Course Outline

Calendar Description

An introduction to core concepts, principles, and techniques of database design for information management, from user requirement analysis, to data and information modeling and querying.

Objectives

At the completion of this course, the students will be able to:

1. Explain features and strengths of database technology for information management;
2. Elaborate on the importance of discovering and analyzing users’ information management needs and requirements in developing database applications;
3. Apply database design methodologies and associated techniques to real world information management situations;
• Use ER modeling in database design;
• Use a particular relational DBMS to implement database designs;
  
• Use SQL for basic database queries and data manipulation;
  
• Understand normalization;
4. Explain key concepts of relational database model;
5. Discuss contemporary issues in database design and management.

Content

• Database application lifecycle
• User requirement analysis and fact-finding techniques
• Entity-Relationship modeling
• Developing relational models
• Normalization
• Defining relational databases with MS Access and SQL
• Manipulating database content using Query-By-Example and SQL
• XML and relational databases
• Web technology and DBMSs

Methods

A combination of lectures, in-class discussions and exercises, hands-on labs, group work, and computer demonstrations will be used throughout this course.

Recording of lectures

Recording of lectures is permitted only with the prior written consent of the professor or if recording is part of an approved accommodation plan.

Required Text

Connolly, T.M. & Begg, C.E. (2009). Database Systems: A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation and Management. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 5th edition. (You could also get the 6th edition which was published in 2014, if you would prefer.)

Course Relationships

Elective course; Pre- or co-requisite: LIS 501

Inclusive Language & Equity

The Faculty of Education is committed to providing an environment of equality and respect for all people within the university community, and to educating faculty, staff, and students in developing teaching and learning contexts that are welcoming to all. The Faculty recommends that students and staff use inclusive language to create a classroom atmosphere in which students’ experiences and views are treated with equal respect and value in relation to their gender, racial background, sexual orientation, and ethnic background. Students who require accommodations in this course due to a disability affecting mobility, vision, hearing, learning, or mental or physical health are advised to discuss their needs with Specialized Support and Disability Services.

Academic Integrity

The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.

*Policy about course outlines can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the University Calendar.