MSBA 504: Data Management
University of San Diego | Fall 2025: 2 Units
COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Description
Databases are the backbone of the digital world, storing most global data and enabling the seamless operation of most businesses. In this course, you will learn to design and visually represent database structures and develop practical skills in implementing these designs using relational database concepts. Central to this course is the mastery of Structured Query Language (SQL), the standard language for interacting with relational databases. You will gain hands-on experience in writing and optimizing SQL queries, from basic to advanced levels, using a variety of open-source database platforms. Additionally, the course will introduce you to essential topics in database architecture and NoSQL databases. By the end of the course, you will be proficient in creating, modifying, retrieving, and analyzing data, preparing you with the essential skills needed to drive data-informed decisions in any professional setting.
Course Details
Dates: 9-Sep-2025 - 11-Nov-2025
Location: KCBE-328
Day/Time: Tue 4:00PM - 6:50PM
Instructor Information
Instructor: Chris Young, MBA
Office Hours: Click here to schedule an online Zoom appointment.
Course Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course, you should be able to:
- Understand fundamental concepts and techniques in data management
- Learn about conceptual and logical database design, indexes and normalization
- Acquire foundational SQL and relational database system skills
- Gain extensive hands-on practice writing intermediate to advanced level SQL queries
- Introduce other database topics including database architecture, NoSQL database concepts, and Big Data
COURSE MATERIALS
Textbook
Database Systems: Design, Implementation, & Management (14th Edition)
by Carlos Coronel and Steven Morris
Copyright © 2023 | ISBN 978-0357673034
This textbook is highly recommended but not required for the course. It provides comprehensive coverage of database design concepts, implementation techniques, and management practices. The book is available for purchase from most major retailers, including Amazon.
Course Resources
- All lecture slides, resources, and assignments are provided on this course website, GitHub repository, or Canvas.
- All assignments will be submitted on Canvas/Gradescope.
- All quizzes will be completed on Canvas.
- All course announcements will occur through Canvas.
Required Technology
This is a data management class, and we will be utilizing a variety of software and apps throughout the course. All demo and homework resources will mention the technology requirements but below is a list of software that you will need to install on your computer.
- A plain text editor such as VS Code
- DB Browser for SQLite
- DBeaver Community Edition OPTIONAL
- MySQL Workbench 8.0
- Anaconda Distribution of Python and other tools
COURSE CONTENT & POLICIES
Grade Distribution
| Assignment | % of Total Grade | 500 Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| Homework Assignments (HW) | 35 | 175 (35 each) |
| Class Participation Assignments (CP) | 15 | 75 (15 each) |
| Conceptual Lecture Quizzes | 15 | 75 (15 each) |
| Group Project (GP) | 15 | 75 (25 each) |
| Final Exam | 20 | 100 |
Grading Scale
| Final Grade | % of 500 Points |
|---|---|
| A | >=93% |
| A- | 90-92.99% |
| B+ | 88-89.99% |
| B | 83-87.99% |
| B- | 80-82.99% |
| C+ | 78-79.99% |
| C | 73-77.99% |
| C- | 70-72.99% |
| D+ | 68-69.99% |
| D | 63-67.99% |
| D- | 60-62.99% |
| F | <60% |
Homework
There are 5 homework assignments consisting of problem-solving and SQL based programming assignments. While you are allowed to use AI tools to support your learning during homework, it is essential to ensure you fully understand the reasoning and process behind the solutions. AI will not be permitted during exams, so developing your ability to work through problems independently is critical for success.
Quizzes
There are 5 quizzes that focus primarily on the conceptual materials covered in the lectures and textbook. The format will vary between True/False, multiple choice, matching and fill in the blank style questions. Quizzes should be straightforward if you are attending class and keeping up with the material. At least 5 out of the 15 questions for each quiz are selected from the lecture Slido quizzes. Quizzes are just a way to make sure you keep up with studying and do not fall too far behind as this class really builds on each previous week. Quizzes are completed on Canvas and by yourself with no collaboration/communication with any other students or AI tools.
