-field business problems
- Critique the use of different database solutions to solve business tasks
Course Prerequisites
- Successful completion of MIT 5602
Assumed Prior Knowledge
For this course, I expect you to have the following:
-
Some prior exposure to programming or SQL development—activities from MIT 5602 will suffice; more SQL exposure is better
- Working knowledge of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Course Materials
Required Textbook
- Coronel and Morris, Database Systems Design, 13th Edition
Required Technologies
- PC computer capable of Database development
- The intent of this course is to provide online tools to minimize PC requirements. However, self-directed learning and practice may require more robust tools. Please review the following Price College hardware and software requirements to ensure you are ready to fully participate in course activities.
-
OU Create account
- If you have not used OU Create before, you will need to follow the instructions to request access to a domain. Be sure to note your class (MIT 5612) and Instructor (Dr. Larson), so OU Create will expedite approval.
-
LucidCharts
- We will use LucidCharts to create data visualizations for the Individual Assignments.
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Individual Points |
Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Session Participation and In-Class Assignments | Participation in the Live Session and completion of an in-class assignment. | 7 @ 50 pts/ 35% | 350 points |
| Quizzes | Quizzes testing textbook content knowledge, lecture content, and sharing current events. | 7 @ 50 pts/ 35% | 350 points |
| Group Projects | Collaborative database design tasks testing tools and methods. | 3 @ 100 pts/ 30% | 300 points |
| Total | 1000 pts |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90.00–100% | A |
| 80.00–89.99% | B |
| 70.00–79.99% | C |
| 60.00–69.99% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Quizzes
Every week, there will be a short quiz related to the reading material from the textbook and PowerPoint Lectures. The description of each quiz will document where the questions come from. These quizzes are not intended to be difficult; they are intended to provide a streamlined way for you to demonstrate that you understand the reading material. Quizzes should be completed before the weekly Live Session.
Live Session Participation & In-Class Assignments
The format of the live sessions will be interactive. The instructor will reserve a short period of time for a lecture related to new developments or further explanation, there will be a guided exercise or a whole-class discussion period, and then a breakout session by group to plan or execute group projects with instructor guidance.
You will also start an In-Class assignment during the Live Session that you will complete and submit after the Live Session.
Group Projects
There will be one group project broken into three parts. Groups will be created during the first week. This project is intended to be a little different than a normal project and simulate some of the more realistic and 'messy' parts of working in a large organization with moving parts. You will be editing the same live database as all of the rest of the students at the same time. This will take planning and coordination between teams.
Course Policies
Communication
E-mail is the best way to contact me: bjorn@ou.edu. My typical response time is 24 business hours (Monday–Friday), and I frequently respond much faster.
Assignment Feedback
For most assignments, my goal is to provide feedback within one week, and I will provide it sooner when possible.
Late Policy
This course is designed to provide a consistent flow throughout the week so that you know what you should be working on at any given point. That being said, there is certainly some leeway available for latework. Please communicate with your instructor should you need some extra time. Be prepared to share what your plan is to get caught up and when you expect to be done.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
- "Plain Text" Translation: The instructor assumes that you are aware of the plagiarism policy and are intending to complete the work in this class to further your own skills and understanding. (Otherwise, what's the point?)
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|