This course is an introduction to relational databases and the general skills for designing and using them. The topics include the relational data model, SQL, entity-relationship model, functional dependencies,  (de-)normalisation, relational algebra, query processing and optimisation, database transactions and security. To deepen the understanding of relational databases, the current industry development of database systems such as NoSQL databases will be introduced at the end of this course.  

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

• describe the basic concepts of the relational model and understand the underlying math-
ematical foundation;
• use the SQL language to define, query and manipulate a relational database;
• apply conceptual database modelling methods such as entity-relationship model to design
a relational database;
• apply database design methods on functional dependencies and normal forms to evaluate
the quality of a relational database design;
• Understand query processing and optimization, transaction and security management in a relational database management system;
• Understand how to access relational databases using a programming language like Java.

Lab Assessment (4%); Assignments Exam (30%); SQL Lab Exam (16%); Final Exam (50%)

Thirty three one-hour lectures and seven two-hour laboratory sessions

Have completed 6 units of 1000 level COMP courses or INFS1001

Have completed 6 units of 1000 level COMP courses or INFS1001

COMP1100 or COMP1130  or COMP1730 or COMP1710 or INFS1001

Database systems:  models, languages, design, and application programming, 6th edition, R. Elmasri and S. Navathe, Pearson, 2011