Databases page

Course content

The Database course aims to develop skills in designing, administering, optimizing, and querying a relational database.

In terms of content, the courses are organized around different topics as follows:

  • Database models and management systems: history, particularities, ACID vs. BASE properties, SQL vs. NoSQL; The relational model, Codd's rules
  • Relational algebra: tuples, relations, operators
  • Relational algebra: functional dependencies; inferences; closures
  • Relational algebra: multivalued dependencies; inferences; closures
  • Normal forms
  • Design by decomposition: normalization & denormalization
  • Relational database design: Entity/Relationship model
  • Physical design: Data constraints
  • Physical design: Triggers, Virtual tables
  • Indexing
  • Query processing. Execution plans

Lab content

The labs for the Database course primarily focus on studying the SQL language. One of the most popular DBMS currently available, Oracle, will be used.

Among the chapters covered for learning SQL, we mention:

  • The relational model and SQL language – an overview, the SQLPlus utility users and roles
  • SELECT statement: Operators, WHERE and ORDER BY clauses
  • SQL row functions
  • Natural/inner/outer/self-joins
  • Grouping and aggregating records
  • Uncorrelated subqueries
  • Correlated subqueries
  • SQLPlus substitution variables, DML commands, DDL commands, Transactions

As a secondary goal, a series of exercises related to database design will be conducted to ensure that the information taught in the course is understood and assimilated by the students.

For additional information you can access the Course Syllabus

  • Course 1
  • Courses 2,3,4
  • Courses 5,6
  • Course 9 EN
  • Course 10-11 EN, scripts:
  • Course 12-13 EN
  • Course 14 EN

    • Laborator

    Evaluation and Grading

    The final grade for the Database course is obtained as the sum of the points scored in the lab component and the points scored in the course component.

    Course:

    The course assessment is done through an exam during the session. The test (T) will be graded with a maximum of 50 points. This test is the only one that can be retaken during the retake session.

    Lab:

    In weeks 5 and 11, two tests (L1 and L2) will be given during lab hours. Together, these tests can bring a maximum of 50 points. To pass the lab, the total score from the two tests must be at least 25 points.

    The final grade N = ( T + L1 + L2 ) / 10.

    Pass conditions: (T >= 25) & (L1 + L2 >= 25)

    Prof. Dr. Mihaela Elena Breabăn
    Lect. Dr. Cosmin Vârlan
    Lect. Dr. Simona Vârlan
    Asist. Drd. Laura Cornei

    Colab. Drd. George Stoica