Curricula

Objectives

The student understands conceptual modeling and database design as parts of the development of information systems and is able to make descriptions of the information objects of the application area and their interrelations. Further, the student is able to make a normalized relational model database description based on a conceptual model. In addition, the student knows the basics of database administration and is able to specify users and their access rights, and monitor and optimize databases.

Content

The design process from conceptual and needs analysis through normalisation and logical design to the physical design of a database by using a CASE (Computer Aided Software Engineering) tool for data modelling and object-relational mapping. The structure and operation of database management systems, the duties of a database administrator (DBA); installation, administration and management of databases. Current trends in databases (big data, cloud-based databases, NoSQL etc.)

Time and location

All of the lectures are already recorded. There will be online and, if possible, classroom meeting every week, during which we go through the most important parts of every subtopic. The rest of the time of this meetings is deserved for the personal and group guidance.

You can start this course already during autumn, if you want. The examination takes place on March and/or April. The presentations of the group work can be recorded and returned to the learning environment.

Learning materials and recommended literature

Materials in the e-learning environment. Year 2021: Optima; year 2022: Moodle.

Teaching methods

- lectures (online)
- independent study
- distance learning
- webinars
- small group learning
- exercises
- learning tasks
- seminars

Practical training and working life connections

- visiting lecturers
- projects

Exam dates and retake possibilities

The exact date, time, and method of the exam will be announced in the course opening.

Alternative completion methods

The admission procedures are described in the degree rule and the study guide. The teacher of the course will give you more information on possible specific course practices.

Student workload

One credit (1 Cr) corresponds to an average of 27 hours of work.
- lectures 52 h
- exercises 17 h
- assignment 70 h
- independent study 50 h
Total 189 h

Further information for students

Exchange students: 5 places

Evaluation scale

0-5

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The course is evaluated summatively following its completion and presentation on a five-point scale according to the points achieved during the course: 85 points = 5 (Excellent), 70 points = 4 (Very good), 55 points = 3 (Good), 40 points = 2 (Satisfactory) and 25 points = 1 (Adequate). If the student does not meet the minimum criteria set for the course, the grade is 0 (Fail).

To Pass (S or 1), the student is able to design and implement a normalized database (comprising of approximately 10 tables) and perform the most typical database administrative tasks such as creating a database, importing data to it, giving access rights, and monitoring the performance.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

The student 1) provides comprehensive database design documentation (at least five concepts and 10 tables in 3rd normal form) and database management; 2) carries out the assignments and exams without major flaws or errors in database design and management. These, including the final presentation, show 1) ability to document and argument design decisions understandably, 2) knowledge and understanding of concepts, and 3) practical skills of database design and management.

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

The student 1) provides detailed, clear, error-free, and complete documentation about database design (at least five concepts and 10-20 tables in 3rd normal form) and database management; 2) carries out assignments and exams without flaws or errors in database design and management. These, including the final presentation and learning report, show 1) ability to document and argument design decisions understandably, 2) knowledge and understanding of concepts, and 3) practical skills of database design and management.

Prerequisites

Basics of Databases