IBE211 Databases (Spring 2024)

About the course

The course introduces students to the fundamentals of database systems. This course covers five major parts such as (1) SQL and relational databases; (2) database design; (3) database in production; (4) database applications; and (5) other selected topics.

 

1. SQL and relational databases: In a relational database, data is organized in tables. Here, we will use SQL to define tables, insert, change and delete data as well as retrieve data with selection queries.

2. Database design: To develop a new database, we will have to first create a model. Data modeling with ER (Entity Relationship) provides a kind of architect's drawing of the database. Normalization is used to ensure that the model provides a good table structure without double storage. Physical organization with indexes is important to ensure fast response time.

3. Databases in production: A database can have many simultaneous users and is in production for a long time. It is explained which mechanisms a database system has to handle error situations and multiple simultaneous users, as well as which tasks a database administrator performs to ensure stable and efficient operation of the system.

4. Database applications: End users usually work with a system via specially developed applications (programs). The subject of this section is the development of web applications with the scripting language PHP, and the use of stored routines and triggers on the database server.

5. Selected topics: We will look at XML and JSON as storage and transfer formats for semi-structured data, and then at NoSQL databases and object-relational databases.

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Bachelor in Economics and Business Administration
• Individual Study Courses/Part- time studies
• 1- Year Program in Information Processing
• Bachelor in IT and Digitalization

Required prerequisite knowledge

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Recommended requirements

General knowledge about programming is an advantage.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course	Reduction of Credits
IBE211N – Databases (online)	7.5

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Knowledge

• How a database is constructed technically

• Knowledge and understanding of how databases are part of larger information systems

• Overview of important phases in database development

• Knowledge of the database's performance requirements and operation-related tasks.

 

Skills

• Plan simple storage models using the ER method

• Apply normalization techniques.

• Implement and operate databases with coding in SQL.

 

General competences

• Contribute to simpler development projects where data storage is included

• Contribute to simple operational tasks.

Forms of teaching and learning

The course is taught with weekly lectures over the syllabus. Exercises are also set up offering help with the solution work. Some of the exercises are compulsory and must be submitted within certain deadlines as coursework requirements in order to take the exam.

Examination

• Form of assessment: Digital Home Exam - Inspera

• Proportion: 100%

• Duration: 4 hours

• Grouping: Individual

• Grading scale: Letter (A - F)

• Supported material: All printed and written supporting material