Database Management

The course takes a data-oriented view that is embedded in the larger processing view of systems. The course emphasizes data modeling, database query languages, physical database design and basics of a few database administration topics, and is primarily driven by problem-solving exercises and several case discussions.  Topics a student can expect to be covered in this class include:

• To design a conceptual data model using the entity relationship (ER) model
• To integrate the rules and heuristics to enhance and improve an ER diagram
• To design a logical data model using the relational model
• To gain proficiency in a data base query languages (DBQL) such as SQL
• To evaluate the tradeoffs in making physical database design decisions (e.g., indexing)
• To learn the basics of database recovery and concurrency control

Student progress in this course is evaluated through a set of individual laboratory and problem solving assignments and exams, as well as a major group project.  Individual exams and assignments are designed to allow students to demonstrate mastery of the foundation concepts and skills presented in the course.  In the group project, students work together to apply the foundation database design concepts and skills to a complex problem scenario that includes a reengineering exercise; final project deliverables are evaluated based on the extent to which the design addresses the complexity inherent in the problem scenario, as well as the design quality measured primarily by correctness.