CS 5984: Computation for the Life Sciences

Fall Semester, 2002
Homework Assignment 2

The point value (if any) of each step is given in square brackets [ ]. The solutions should be turned in on paper by Wednesday, Oct 23, 2002, in class, before class starts.

1. [30] Design an E/R diagram for a database about Nobel Prizes. The primary aspects of interest (and that should be modeled) are the various subjects (e.g., physics, economics, peace), the people who win the prizes, the country they are from, the year in which they win the prize, and the citation. Notice that some of these could be boxes and some of these could be balloons (it is your task to figure out what is suitable).
   
   Browse through the Nobel awards website to get some examples of data and for a feel for how prizes have been awarded in the past. Notice that in some years, some prizes are not awarded. Sometimes, two or more people share a prize in a given category in a given year (this is becoming increasingly common). Sometimes, people get multiple Nobel prizes (e.g., Madam Curie). This could be in the same year (quite rare) or in different years.
   
   
2. [20] Design an E/R diagram to model the genetic code (mapping codons comprising three DNA bases, to amino acids). At the least, your E/R diagram should have boxes for amino acids, codons, and DNA bases. You are welcome to create any extra boxes. Pick your balloons suitably and generously. Name your relationships with intuitive verbs and verb phrases.