CS403 Database Management System

CS403: Database Management System

CS403 Database Management System (DBMS) is an essential course that introduces the concepts and technologies for storing, managing, and retrieving large volumes of data efficiently and securely. In today's world, data is a critical asset for any organization, and a DBMS is the core software that enables its effective use. This course provides a comprehensive overview of database design, implementation, and application development.

You will start by learning how to model data using conceptual models like the Entity-Relationship (ER) diagram. The course then transitions to the relational model, the most widely used data model in the industry. You will master Structured Query Language (SQL), the standard language for defining, querying, and manipulating data in relational databases. Beyond just SQL, the course covers the theoretical foundations of database design, such as normalization, which ensures data integrity and reduces redundancy.

Key Topics Covered:

• Database Concepts: Understanding the purpose of a DBMS, its advantages over file systems, and the roles of database users and administrators.
• Data Modeling: Designing conceptual database schemas using Entity-Relationship (ER) modeling, including entities, attributes, and relationships.
• Relational Model: Understanding relational algebra, converting ER diagrams to relational tables, and enforcing integrity constraints (primary keys, foreign keys).
• Structured Query Language (SQL): Hands-on practice with Data Definition Language (DDL) to create and modify tables, and Data Manipulation Language (DML) to insert, update, delete, and retrieve data. This includes complex queries using joins, subqueries, and aggregation.
• Database Design: The theory of normalization (1NF, 2NF, 3NF, BCNF) to design databases that are free from anomalies and redundancy.
• Transaction Management: Exploring the ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) properties that guarantee reliable data processing.
• Concurrency Control: Understanding the problems of concurrent access (e.g., lost updates, dirty reads) and the techniques used to solve them, such as locking.

Course Objectives:

1. Understand the fundamental concepts of database management systems.
2. Design robust and efficient database schemas using ER modeling and normalization.
3. Master the SQL language to query and manage data effectively.
4. Grasp the principles of transaction management and concurrency control.
5. Develop a foundational understanding of how to build database-driven applications.

This course provides the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for any student who will interact with data, which includes roles in software development, data analysis, business intelligence, and IT administration. It is a prerequisite for advanced topics like distributed databases and data warehousing.