Course syllabus - Databases

Objectives

The course aims to provide a basic theoretical and practical knowledge of databases and their ability to provide robust, efficient and standardized management of data in software. The course provides sufficient knowledge in order to work with databases professionally as well as providing a solid foundation for advanced studies on e.g. object-oriented and object-relational databases, distributed and component-based software development.

Learning outcomes

After completing this course the student will be able to:
 
1. describe how a database can be used to store and manage information in a standardized, structured and efficient manner
2. construct conceptual data models from given requirements and further transform and implemented these into a database
3. explain the principles of the relational model and the relational algebra and how these are used in the implementation of a relational database
4. develop operations toward a database using data-manipulation and data-definition languages as well as conduct complex  associations and unions of relations
5. apply the normalization-process on relational databases
6. develop programs, both in the client and in the database that programmatically utilize the database
7. explain the internal structure of a database manager with respect to, for example architecture, transaction, recovery and index management
8. give examples of scientific problems and research in the database area and
9. relate to social and ethical problems, such as hacking and the personal data act, within the database area.

Course content

Databases in general. Construction and design of relational databases.
 Modelling with E/R, EE/R and UML diagrams. Introduction to SQL.
 The relational model and relational algebra.
 Functional dependencies and normal forms. 
Transaction Management.
 Recovery from system- and media-faults. 
Physical database implementation and indexing. 
Programming towards databases. Database security, ethics, and regulations on data storage.

Tuition

Lectures, assignments, seminar, and laborations.

Specific requirements

Programming 7,5 credits, Object-Oriented Programming 7,5 hp and Data structures, algorithms and program development 7,5 credits or corresponding.

Examination

Exercise (ÖVN1), 2,5 credits, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G). Examines learning objectives 2, 3, 5 and 7.
Seminar (SEM1), 0,5 credits, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G). Examines learning objective 9.
Exercise, laboratory work (LAB1), 3 credits, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G). Examines learning objectives 1, 2, 4 and 6.
Written assignment (INL1), 1,5 credits, marks Fail (U), 3, 4 or 5. Examines learning objectives 1, 8 and 9.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass with credit, Pass, Fail

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course completely overlaps with the courses CDT208 Databases and DVA214 Databases and also CDT223 Development of Web Applications with .NET and DVA213 Development of Web Applications with .NET.