Dec 18, 2025  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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CS 3860 - Database Systems

3 lecture hours 2 lab hours 4 credits
Course Description
This course introduces the theory and practice of database design and application, with an emphasis on relational models. Dimensional, non-relational, and other topical data models are introduced. Topics include SQL, database design using entity-relation modeling and normalization techniques, database application programming, object to relational mapping, authentication and access control, concurrency, and performance optimization. Lab assignments reinforce the lecture material. (prereq: CS 2852 , MA 2310 
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Design database models using entity-relationship modeling, relational modeling, and normalization techniques. 
  • Use standard database languages (e.g. SQL) for querying, manipulating, and basic management of databases. 
  • Design relational database applications. 
  • Document database designs. 
  • Describe the purposes and typical mechanisms for maintaining security and confidentiality. 
  • Understand basic database integrity properties of atomicity, concurrency, isolation, and durability.
  • Understand CAP Theorem concepts of consistency, availability, and partitioning
  • Understand and be able to apply transaction processing and integrity constraints
  • Understand fundamentals of query processing and query performance optimization
  • Be aware of modern trends in the area of database systems.

Prerequisites by Topic
  • Understand and apply data structures and algorithms. 
  • Use appropriate algorithms (and associated data structures) to solve complex problems. 
  • Be able to analyze the time complexity of algorithms, both sequential and recursive. 
  • Be able to use data structures in software design and implementation. 

Course Topics
  • Introduction and prerequisite review
  • Entity-relationship model and relational model
  • Relational Model
  • SQL
  • Functional dependencies, normalization, relational design, and query optimization
  • Relational algebra and calculus, data definition and manipulation languages (SQL), aggregates, and updates
  • Record storage, index structures, transactions, and concurrency
  • Stored procedures, triggers, recovery, security, and database administration
  • Advanced database topics

Laboratory Topics
  • Database introduction.
  • Data modeling
  • SQL
  • Application integration
  • Design project design and implementation.
  • Design project demonstration

Coordinator
Dr. Jay Urbain



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