Syllabus

Aims and Objectives

This course provides hands-on training on the design, deployment, and administration of online database for communication purposes. The course covers five broad areas that jointly form a web-based database system:

  • Front-end interface (HTML)
  • Web server (IIS)
  • Application server (ColdFusion)
  • Back-end database (MS Access)
  • Query scripts (SQL and CFML)

It provides opportunities for students to be exposed to a wide range of strategies and skills for developing communication database, including data structure and format, user interface, search engine, and security system.

Teaching Format
The course includes a 1-hour lecture and a 2-hour tutorial each week. The lectures are designed to introduce conceptual issues whereas the tutorial sessions provide demonstrations and hands-on practices in design and implementation.

Course Assessment

Course work will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Class exercises (30%)
  • Quiz (10%)
  • Individual project - a fully functional database-driven website (50%)
  • Participation and attendance (10%)

Delay in submission of all course work will result in 10% of the grade down per day beyond the deadline.

Textbook
  • Sean R. Nicholson (2004). Dreamweaver MX 2004 and Databases. New Riders.
    (Note: please refer to the errata of the book for corrections.)

Online Resources

References
  • Moore, Barry (2002). ColdFusion MX: From Static to Dynamic in 10 Steps. New Riders.
  • Ferrett, R., Preston, S., & Preston, J. M. (1999). Access 2000 Essentials Basic. Prentice Hall.
    (Available for 1-5 hour loan at the semi-closed reserve section of the Library)
  • Preston, J. M., Preston, S., Ferrett, R. (1999). Access 2000 Essentials Advanced. Prentice Hall.
    (Available for 1-5 hour loan at the semi-closed reserve section of the Library)
  • Buyens, J. (2000). Web database development step by step. Microsoft Press.
    (CityU Library Reserve Collections QA76.9.W43.B89 2000)
  • Brooks-Bilson, B. (2003). Programming ColdFusion MX, 2nd ed. O'Reilly.
    (CityU Library Circulations Collection QA76.9.W43 B762 2003 and eBook)
  • Bardzell, Jeffrey (2004). Dreamweaver MX 2004 with ASP, ColdFusion, and PHP. Macromedia.
    (CityU Library Circulations Collection TK5105.8885.D47.B373 2004)

Attendance
Attendance is an integral part of the course work. As in other MACNM courses, credits will not be awarded to those who fail to attend four or more lectures or tutorials under any circumstance. This policy is to ensure adequate exposure to class materials and participation in class discussions.