Tip
Use homework and quiz assignments as an opportunity to practice and solidify your understanding, so you’re well-prepared for exam-style questions.
Class Participation
There are 5 class participation assignments that are designed to help you learn by doing, first by following along with instructor demos, then by immediately applying the same concepts on your own using materials from the current lecture/demo materials. Each participation assignment is designed to be finished during class, but late submission is permitted by the end of the lecture day.
Class Attendance
The goal is to make lectures worth your while to attend. Some class dates may only consist of a lecture but the vast majority of classes will involve hands-on practice with database and SQL tools. Regular attendance is very important to your success in this course.
Group Project
There are 3 group project assignments that you will be able to collaborate with 3-5 classmates on a real-world dataset to apply all skills learned in the course, including ER modeling, database design, normalization and data loading, and SQL query construction.
Final Exam
The final exam is open-note and completed online by yourself with no collaboration/communication with any other students and AI tools. No late exams are permitted, except for extenuating circumstances. Please reach out as early as possible if you know something will prevent you from completing the exam on the designated date.
Late Submission Policy
There is a 24-hour grace period for all homework assignments with NO late penalty. Assignment submissions will NOT be accepted after the grace period. This policy is intended to be a safety net in case you experience any difficulties submitting your assignment on time. Do not view the grace period as the true due date for the assignment. If you miss an assignment due date, it is likely that you are not managing your time effectively and will need to adjust your planning and study habits. Please note that any excuse for not submitting assignments on time will not be accepted AFTER the 24-hour grace period. If you have extenuating circumstances, you must contact the professor BEFORE the assignment due date.
Regrade Policy
The intent of the regrade policy is to protect students from serious issues in grading. Email the professor within 72 hours and provide evidence for why your answer is correct and merits a regrade (i.e. a specific reference to something said in a lecture, the readings, or office hours). Make sure you confer with your team first on any group completed project and submit one regrade request after your team comes to a consensus.
UNIVERSITY POLICY STATEMENTS
Academic Honesty Statement
USD’s policy on academic integrity is expressly integrated into this course. Please consult the Rules of Conduct page to review this policy. Any deviation from the standards of this policy may result in a grade of “F” for the course. Because most of the work in this course must be your own, any unauthorized assistance will be considered a violation of the academic integrity policy. If you have questions about the propriety of your work or other participants’ conduct concerning this course, I am readily available to offer an interpretation of this policy.
Disability Statement
It is University of San Diego policy not to discriminate against qualified students with a documented disability in its educational programs, activities or services. If you have a disability-related need for accommodation(s) in this class, contact the Student Affairs office for assistance.
General Student Conduct
The University of San Diego School of Business expects its students to always conduct themselves in a professional manner. Its students are generally individuals who are preparing for career employment. An integral part of their career and professional development is the expectation that they will conduct themselves during the educational processes in the same manner as will be expected in an employment situation. The University of San Diego Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities is published online at The Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities.
Food Insecurity & Pantry
The goal of Toreros Against Hunger at the University of San Diego is to serve as occasional food relief for University of San Diego students experiencing food insecurity while actively decreasing the amount of food going to waste on campus.
Food insecurity broadly defined is “the state of being without reliable access to sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.” Indicators of food insecurity include skipping meals and/or cutting the size of meals due to lack of financial resources, experiencing hunger but not eating and/or the inability to afford balanced meals.
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center strives to facilitate students' personal growth and enhance their academic success through accessible, culturally congruent clinical and outreach services. We work in collaboration with other Wellness and university departments and community partners.
A counselor-on call is always available to consult about after-hours urgent psychological concerns. The counselor-on call can be reached by calling 619-260-4655 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Please contact the Department of Public Safety to access emergency services (x2222 on any campus telephone, otherwise call 619-260-2222).
The 24-hour San Diego Access and Crisis Line (1-888-724-7240) also offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals.
Course Evaluations
An online evaluation will be made available to you near the end of this course. Your timely and considered feedback is valuable to us and an important element of your learning experience.
Notice
This syllabus is subject to change based on the needs of the class; I will make sure to notify you in class and/or through a Canvas announcement.