Course name Database Systems

Lecturer/email address Dr. Karanja Evans

Teaching methodology
The module will be taught using a combination of mini lectures, problem solving and discussions,
topic discussions, teamwork, supported by assignment work.

COURSE OUTLINE FOR DATABASE SYSTEMS

1. File systems and Databases.
a. Features and facilities of a DBMS.
b. Hierarchical, network and relational database models.
c. E-R (Entity-relation) modeling.
2. Principles and methodologies of database design.
3. Query processing and report generation facilities:
a. Overview of SQL, Expressions, conditions and operators
4. Creating and managing databases.
a. Tables.
b. Views and indexes.
c. Data integrity.
5. Database security, Data security management
6. Normalization.
7. . Backing up Databases.
8. Restoring databases. Automating administrative tasks. Transferring data.
Monitoring performance. Replication.

Week Subject area Discussion topics Assignments/Reading guide

Week 1 Topic 1: Brief Introduction to the Class Investigate the factors

and 2 Introduction Topic 1: Introduction to influencing the choice of
to Database Database Systems database in a business
Systems  The Evolution of Database
Week 3 Systems and data models
and 4  ANSI –SPARC architectures
Topic 3 : Determining data
requirements
Topic 4 Topic 3 :Database Development
Relational Lifecycle
Data Model
Topic 4: Relational Data Model
1. Basics of Relational Model
a. Attributes
b. Schemas
c. Tuples
d. Domains
e. Equivalent
Representations of a
Relation
f. Relation Instances
g. Integrity Constraint

Design of a Relational Database

Schema

Topic 5: Entity – Relationship

Data Model
Week 5 Entity – 1. elements of the E/R Model
and 6 Relationship a. Entity sets
Data Model b. Attributes
c. Relationships
d. Entity Relationship
Diagrams
e. Instances of an E/R
Diagrams
f. Relationships
g. Roles in Relationships
h. Attributes on
Week 9 Roles of Relationships
various actors 2. Design Principles
in database
environment Database Admin, Data admin e.t.c,
Data As A Corporate Resource.

Week 10 Database Backup, restore, what causes Exercise given in class

Security failure . features in to secure a DB
Week 11 Normalisation Definition , the process , the different Exercise given in class
 kinds of normal forms
Week 12 Normalisation Exercises

From Revision This will cover practical aspects of the course and individual and
week 12 - Exercises and group presentations
presentation

Recommended reading
Core Text:
1. Date C.J. (2006) An introduction to database systems. 8th Ed. New Delhi:
Dorling Kindersley, [ISBN 81-7758-556-8]

Further Reading:
1. Kroenke, David (2009). Database concepts. New Jersey : Pearson Education
[ISBN 0136086536]
2. Hoffer, Jeffrey A. (2009). Modern database management. New Jersey :
Pearson Education [ISBN 978-0136003915]
3. Connolly, T & Begg, C (2002) Database Systems - A Practical Approach to
Design, Implementation and Management (3rd Ed.) Addison Wesley ISBN:
0201708574

4. Elmasri, Ramez & Navathe, Shamkant B (2004) Fundamentals of Database

Systems (4th Ed.) Addison Wesley ISBN: 0321122267

Ground rules
a. Late assignments will not be accepted
b. You must achieve 80% class attendance
c. You will work in groups and change groups periodically if need be.
d. Group work must be completed on time as required
e. Switch off your mobile phones while in class.