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.
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course, the students will be able to:
- Explain features and strengths of database technology for information management;
- Elaborate on the importance of discovering and analyzing users’ information management needs and requirements in developing database applications;
- 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;
- Explain key concepts of relational database model;
- Discuss contemporary issues in database design and management.
Measurable Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
- Throughout the course, students will be able to actively
contribute to and participate in informed and engaging discussions and
exercises.
- Through in-class exercises and small assignments, students will be able to use individual methods and techniques of relational database design and implementation.
- Through the major project drawing on readings, in-class lectures, discussions and exercises, students will be able to apply relational database theory as well as design methodology and associated techniques to real world information management situations.
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.
Course Relationships
Elective course; Pre- or co-requisite: LIS 501
Required Text
Connolly, T.M. & Begg, C.E. (2014). Database
Systems: A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation and Management.
Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 6th edition. (Older edditions are also okay.)
Assignments and Weighting
- Class contribution (10%)
- Small assignments (40%); 4 assignments: ER Modeling, Relational Model, MS Access, SQL
- Major assignment (50%)
SLIS Grading Statement
Grades reflect professional judgements of student achievement made by instructors. These judgements are based on a combination of absolute achievement and relative performance in class. The instructor should mark in terms of raw scores, rank the assignments in order of merit, and with due attention to the verbal descriptions of the various grades, assign an appropriate final letter grade.
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.
Students should also be mindful of the SLIS Copyright Policy
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.
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.
*Policy about course outlines can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the University Calendar.