DATA 351: Data Management with SQL
January 12, 2026
DATA 351: Data Management
Prof. Lucas Cordova
LPCordova@willamette.edu
Office Hours (15-minute appointments or drop-in):
| Day | Salem | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10:30 - 11:30 AM | 4:30 - 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 - 11:30 AM | 4:30 - 5:30 PM (Salem) |
If scheduled times do not work, contact me to arrange an alternative meeting.
Note
Data management is core to both applied computer science and data science. This course covers:
Prerequisites: CS 151 or DATA 151
Credits: 4.0
As large-scale data becomes increasingly prevalent, meaningful analysis requires data be stored and organized for efficient access.
This course introduces the fundamental skills of data engineering:
The course centers on PostgreSQL with techniques transferable to other SQL variants.
Students will gain working knowledge in:
Upon completion, students will be able to:
Textbook:
Practical SQL: A Beginner’s Guide to Storytelling with Data (2nd ed.)
Anthony DeBarros | ISBN: 9781718501065
CodeGrade Enrollment Key ($35):
| Deliverable | Weight |
|---|---|
| Attendance & Participation | 10% |
| Assignments (approx. 10) | 40% |
| Project | 30% |
| Midterm Exam | 10% |
| Final Exam | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
| Grade | Range | Grade | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | >= 92.00 | C | 72.00 - 77.99 |
| A- | 90.00 - 91.99 | C- | 70.00 - 71.99 |
| B+ | 88.00 - 89.99 | D+ | 68.00 - 69.99 |
| B | 82.00 - 87.99 | D | 62.00 - 67.99 |
| B- | 80.00 - 81.99 | D- | 60.00 - 61.99 |
| C+ | 78.00 - 79.99 | F | <= 59.99 |
Your grade is based on:
Important: Participation activities cannot be made up if missed.
Assignments contain elements of:
SQL coding assignments are submitted to CodeGrade via Canvas for instant feedback.
Group Project where you:
All deliverables due: End of day, last day of class (Week 15)
Presentations: Final two class sessions
Midterm Exam:
Final Exam:
| Week | Topics | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Course Overview, First Database, SELECT | Ch 1-2 |
| 2 | Understanding Data Types | Ch 3 |
| 3 | Importing/Exporting Data | Ch 4 |
| 4 | Math and Stats with SQL | Ch 5 |
Note: MLK Day (Jan 19) - No Class
| Week | Topics | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Joining Tables | Ch 6 |
| 6 | Designing Tables | Ch 7 |
| 7 | Grouping and Summarizing | Ch 8 |
| 8 | Midterm Exam (Ch 1-8) | - |
Note: Week 6 Wed - Professor out of town
| Week | Topics | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Inspecting and Modifying Data | Ch 9 |
| 10 | Dates/Times, Window Functions | Ch 11-12 |
| 11 | Spring Break | - |
| 12 | Mining Text | Ch 13 |
| Week | Topics | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Spatial Data with PostGIS | Ch 14 |
| 14 | Web Scraping, Views/Functions/Triggers | Ch 15 |
| 15 | Project Presentations | - |
| 16 | Final Exam (May 6, 8-11 AM) | - |
| Week | Date | Due |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Wed, Jan 21 | HW 1 |
| 3 | Wed, Jan 28 | HW 2 |
| 4 | Wed, Feb 4 | HW 3 |
| 5 | Wed, Feb 11 | HW 4 |
| 7 | Wed, Feb 25 | HW 5 |
| 8 | Wed, Mar 4 | Midterm |
| 9 | Wed, Mar 11 | HW 6 |
| 10 | Wed, Mar 18 | HW 7 |
| 12 | Wed, Apr 1 | HW 8 |
| 13 | Wed, Apr 8 | HW 9 |
| 14 | Wed, Apr 15 | HW 10 |
| 15 | Wed, Apr 22 | Project |
| 16 | Wed, May 6 | Final |
Consistent attendance is essential for your success.
Expectations:
Attendance tracked through explicit checks or in-class activities.
Attendance, Participation, & Reading Activities:
Assignments must be submitted by the designated due date.
Late Submission Tokens:
To request a reopen:
Use tokens wisely; no additional tokens granted.
All project deliverables due at end of day on last day of class (Week 15).
Presentations occur during final two class sessions.
Incomplete grades granted only for:
Not granted for falling behind due to lack of motivation, understanding, or time management.
If concerned about progress, please visit office hours.
Willamette is committed to creating a constructive and healthy learning community.
Disruptive behaviors include:
Cheating includes any form of intellectual dishonesty or misrepresentation.
Plagiarism consists of representing someone else’s work as your own.
Penalties range from grade reduction to failing the course.
These are allowed:
These are not allowed:
Reasonable Use:
Not Reasonable Use:
When in doubt, ask for clarification.
I will honor your request to address you by your affirmed name and pronouns.
If I inadvertently use incorrect pronouns, please let me know in whatever manner you feel comfortable.
Willamette’s Credit Hour Policy:
For every hour of class time, expect 2-3 hours of work outside class.
For a class meeting twice weekly, expect 6-9 hours outside class for:
Willamette values diversity and inclusion.
If aspects of this course create barriers to your learning, notify me as soon as possible.
Accessible Education Services:
SOAR Center (Third floor, Putnam University Center):
Contact: soar-center@willamette.edu
Willamette strictly prohibits discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
As a mandatory reporter, I must report incidents of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator.
Confidential resources:
Religious Practice:
Notify instructor within first two weeks if you anticipate conflicts with holy days.
Land Acknowledgement:
We respectfully acknowledge we are gathered on the ancestral land of the Kalapuya people.
Intellectual Property:
Class materials and discussions are for enrolled students only. Unauthorized distribution is prohibited.
Materials:
Key Dates:
Success Tips:
Contact Information:
Prof. Lucas Cordova
LPCordova@willamette.edu
Office Hours:
Monday & Wednesday
10:30 - 11:30 AM (Salem) | 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Let’s have a great semester!