Principles of Database Systems

Course Description

Contemporary database systems. Emphasis on query processing, design, and implementation of applications in relational (SQL) databases. Introduction to other database models such as XML, object-oriented, and deductive. Prerequisite: Grade of at least C- in CSC 330, or permission of instructor.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

The goal of this course is to provide students with a strong foundation in database systems, emphasizing database design, relational models, SQL, and the development of real-world database applications. Through lectures, hands-on exercises, and a project, students will learn to design, implement, query, and optimize relational databases while gaining practical skills relevant to modern database-driven applications.

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Analyze system requirements and develop conceptual database designs using Entity-Relationship (ER) modeling.

  • Apply the relational model, relational algebra, and SQL to design and query databases.

  • Design and implement normalized relational databases for real-world applications.

  • Load, retrieve, update, and manage data efficiently using SQL.

  • Improve database performance using indexes, views, and query optimization techniques.

  • Develop a complete database application through a comprehensive, real-world project.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure

Percentage/Points

Exercises / Quizzes

20%

Project

40%

Exam-I

15%

Exam-II

15%

Attendance

10%

Grading Scale:

Percentage

Letter Grade

94-100

A

90-93

A-

87-89

B+

84-86

B

80-83

B-

77-79

C+

74-76

C

70-73

C-

67-69

D+

64-66

D

60-63

D-

<59

F

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance accounts for 10% of the final course grade. Students are expected to attend all class meetings and are strongly encouraged to actively participate in class discussions and in-class activities.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Silberschatz, H. F. Korth, and S. Sudarshan , Database System Concepts, Seventh Edition, McGraw-Hill,2019. ISBN: 9780078022159.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.