The Database Systems course introduces students to the foundations of database management systems and to the role they play within core training in computer engineering and multimedia. The course provides a progressive overview of the data life cycle, from understanding the basic concepts and evolution of DBMSs to the design of the data model and its implementation. In this context, it contributes to the development of modelling, abstraction and problem-solving skills, and establishes a cross-cutting foundation for later courses related to software development, data engineering and information systems.
Titular Professors
Professors
Basic Programming, Basic algorithm, Data Structures
The course aims to provide students with a solid grounding in the conceptual and technical principles of databases, while developing their ability to analyse information needs, model data and implement appropriate solutions to specific problems. It also seeks to foster the rigorous use of the main DBMS languages and functionalities, as well as the ability to design, build and validate consistent, secure data structures aligned with the requirements of a near-real use case.
Topic 1. Introduction to Databases.
Topic 2. Conceptual model.
Topic 3. Relational model.
Topic 4. Physical model.
Topic 5. Advanced SQL.
Topic 6. Data control language.
Topic 7. SQL programming (stored procedures, triggers and events).
Topic 8. Security and SQL Injection.
Topic 9. NoSQL and OLAP systems.
The teaching methodology of the course is based on an active, dynamic and participatory approach aimed at encouraging students to take a leading role in their own learning process. Lectures are combined with classroom exercises, practical activities, laboratory sessions and projects guided by the teaching staff. The laboratory sessions have a progressive support and consolidation function, and include individual exercises that must be submitted online within the established deadline.
During the first part of the course, knowledge-based work predominates, with theoretical presentations, problem-solving and individual or guided activities.
Subsequently, in the second semester, learning is structured through a project-based methodology, in which the knowledge acquired is consolidated through the design, implementation and use of a database in a near-real case.
Assessment in this course is based on a knowledge mark and a project mark, both of which must be passed separately. The knowledge mark (50%) is obtained from continuous assessment sessions in class (30%) and the examination mark (70%), and may be retaken through a final examination in the resit period. The project mark (50%) is obtained from the group project involving the design and implementation of a relational database.
Students’ understanding of the foundations of database management systems and their ability to analyse information needs, model data correctly and implement suitable solutions through the coherent application of the conceptual, relational and physical models will be assessed. Their ability to use SQL and the main DBMS functionalities appropriately will also be taken into account, both in relation to the definition, querying and manipulation of data and in the use of advanced programming and control mechanisms. In practical activities and in the project, the technical quality of the database developed will also be assessed according to criteria of correctness, consistency, integrity, normalisation, security and coherence between the proposed design and its implementation. Finally, in collaborative activities, students’ ability to work effectively in a team, to contribute actively to the development of the project, to justify the technical decisions taken and to communicate the designed and implemented solution appropriately will be considered.
[1] R. Groff, P. N. Weinberg and A. J. Oppel, SQL: The Complete Reference, 3rd Edition, McGrawHill, ISBN: 978-0071592550, 2009.
[2] J. D. Ullman and J. Widom, A First Course in Database Systems, 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall, ISBN: 978-0136006374, 2007.
[3] Hector Garcia-Molina, Jeffrey D. Ullman and Jennifer Widom, Database Systems: The Complete Book, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall, 2008.
[4] Garcia-Molina, Hector; Ullman, Jeffrey D.; Widom, Jennifer, Database System Implementation, Pearson, 2009.
[5] Özsu M. Tamer and Patrick Valduriez, Principles of Distributed Database Systems, 4th Edition, Springer, 2020.
None.