This course is an introduction to relational databases and the general skills for designing and using them. The topics include the relational data model, SQL, entity-relationship model, functional dependencies, (de-)normalisation, relational algebra, query processing and optimisation, database transactions and security. To deepen the understanding of relational databases, the current industry development of database systems such as NoSQL databases will be introduced at the end of this course.  

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe the basic concepts of the relational model and understand its mathematical foundation;
2. Use the SQL language to define, query and manipulate a relational database;
3. Apply conceptual database modelling methods such as entity-relationship model to design a relational database;
4. Apply database design methods on functional dependencies and normal forms to evaluate the quality of a relational database design;
5. Understand query processing and optimization, transaction and security management in a relational database management system.
6. Understand the state of the art of database management systems, and big data management challenges (Amazon's Dynamo, Google's BigTable, MongoDB and MapReduce).