Databases

The course can be part of the following programmes:

1. Computer Science, Bachelor's Programme (N1COS)
2. Computer Science, Master's Programme (N2COS)
3. Applied Data Science Master's Programme (N2ADS)
4. Bachelor's Programme in Mathematics (N1MAT)
5. Mathematical Sciences, Master's Programme (N2MAT)

The course is a also a single-subject course at Gothenburg University.

To be eligible for the course the student must have successfully completed university level courses of at least 45 credits, including:

• at least 15 credits in programming, e.g., DIT441, DIT013, DIT953, or equivalent,
• at least 7.5 credits in mathematics or mathematic reasoning, e.g., DIT984, DIT855, or equivalent,
• concepts in logic, sets, functions and relations that could be acquired with, e.g., DIT984, DIT851, or equivalent.

Applicants must prove knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The course covers the basic principles of database systems as seen by users, application programmers and database administrators. A laboratory assignment develops these topics as a running example throughout the course. These include programming in SQL, as seen by a user querying or modifying an existing database, by a database designer, and by an application programmer invoking SQL from a host language.

Course contents include:

• entity-relationship modeling
• functional dependencies and normalisation
• database querying and manipulation through SQL
• interfacing to a database from a host language (such as Java/JDBC)
• overview of non-SQL models (such as JSON or XML)
• introduction to relational algebra.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• explain the semantic meaning of queries using relational algebra

Competence and skills

• construct an Entity-Relationship diagram for a given domain
• translate an Entity-Relationship diagram into a relational database schema
• apply design theory concepts for relational databases such as functional dependencies and normalization
• retrieve and modify data using a database language for respective task
• design a database interface using constraints, views and triggers
• implement a relational database schema and related interface using a data definition language
• communicate with a database, through a database interface, from a software application
• use a semi-structured data model

Judgement and approach

• evaluate and create different models for a database domain using Entity- Relationship diagrams and relational schemas
• contrast the relational and the semi-structured data models.

The course consists of weekly lectures and exercise sessions, as well as supervised lab sessions.

Language of instruction: English

Written individual exam given in an examination hall and programming assignments. The programming assignments are normally carried out in pairs.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Sub-courses

1. Written hall examination, 4.5 credits
   Grading scale: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U)
2. Laboratory work, 3 credits
   Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The grading scale comprises: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U).

To pass the course the student needs to pass both the programming assignments and the written exam. The final grade in the course is based on the grade of the written exam.

The course is evaluated through meetings both during and after the course between teachers and student representatives. Further, an anonymous questionnaire is used to ensure written information. The outcome of the evaluations serves to improve the course by indication which parts could be added, improved, changed or removed.

The course is a joint course together with Chalmers.

The course replaces the course DIT621, 7.5 credits. The course cannot be included in a degree which contains DIT621. Neither can the course be included in a degree which is based on another degree in which the course DIT621 is included.