SCV0040 - Database Systems

courses

ID:

SCV0040

Duration (hours):

80

CFU:

SSD:

INFORMATICA

Located in:

Varese - Università degli Studi dell'Insubria

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (22/09/2025 - 19/12/2025)

Course Objectives

The main goal of this course is to introduce the tools, models, and languages used in the design, development, and use of relational databases and related applications. More specifically, the objectives of the course are: 1. To understand the features and core services offered by a database management system (DBMS). 2. To know and understand the relational data model. 3. To know and use the SQL standard, both for creating a database schema and defining integrity constraints, as well as for manipulating and querying data. 4. To understand the main approaches to developing applications that interact with databases; to understand the concept of transactions and the services provided by a DBMS for their concurrent execution. 5. To know and use JDBC to implement java programs that interact with a relational database. 6. To understand the main methodologies for designing a relational database. 7. To know and apply the Entity-Relationship model for the conceptual design of a database. 8. To be able to manage all phases of relational database design, with particular emphasis on conceptual and logical design. The knowledge acquired in this course will support students in further independent study and skill development. For example, a student who successfully completes the course should be able to independently learn the basic concepts of a non-relational data model or how to develop applications that interface with a database using a language other than java, which is used in the course.

Course Prerequisites

Being able to code in java is a requirement. Therefore, having passed the exam of the Programming course is a prerequisite.

Teaching Methods

The course consists of lectures (64 hours) and practical exercises (16 hours). The lectures cover the fundamental concepts of data management systems, the relational model, the languages used for creating and manipulating relational schema and instances (both in stand-alone mode and via application programs), and the techniques and tools used for database design. Some of the topics discussed in class are explored further through hands-on exercises involving active student participation. These exercises include the use of SQL on a commercial DBMS, the development of java applications that interact with a relational database using JDBC, and the application of database design techniques through the presentation and discussion of case studies.

Assessment Methods

The purpose of the exam is to assess the acquisition of the knowledge and skills described in the "Course Objectives" section, with particular attention to both theoretical understanding and the ability to apply the languages and techniques covered in class. The exam consists of a written test lasting approximately one hours and 45 minutes. It must be completed without the aid of notes, textbooks, or a computer. The written test is divided into two parts. The first part includes six theoretical questions, each worth 5 points. The second part consists of three exercises. The theoretical questions focus on the topics presented in the "Course Content" section and require concise answers. The exercises are designed to assess the student’s knowledge of SQL and database design methodologies. Specifically, the first exercise covers SQL DDL commands, the second requires writing a set of SQL queries, and the third focuses on conceptual and logical database design. The first exercise is typically worth a maximum of 8 points, the second 12 points, and the third 10 points. The final grade is calculated as one-third of the score from the first part (theoretical questions) and two-thirds from the second part (exercises). The grade is expressed in thirtieths. To pass the exam, students must obtain a minimum score of 18 out of 30 in both parts.

Lessons will cover the following topics: Introduction to databases and database management systems (4h, objective 1) - introductory concepts - from operating systems to DBMSs - objectives and services of a DBMS - data models and their evolutions - levels in data representation - languages and users of a DBMS The relational data model (6 h, objective 2) - relations - null values - keys and foreign keys The SQL language - DDL commands (4 h, objective 3) - data types - tables creation - tables drop and update SQL queries (12 h, objective 3) - basic format of the SELECT command - operators and functions - sorting of the result of a query - join operation - group functions and grouping - null values - sub-queries - set operations SQL: update operations (4 h, objective 3) - insertion of tuples - deletion of tuples - modification of tuples Additional SQL commands (4 h, objective 3) - CHECK constraints and assertions - check of integrity constraints - views SQL and programming languages. (5 h, objectives 4/5) - SQL procedural extensions - API (JDBC) - embedded SQL The concept of transaction (2 h, objective 4) Database design (2 h, objective) - database design phases Entity-relationship model (4 h, objective 7) - basic constructs - integrity constraints - generalization hierarchies Design methodologies (6 h, objective 6) - collection and analysis of the requirements - restructuring of the specifications - ER scheme generation - quality of ER schemes Logical design - restructuring phase (5 h, training objective 8) - removal of composite and multi-value attributes - removal of generalization hierarchies Logical design - translation phase (6 h, objective 8) - entity translation - translation of associations - final scheme and optimizations

Course Language

Italian

More information

Students need to contact the instructor by email to set up an appointment. The instructor will only answer to emails sent by the studenti.uninsubria.it domain.