10906 - Databases

Learning outcomes

The student learns the fundamental principles of the relational data model and of the relational database management systems. In particular, the student will be able to understand the structure of a relational database, the integrity constraints on data and the SQL query language. Moreover, the student gains an introductory background in NoSQL architectures and non-relational data models.

Course contents

- The relational model; the structure of the relational model, integrity constrints, Normal forms.

- The SQL language : Data definition and manipulation, Query databases

- Main components of a RDBMS: Query Optimizer, Transaction Manager, Scheduler, Recovery Manager, Cache Manager, Storage Manager, Access Methods.

- Relational database design: the Entity-Relationship model, introduction to requirement analysis and to conceptual database design. Logical database design. Normalization techniques.

- Brief introduction to NoSQL Systems

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture slides are available at Unibo e-learning platform.

Further reading:

P. Atzeni, S. Ceri, P. Fraternali, S. Paraboschi, R. Torlone. Database Systems: Concepts, Languages and Architectures, McGraw-Hill.

Teaching methods

The course is provided by means of slides displayed during lecture hours and it is integrated with guided class and laboratory exercises, where the theoretical aspects are put into practice.

Due to health emergency part of the lectures may be held online (Teams).

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 on Health and Safety online

Assessment methods

In order to take part in an exam session, students must register on Almaesami.

The examination consists of two parts:

1. A laboratory project concerning either the design and documentation of a database application or the solution of some home assignments. The accomplishment of the project is necessary qualification for the examination.

2. Written test with exercises and questions about the course topics. During the written test it is not allowed to consult any kind of material.

 

Grades are assigned on the basis of an overall assessment of knowledge, skills, presentation and discussion skills of the topics covered. The ranges of grades correspond can be described as follows:

18-23: the student has sufficient preparation and analytical skills, spread however, over just few topics taught in the course, the overall jargon is correct

24-27: the student shows and adequate preparation at a technical level with some doubts over the topics. Good, yet not to articulate analytical skills with the use of a correct jargon

28-30: Great knowledge about most of the topics taught in the course, good critical and analytical skills, good usage of the specific jargon

30L: excellent and in depth knowledge of all the topics in the course, excellent critical and analytical skills, excellent usage of specific jargon.

 

Teaching tools

Classroom lessons will be held using slides.

Teaching materials (slides, code examples, exercises and solutions) are made avalaible to students through the Unibo e-learning platform.

Several RDBMSs are available in the laboratory (SQL Server, Access, Oracle, MySQL). MySQL is used for the laboratory exercises. Moreover some database design tools are available.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Lumini