Fall 2002
Course Summary
Lectures:
Two sessions / week
1.5 hours / session
Recitations:
One session / week
1.5 hours / session
Instructor: George Kocur
Course Objectives
This course is an introduction to information technology as applied to systems engineering practice. It covers topics in software development methods, data modeling and databases, application development, Web access and development, middleware, data communications. The 7 homework sets lead the class through a project in which a database, application and Web site are designed and constructed. The project, which is done in two-person teams, provides hands-on experience to complement the lectures and readings. There will be 3 or 4 optional recitations during the term; they will be announced a week in advance. There is a final exam. Homeworks are 70% of the grade and the final exam is 30%. Homework will be accepted up to 2 days late, with a 20% deduction from the grade. Each team member receives the same grade on the homework; the final exam has individual grades.
The course goal is to cover the key concepts in the major areas of information technology, to enable students to successfully understand, work with and manage IT efforts as part of logistics, transportation or civil engineering projects. No programming experience is required of students. Using high level tools, each team designs and implements a database, portions of an application, and a Web site.
Homework Outline
1. Requirements, initial design and project size estimates.
2. Data modeling and database design.
3. Database implementation. Implementation of tables and relationships in MS Access.
4. Design of Web site. Implementation of static pages with MS Front Page.
5. Web middleware and security.
6. Completion of Web site. Implementation of Active Server Pages for database access from Web site.
7. Network design to support Web services
Texts and References
You do not need to buy all 7 books. Most are used as references or manuals for 1 or 2 weeks. The ones with the most lasting value are [RD], [UM], [SQ], and [TE].
1. [RD] Rapid Development: Taming Wild Software Schedules, Steve McConnell, Microsoft Press.
2. [UM] UML Distilled, Fowler.
3. [AC] Special Edition: Using Access 2000, Jennings, Que Press.
4. [SQ] "The Practical SQL Handbook: Using Structured Query Language", 4th Ed, Judith S. Bowman, Sandra Emerson, Marcy Darnovsky, Addison-Wesley.
5. [WB] How to Set Up and Maintain a Web Site, Lincoln Stein, Addison Wesley.
6. [FP] FrontPage 2000 Complete Reference, Matthews and Poulsen, Osborne/McGraw-Hill.
7. [TE] Handbook of Telecommunications, 4th Ed., Harry Green, Dow-Jones Irwin.