DBS211 - Introduction to Database Systems
Semester | |
School | |
Last revision date | Jan 27, 2025 1:10:01 AM |
Last review date | Mar 17, 2025 12:15:15 AM |
Subject Title
Introduction to Database Systems
Subject Description
This subject introduces students to data management concepts, database systems and database application programming. Students learn to represent information with a relational database model and manipulate data with an interactive query language. Students will model data using Entity Relationship Diagrams.
Credit Status
One Credit.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:
Upon successful completion of this subject, the student will be able to:
- Describe database concepts and database management systems to non-technical persons.
- Apply a relational model with constraints to develop a database.
- Compose a database using a Data Definition Language to solve a simple business problem.
- Manipulate data using a Data Manipulation Language to maintain and update records in a database.
- Examine a database to optimise interactions with a simple business application.
- Apply database privilege and privacy policies to control user access to a database
.
Essential Employability Skills
• Execute mathematical operations accurately.
• Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.
• Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.
• Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.
• Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.
• Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.
• Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.
• Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.
Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).
Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.
Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.
Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.
Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.
By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.
Prerequisite(s)
IPC144 or ULI101
Topic Outline
Topic Outline
-
Overview of Databases - 2%
- Database Management System overview
- Database advantages and disadvantages
- Database Models : Hierarchical, Network, Relational, Object-Oriented
-
Relational Model - 5%
- File-based (file, record, field) versus Data Model (entity, attribute, relationship) versus Relational Model (relation, tuple, attribute) versus Relational database (table, row, column)
- Relational Data Model Basics
- Relational Algebra Operators: Select, Project, Join
-
Database Modeling and Design - 15%
- Information-Level (Logical) versus Physical-Level Design
- Identification of User Views
- Applying high level conceptual models (Entity Relationship Diagram) for Database design (entity/relation sets, attribute sets, keys)
- Low-level or physical Database Design: tables, primary keys, foreign keys
- Top-down versus Bottom-up Design
-
Database Design Theory and Normalization - 10%
- Functional Dependence
- Super Key
- Primary Key
- First Normal Form (1NF)
- Second Normal Form (2NF)
- Third Normal Form (3NF)
- Relational Schema
- Insertion. Deletion, and Modification Data Anomalies
-
Structured Query Language(SQL) Overview - 25%
- Introduction to SQL
- Create Database tables and views using Data Definition Language
- Modify database structure using Data Definition Language
- Add/Update/Delete data using Data Manipulation Language
- Query data from a database using a SELECT statement
- Preserve database integrity using constraints NOT NULL, CHECK, UNIQUE, PRIMARY KEY and FOREIGN KEY constraint
-
Physical Database Design - 10%
- Identify views, security, integrity constraints, and additional constraints: uniqueness, mandatory/optional, default value, validation criteria
-
Database Management System Features - 10%
- Maintain data dictionary - 'metadata'
- Maintain application data
- Manage integrity constraints for application data
- Facilitate Database Backup and Recovery
- Database Transactions
- Concurrency control to ensure atomicity, isolation of concurrent transactions
-
Database Administrator Responsibilities - 3%
- Manage end user access to Database
- Manage shared access to data
- Granting and revoking privileges
- Develop and administer database policies
-
Database Application Programming - 20%
- Two-Tire versus Three-Tier architecture in Database Application Development
- Providing database connection from a business application
- Accessing and manipulating data in a database from a host language
- Embedded SQL programming, Dynamic SQL programming, and Cursors
- Top-down versus Bottom-up Application Design
Mode of Instruction
Modes: In-class lecture, in-class exercises, and hands-on activity
Prescribed Texts
Database Design -2nd Edition
Adrienne Watt, Douglass College, Nelson Eng, Douglas College
https://open.bccampus.ca/browse-our-collection/find-open-textbooks/?uuid=5b6f010a-0563-44d4-94c5-67caa515d2c5&contributor=&keyword=&subject=Database
To find out the cost of books and learning material go here.
Any courses not listed on the bookstore webpage do not require any resources for purchase. All resources will be provided by your instructor.
Reference Material
Database Design, Second Edition, Watt, Eng: https://open.bccampus.ca/browse-our-collection/find-open-textbooks/?uuid=5b6f010a-0563-44d4-94c5-67caa515d2c5&contributor=&keyword=&subject=Databases
Required Supplies
N/A
Student Progression and Promotion Policy
http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html
Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html)
A+ | 90% to 100% |
A | 80% to 89% |
B+ | 75% to 79% |
B | 70% to 74% |
C+ | 65% to 69% |
C | 60% to 64% |
D+ | 55% to 59% |
D | 50% to 54% |
F | 0% to 49% (Not a Pass) |
OR | |
EXC | Excellent |
SAT | Satisfactory |
UNSAT | Unsatisfactory |
For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices.(https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html)
Modes of Evaluation
Two tests (20% each) 40%
One project 30%
Final exam 30%