Study program / study programs: E-BUSINESS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Type and level of studies: First-level applied studies

Subject: DATABASES

Status: Compulsory

ECTS points: 8

Course objective

The objective of the course Databases is enabling students for the implementation database design techniques on conceptual and implementation levels. Learning about the basic terminology of databases and mastering the techniques for designing a relational database schema. Mastering the techniques of designing a database schema using the ER model and transferring the scheme into the relational model. Introduction to the fundamentals of SQL query language.

Course outcome

The students will be able to work in a concrete DBMS and apple the advantages of DBMS over the traditional data processing via file system. In the process of information system development, the students will be prepared for the adequate use of semantic data models, i.e. able to create a conceptual model for different business domains. They will be especially trained for creating object/relational diagrams and acquire data modeling skills based on a verbal description of the system. Through studying the relational data model, the students will learn the theoretical basis for defining the structure of a relational model, how to use relational algebra and calculus to define the semantics of relational model operations, semantic domain, the limitations of the relational model, as well as transferring object/relational model into a relational model. Through studying the standard relational database language – SQL, the students will learn to use commands for defining data, commands for data manipulation (handling), as well as command for the control (managerial) function in a DBMS. With this knowledge, in the next phase of information system development, create an optimized, implementational model in a desired relational DBMS. The emphasis will be on creating a script (DDL commands) for forming a database schema in SQL Server, implementing the structural and value limitations from the object/relational level. Through studying the procedure for normalizing relations, the students will learn how to implement the procedure for normalizing relations in practice and synthesise a relational conceptual model. Students will know how to apply the relational database language SQL on a designed relational database for ad hoc requests and in the process of application development in fourth-generation environments and object-oriented programming languages.

Course content

Theoretical classes

  • Data and information – the difference
  • Data management
  • The concept of database
  • Scheme and instance
  • Logical and physical data independence
  • Data models
  • Languages for work with databases
  • Overview of systems for work with databases
  • Database management systems
  • Components and architecture of database management systems
  • Entity–relationship model
  • Conceptual modeling
  • Entity–relationship model
  • Special types of relationships
  • Relational model
  • Attributes and key
  • Integrity conditions
  • Transforming entity–relationship model into relational model
  • Relational query languages
  • Relational algebra
  • Tuple relational calculus
  • Domain relational calculus
  • Abstract, physical, conceptual and view levels
  • Normal forms
  • Physical structure of a database
  • Memory hierarchy, disks, paral access
  • Index structures
  • Database maintenance
  • Database management software
  • Creating forms and models
  • Creating queries and generating reports
  • SQL query language
  • Basic characteristics of SQL
  • Basic SQL commands
  • Embedding SQL commands in high-level programming languages
  • Commands for data manipulation
  • Control and management function commands
  • Forming queries