Module

Content Description

Hrs

Resp

M1

Introduction to Database Systems

Key concepts: database and DBMS, file systems vs. DBMS, data models, data independence

Animations:

- data vs. information vs. knowledge

- DB-based application vs. file-based application

15

FHZ

M2

Conceptual Data Modelling

Key concepts: DB design phases. The entity-Relationship model: entities, relationships, Extended E/R model.

Tools: open source database designer

25

SUPSI

M3

Relational Database Design

Content: relational model, ER restructuring, ER to Relation conversion, integrity constraints

Animations:

- referential integrity and behaviour on update/delete

Simulation tools:

- ER-2-SQL tool

25

SUPSI

M4

Normalization

Key concepts: functional dependencies, normal forms, decomposition

Simulation tools: normalization tool

25

SUPSI

M5

Query languages

Content: tutorial on QBE and SQL DML

Animations:

- functioning of join operation

- functioning of aggregate function and GROUP BY clause

25

FHZ

M6

Querying

Key concepts: theory of query processing and indexes

Animation:

- steps in query processing and execution

Simulation tool:

- functioning of B-Tree indexes

25

SUPSI

M7

Transactions,

Concurrency and Consistency

Key concepts: Theory on transactions

Animations: Behaviour of database systems components while a transaction is executed

Simulation tool: the scheduling of transactions

25

USI

M8

Database Architectures

Key concepts: Elements of database architectures and distributed systems

Animations:

- The execution of a transaction in a distributed environment

- The communication between system components in a distributed environment

25

USI