Course Description

This Database course surveys topics in database systems. The course emphasizes the effective use of database (management) systems. Topics include access methods, data models, query languages, database design, query optimization, concurrency control, recovery, security, integrity, client-server architecture, and distributed database systems. Hands-on use will be a key part of the course.
Credits: 3, prerequisites: none.

Course Preview

Probably the most exciting part of this course is that you will work with actual databases. This includes installing them, accessing them with the MySQL Workbench or phpMyAdmin, and then updating and querying them. For example, take a look at http://mvoortman.it.pointpark.edu/phpmyadmin/ (username is ‘anonymous’ and password is also ‘anonymous’) where you can find example databases (e.g., wpc is the Wedgewood Pacific Corporation database from the book) that will be used throughout the course. Note that instead of mvoortman.it.pointpark.edu you will actually make your own database accessible through username.it.pointpark.edu, which means you get to work like a professional database administrator!

Course Syllabus

Click here for the syllabus.

Course Modules

Module 1: Getting Started
Module 2: Development Tools
Module 3: Query data from a table
Module 4: SQL Commands
Module 5: Summaries & SubQueries
Module 6: Data Types
Module 7: Functions
Module 8: Database Design
Module 9: Database Creation
Module 10: Create Views
Module 11: Stored Procedures I
Module 12: Stored Procedures II
Module 13: Triggers & Events
Module 14: Final Project Presentation & Exam Review
Module 15: Final Exam

Course Objectives

1. Explain the importance of database design.
2. Describe what business rules are and how they influence database design.
3. Define what data models are and why they are important.
4. Explain the details of the relational data model.
5. Perform Data Modeling with the Entity Relationship Model (ERM).
6. Define normalization and its role in the design process.
7. Implement the basic forms from 1NF to 4NF.
8. Use basic commands and functions of SQL.
9. Use SQL for data administration (to create tables, indexes, and views).
10. Use SQL for data manipulation (to add, modify, delete, and retrieve data).
11. Use SQL to query a database for useful information.

Course Topics

1. Structured Query Language
2. Use of Structured Query Language
3. Database Normalization
4. Database Design