Introduction to the basic goals, functions, models, components, applications, and social impact of database system applications. The course introduces the relational data model and the database query language SQL. Entity-Relationship Diagrams are introduced as a tool for conceptual modeling. Effective mapping of a conceptual model to a relational database schema requires some appreciation of the role of integrity constraints, and the impact of DBMS characteristics.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to do the following:

• Describe the features of the relational data model and understand the relevance of the model to database systems. (level in Biggs SOLO taxonomy: 3 ; generic graduate attributes: 1)
• Describe the reasons for normalisation; analyse given relations for normal form; design normalysed relations. (level in Biggs SOLO taxonomy: 4 ; generic graduate attributes: 1,4) 
• Use a database maniplation language (SQL) (level in Biggs SOLO taxonomy: 4 ; generic graduate attributes: 1,3) 
• Use a database definition language (SQL) (level in Biggs SOLO taxonomy: 4 ; generic graduate attributes: 1,3) 
• Appreciate integrity and security issues for database systems (level in Biggs SOLO taxonomy: 3 ; generic graduate attributes: 1,4,9) 
• Implement a small database having regard to integrity and security requirements. (level in Biggs SOLO taxonomy: 3 ; generic graduate attributes: 1,4)
  

Continuous Assessment (30%); Mid Semester Exam (20%); Final Exam (50%)

Thirty one-hour lectures and six two-hour tutorial/laboratory sessions

Elmasri & Navathe Fundamentals of Database Systems, 5th edition, Addison-Wesley, 2007. (Fourth edition is OK, and earlier ones too.)

Also recommended, especially for high achieving students: