The course is suitable for all kinds of audiences, as it starts with the very basic concepts of database design and presents the subject in an easy manner.
Coursework focuses on the real-life implementation of database solutions and on practical design and administration skills. By the end of this course you will be able to successfully design and implement a small database such as an inventory system, contacts information system or course registration system.
Online class discussions will allow you to learn various design “tricks” and get exposed to many interesting ideas. At the end of the course you will be required to design and implement a database according to your own specifications and needs.
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The assessment will be based on the following points:
1. The student demonstrates his/her understanding of basic concepts as demonstrated in class assignment
2. The student successfully develops the course project
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Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
A. Plan and design a relational database
B. Use and administer a relational database
C. Implement a relational database based on informal specifications
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During this first week you will get acquainted with the basic concepts: DBMS, database and database users, data models, the three-schema architecture and the classification of database management systems. You will have to complete a simple exercise to demonstrate your understanding of the concepts.
During this week you will get acquainted with SQL and will have to complete several exercises to show your grasp of the language and its peculiarities.
During this week you will learn how to define the entities in your database through lectures and many real-life examples. By the end of the week you will have to present an informal database design to the instructor for review.
During this final week you will have to develop a real MS Access database based on your informal description from the previous week. You will be able to learn some particulars of the real-life database design from the lectures and you will be able to discuss any issues with the instructor and your peers.
Contact Hours: 16
