Course Logistics and Policies

Prerequisites & Course Focus

Required Skills

Python literacy in Colabs is non-negotiable

Understand Python for data processing
Navigate Jupyter/Colab notebooks
Grasp basic programming logic

Soft Prerequisites

CS161 and CS111 are advised

Brush up with these:

RAM (1st 2 sections) - Memory management
Filesystems and OS - OS fundamentals
Merge-sort in RAM - Sorting algorithms
Complexity - Algorithm analysis

Scale Focus

Tackling data problems 100-1000x larger

Beyond single-machine capabilities
Distributed system hurdles
Performance at TB/PB scale
Real-world production scenarios

Course Philosophy

Full Data Stack

More than just SQL

SQL proficiency
System design principles
Performance tuning
Database construction

For SQL-only focus, check MSE or Data Science courses.

How to Build Systems

66% focus on system internals

Database internals
Query optimization
Storage and indexing
Distributed execution

Data Interview Preparation

Tackling industry-scale issues

BigQuery at scale
LLMs as co-pilots
Cost efficiency
Handling real GBs of data

Exam & Attendance Policies

Exam Conflict Policy

No rescheduling of exams

Applies to both midterm and final
OAE accommodations: Same day, extended hours
Verify conflicts before enrolling in CS145

Guest Lectures

Attendance is mandatory

Attend 3 of 4 guest lectures
In-class quizzes for attendance
Check schedule for dates
Not required for SCPD students

Class Size Note

High enrollment course

Strict policies due to scale
Plan ahead for all requirements
Monitor Ed for updates
No personal exceptions

Grading Breakdown

Component	Weight	Details
Exam #2 (Final)	30%	Comprehensive, systems focus
Project 2	25%	Database system or advanced SQL
Exam #1 (Midterm)	20%	SQL fundamentals
PSETs	12%	Weekly problem sets
Project 1	10%	BigQuery SQL project
Guest Lectures	3%	Attend 3 of 4 lectures

Extra Credit Opportunity

Up to 2% at teaching team's discretion for insightful participation. See Gradescope for details.