This course is an in-depth study of the underlying principles of database systems.   Topics include data modelling and reduction, physical representations of data and access paths, and the semantics and theory of several major approaches to database organization, including relational and network.   Extensive discussion of query generation and optimization is included for at least one database system.   Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: CSC 260.

• basic concepts
• overview of database management
• database system architecture
• internal level and storage techniques
• overview of the relational configuration
• description of a sample relational system
• schema (data) definition
• data manipulation
• subschema (view) definition and manipulation
• query (data manipulation) optimization
• relational integrity rules and data structures
• recovery and concurrency concepts
• security and integrity
• support (utility) features
• overview of a network configuration
• description of a sample network system
• data definition
• data manipulation
• current research developments

      The emphasis of this course is on the thorough understanding of the precepts and underlying mechanisms of database systems.   These systems are investigated from two points of view: the internal (design) view, where such topics as physical storage and underlying retrieval algorithms are considered, and the external (user) view, where such topics as query simplicity and ease of use are discussed.   Extensive homework and classroom discussion of query design and implementation serve to acquaint the student with typical applications considerations.

The course grade will be determined using the following approximate weights:   final exam - 30%, other tests and homework - 70%.

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• Date, C. J.   An Introduction to Database Systems.   Seventh Edition.   (Addison-Wesley, 2000)
• * Elmasri, Ramez & Navathe, Shamkant.   Fundamentals of Database Systems.   Third Edition.   (Addison-Wesley, 2000)
• Garcia-Molina, Hector; Ullman, Jeffrey; Widom, Jennifer.   Database System Implementation.   (Prentice-Hall, 2000)
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• Koch, George; Loney, Kevin.   Oracle8: The Complete Reference.  (Osborne/McGraw-Hill)
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