Entry requirements

60 credits in mathematics or computer science. Participation in discrete mathematics (for instance Algebra I), algorithms and data structures, and a second course in programming.

Learning outcomes

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

• produce a conceptual model for a relational database based on requirement specification documents;
• translate a conceptual model to the relational model;
• use the SQL language to create, modify, and retrieve data from relational databases;
• explain, justify, and apply normalisation techniques;
• produce programs that store, modify, and retrieve data stored in databases;
• apply indexes and other techniques to improve database performance;
• account for privacy issues related to the use of databases with respect to GDPR;
• explain principles of data security within databases;
• use protective mechanisms for databases;
• present and discuss the course content orally and in writing with skills appropriate to the course level.

Content

The course contains

• an introduction to the database area and database terminology,
• entity-relationship (ER) modelling and enhanced entity-relationship (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.

Other regulations

This course cannot be included in the same degree as the course Database Design I (1DL301).