1. RIPHAH INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
Associate Degree Program
Course Title : Introduction to Database Systems
Course Number :
Credit Hours : 3+1
Course Pre-requisite : Introduction to Computing
Course Duration : 16 weeks
Course Description:
This course teaches database management systems and emerging database management
technologies. It also introduces applications and implementation techniques addressing new
challenges to the database management systems.
Course Objectives:
This course will make students to understand:
Basic concepts in all the advanced aspects
Practical hand-on experience with commercial database management systems through
a small project of designing and implementing a database application system with the
web.
Learning Outcomes:
After studying this course, students should be able to:
Understand the different issues that are involved in the design and implementation of
a database system.
Use data manipulation language to query, manage and update a database.
Develop understanding essentials of database management concepts like database
security, integrity, data warehousing etc.
Violation of Academic Honesty Policy:
If any of the projects / assignments are identical or partially identical, a Zero will be awarded.
The repetition of such kind may lead to an “F” grade in the course.
2. General Classroom Norms:
Class attendance is mandatory. You may miss up to 25% (8 out of 32 sessions) class sessions
but save it for emergency only. In case you exceed this level, you will be withdrawn from the
course. As a courtesy to the instructor and other students, be prepared to arrive at class and be
in your seat on time. In addition, please note that each class lasts for 90 minutes (1.5 Hours).
Also keep in mind some general rules as given below:
Cell phones should be powered off.
Eatables are not allowed in the class.
The teacher will not tolerate any disruptive behavior in the class.
The Dress Code has to be observed, no warnings will be given, and violators will be
asked politely to leave the class and consequently will be marked absent.
Participation:
Students are required to attend all classes and read all the assigned material in advance of
class (although not necessarily with perfect comprehension). Advanced preparation and class
participation are crucial for periods in which we discuss cases. During discussion sessions,
the instructor generally keeps track of the insightful and useful comments students make.
(Any unproductive contribution is not rewarded).
Grade Distribution:
Evaluation Type Percentage (%) Minimum
Quizzes 10 4
Assignments 10 4
Project 10 1
Mid Term 35
Final Term 35
Total Points 100
Note:
Instructors are required to schedule at least 1 out of 2 classes every week in the computer lab
for the student’s hands on experience.
4. Week Contents Activities
1 The Database Environment and Development Process
Introduction
Basic Concepts and Definitions
Traditional File Processing System
The Database Approach
Components of Database Environment
The Range of Database Application
The Database Development Process
2 Modeling Data in the Organization
Introduction
The E-R Model
(Overview, Sample Diagram, Notation)
Modeling the Rules of the Organization
Modeling Entities and Attributes
Modeling Relationships
Assignment 1
3-4 The Enhanced E-R Model
Introduction
Representing Super types and Subtypes
Specifying Constraints in Super type/Subtype
Relationship
Quiz 1
5-6
Logical Database Design and the Relational Model
Introduction
The Relational Data Model
Integrity Constraints
Transforming EERDs into Relations
Introduction to Normalization
Assignment 2
7-8 Physical Database Design and Performance
Introduction
Physical Database Design Process
Designing Fields
DE normalizing and Partitioning Data
Designing Physical Database Files
Using and Selecting Indexes
Designing a Database for Optimal Query Performance
Quiz 2
MID TERM
10 Introduction to SQL
SQL Environment
Defining a Database in SQL
5. Inserting, Updating and Deleting Data
Internal Schema Definition in RDBMS
Processing Single Tables
11
Advanced SQL
Introduction
Processing Multiple Tables
Tips for Developing Queries
Ensuring Transaction Integrity
Data Dictionary Facility
Enhancements and Extensions to SQL
Triggers and Routines
Embedded SQL and Dynamic SQL
12 Database Application Development
Introduction
Client/Server Architecture
Databases in Two-Tier Architecture
Three-Tier Architectures
Web Application Components
Databases in Three-Tier Architecture
Key Consideration in Three-Tier and XML
13-14
Data Warehousing
Introduction
Data Warehouse Architecture
Some Characteristics of Data Warehouse Data
The Derived Data Layer
The Star Schema
Variations of the Star Schema
Quiz 3
Assignment 3
15-16 Data and Database Administration
The Roles of Data and Database Administration
The Open Source Movement and Database
Management
Managing Data Security
SOX and Databases
Database Backup and Recovery
Data Dictionaries and Repositories
Overview of Tuning the Database for Performance
Assignment 4
Quiz 4
17 Project Viva Presentation
