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[edit] Advanced Database Course
Database systems today are more ubiquitous than ever. As the volume of digital data explodes, new requirements for fast, easy-to-use and reliable data management have emerged. In this course, we will study new directions in database research that aim to address these new requirements. We will examine a variety of data management problems, some of the initial solutions proposed in the literature, and hopefully, develop new ideas for new relevant database research.
Each week, we will tackle one topic and different approaches to solving the particular problem. The objective is to study multiple aspects of a topic by considering different perspectives. For each topic, I will suggest the material you need to read. The mechanics of this course are as follows. Two teams will be assigned to each topic. One team, the "cheerleaders" will be responsible for presenting a summary of the topic based on the readings, and present the area in the best possible light. This can largely be derived from the assigned readings, but you are encouraged to go beyond these to discover other interesting work within the same topic. The presentation should *not* be a linear presentation of the sections in the papers, instead it should give a general overview of the problem, challenges involved in addressing the problem, existing solutions, and directions for new work in the area. The second team, the "discussants", will present a short rebuttal to the presenters talk. They will also come to class prepared with questions, counterexamples, and a generally with a devil's advocate attitude toward the work. With any luck, this will set up a debate-like atmosphere in which we can argue about the pros and cons of the basic technologies.The rest of the class (who are neither presenters nor discussants) is expected to actively participate in the debate. Also, in order to ensure that you read the papers and think about the issues before coming to class, everyone who is not a presenter or a discussant will write a brief position paper which captures your own thoughts about the readings. My guess is that these will need to be about 1 page in length, but you may use whatever you feel is adequate.
[edit] Tentative List of Topics
- Semi-structured (XML) data management
- Data integration
- Scientific Data Management
- Databases and the Web
[edit] Reading List
[edit] Tentative Schedule
[edit] Homework Assignments
[edit] Projects
[edit] Suggested Projects
[edit] Project Guidelines
[edit] Project List and Presentations
[edit] Workload
- Position papers: For each topic we cover in class, you will write a short (1/2-1 page) position paper summarizing the paper or papers you have read. The position paper is is due before class. A position paper is not a formal paper -- the objective is to show that you read and understood the material. See the Position Paper Guidelines for details.
- Class presentations: You will present articles in topics you select.
- Research project: I will suggest a few problems you can work on for your final project. If you'd like, you can also propose your own project. You should discuss with me your choice of projects.
[edit] Evaluation
There will be no exams. The grade for the course will be based on:
- Your presentations
- Your position papers
- Your class citizenship during the discussions (You should have something to say!)
- Your final project
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