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CIT843Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Database Management Systems

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of Database Management Systems (DBMS). It covers database design, normalization techniques, Structured Query Language (SQL), and transaction management. Students will learn about data modeling, entity-relationship diagrams, relational algebra, and database architectures. The course also explores practical aspects of database application development using Microsoft Access, including tables, queries, forms, and reports. Emphasis is placed on data integrity, security, and recovery techniques.

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96h
Study Time
13
Weeks
7h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Database Management SystemSQLData ModelingNormalizationMicrosoft Access

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Database Design

2

Data Modeling

3

Normalization

4

SQL

5

Transaction Management

6

Database Security

7

Microsoft Access

Total Topics7 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic computer literacy

Familiarity with operating systems

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Database Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Data Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

SQL Developer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Database Designer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Information Systems Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

FinanceHealthcareEducationE-commerceGovernment

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Database Management systems Concepts

2h

Unit 1: Basic Concepts in DBMS

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to DBMS, databases, and their advantages.
  • Understand the different categories of models: User, Logical, and Physical.
  • Review the block diagram of a database system.
Week
2

Module 1: Database Management systems Concepts

2h

Unit 2: Data Modeling Overview

2 study hours
  • Study data modeling and its importance in database design.
  • Understand the components of a data model and their roles.
  • Review the characteristics of a good data model.
Week
3

Module 1: Database Management systems Concepts

2h

Unit 3: Entity-Relationship Model

2 study hours
  • Learn about Entity-Relationship (ER) modeling and its basic constructs.
  • Identify entities, attributes, and relationships in a given scenario.
  • Practice drawing ER diagrams.
Week
4

Module 1: Database Management systems Concepts

2h

Unit 4: Relational Database Integrity: Conversion from E-R Model to Relational Model

2 study hours
  • Study relational database integrity rules.
  • Understand how to convert an E-R model to a relational model.
  • Learn about null values and keys in relational databases.
Week
5

Module 1: Database Management systems Concepts

2h

Unit 5: Data Redundancy and Normalization

2 study hours
  • Understand data redundancy and its associated problems.
  • Learn about normalization and its goals.
  • Study the first normal form (1NF) and its requirements.
Week
6

Module 1: Database Management systems Concepts

2h

Unit 5: Data Redundancy and Normalization

2 study hours
  • Continue studying normalization and its goals.
  • Study the second normal form (2NF) and its requirements.
  • Study the third normal form (3NF) and its requirements.
Week
7

Module 1: Database Management systems Concepts

2h

Unit 6: Relational Algebra

2 study hours
  • Learn about relational algebra and its operations.
  • Understand set theoretic operations: Union, Intersection, and Difference.
  • Practice applying these operations to relational tables.
Week
8

Module 1: Database Management systems Concepts

2h

Unit 6: Relational Algebra

2 study hours
  • Continue studying relational algebra operations.
  • Understand specific relational operations: Selection, Projection, and Join.
  • Practice applying these operations to relational tables.
Week
9

Module 2: Structured Query Languages and Transaction Management

2h

Unit 1: Structured Query Language (SQL)

2 study hours
  • Study SQL data types and database tables.
  • Learn about Data Definition Language (DDL) commands: CREATE, ALTER, DROP.
  • Practice creating and modifying tables using SQL.
Week
10

Module 2: Structured Query Languages and Transaction Management

2h

Unit 1: Structured Query Language (SQL)

2 study hours
  • Learn about Data Manipulation Language (DML) commands: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE.
  • Practice using these commands to manipulate data in tables.
  • Study the WHERE clause and operators.
Week
11

Module 2: Structured Query Languages and Transaction Management

2h

Unit 2: SQL Functions

2 study hours
  • Study SQL aggregate functions: AVG, COUNT, MAX, MIN, SUM.
  • Learn about SQL scalar functions: UCASE, LCASE, MID, LEN, ROUND, NOW, FORMAT.
  • Practice using these functions in SQL queries.
Week
12

Module 2: Structured Query Languages and Transaction Management

2h

Unit 3: Transactions and Concurrency Management

2 study hours
  • Understand multi-user databases and the concept of transactions.
  • Learn about transaction management with SQL: COMMIT, ROLLBACK.
  • Study concurrency control and locking mechanisms.
Week
13

Module 2: Structured Query Languages and Transaction Management

2h

Unit 4: Security

2 study hours
  • Study database recovery and management techniques.
  • Learn about database backup and recovery procedures.
  • Understand database security concepts and authorization.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create ER diagrams for sample scenarios and practice converting them to relational schemas (Units 2-4).

2

Practice writing SQL queries for various data retrieval and manipulation tasks (Unit 1, Module 2).

3

Focus on understanding the ACID properties of transactions and concurrency control mechanisms (Unit 3, Module 2).

4

Review different types of database architectures and their advantages/disadvantages (Unit 5, Module 2).

5

Familiarize yourself with Microsoft Access interface and tools for creating tables, queries, forms, and reports (Module 3).

6

Study the different types of SQL functions and their applications (Unit 2, Module 2).

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