Entry requirements

60 credits of which 15 credits in mathematics or statistics. Participation in basic programming.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student shall be able to:

• create conceptual models of relational databases based on requirement specification documents;
• translate a conceptual model to the relational model;
• create, modify and query relational databases using the SQL language;
• apply normalization techniques to reduce data redundancy and improve data integrity;
• create computer programs which store, modify and query data stored in databases;
• set up indexes and use other techniques to improve the performance of databases;
• set up users and their privileges;
• explain principles of security in database systems and apply protection mechanisms.
• present and discuss the course content orally and in writing with proficiency appropriate to the course level.

Content

The course contains

• an introduction to the database area and database terminology,
• entitets-relations (ER) modelling and expanded entitets-relations (EER) modelling,
• an overview of the relational data model and relational algebra and transformation of the data representation from the ER data model to the relational data model,
• an introduction to physical database design with functional dependencies and normalisation,
• an introduction to queries, updates and data definition with help of the query language SQL,
• an introduction to transactions, basic techniques for transaction management and concurrency control and recovery,
• an introduction to physical database design with file organisation, single level index and tree index,
• an introduction to procedural SQL and the application interface, and
• an orientation in advanced database applications and techniques.

Instruction

Lectures, problem solving sessions, laboratory work and assignments. Seminars and guest lectures may occur.

Assessment

Written examination and oral and written assignments.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.