Introduction to Databases (B-KUL-H0N65A)
Aims
After completing this course, the student should be able to:
- describe and explain the basic principles of databases;
- construct a conceptual data model;
- describe the relational implementation model and convert a conceptual scheme to an implementation scheme;
- build a (relational) database;
- work with relational query languages, in particular SQL and relational algebra;
- understand and apply the principles of correct database design, including functional dependencies and normalization;
- explain and use techniques for efficient data retrieval;
- characterize and use principles of query processing and query optimization;
- know database management components such as transactions and recovery techniques and be able to explain their functionality.
Previous knowledge
- a basic course in programming,
- a basic course in computer organization and structure
Order of Enrolment
Mixed prerequisite:
You may only take this course if you comply with the prerequisites. Prerequisites can be strict or flexible, or can imply simultaneity. A degree level can be also be a prerequisite.
Explanation:
STRICT: You may only take this course if you have passed or applied tolerance for the courses for which this condition is set.
FLEXIBLE: You may only take this course if you have previously taken the courses for which this condition is set.
SIMULTANEOUS: You may only take this course if you also take the courses for which this condition is set (or have taken them previously).
DEGREE: You may only take this course if you have obtained this degree level.
( FLEXIBLE(H01B6B) OR FLEXIBLE(X0A06B)) AND ( SIMULTANEOUS(H01P5B) OR SIMULTANEOUS(X0E31A))
The codes of the course units mentioned above correspond to the following course descriptions:
H01B6B : Fundamentals of Computer Science
X0A06B : Principles of Computer Programming
H01P5B : Computer Architecture and Software Systems
X0E31A : Computer organization
This course unit is a prerequisite for taking the following course units:
H01Q3C : Problem Solving and Engineering Design: Computer Science
Is included in these courses of study
- Preparatory Programme: Master of Computer Science Engineering (Leuven) 61 ects.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Leuven) (Major Subject: Computer Science) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Leuven) (Minor Subject Computer Science) 180 ects.
Activities
2.25 ects. Introduction to Databases (B-KUL-H0N65a)
Content
- introduction and general concepts about data and databases
- the relational model, relational algebra and SQL
- dependencies and normalization
- indexing and hashing
- query processing and optimalization
- transactions and recovery
Course material
We use the handbook "Fundamentals of Database Systems" by R. Elmasri and S.B. Navathe (Pearson), own course material and other materials that are made available via Toledo.
0.75 ects. Introduction to Databases: Exercises (B-KUL-H0N66a)
Content
The exercises are tailored to the content of the course.
Course material
n.a.
Evaluation
Evaluation: Introduction to Databases (B-KUL-H2N65a)
Explanation
If the evaluation indicates that the student has not sufficiently met one or several of the aims of the course unit, the global result may deviate from the weighted average of all subcomponents.
For multiple choice questions, a scoring system may be used that compensates for the effect of random guessing.