This course is concerned with the application of DataBase Management Systems (DBMS) to solve a wide range of information storage and retrieval problems, particularly in information centers for business applications and in library (digital or otherwise) settings. We will combine the practical aspects of DBMS use with more theoretical discussions of database design methodologies and the "internals" of database systems.
The major work in the course will be practical, you will design your own database and implement it on three different DBMS running on two different computer systems. The Database Management Systems that we will be using in this course are: MicroSoft Access for Windows running on IBM Personal Computers, and the Oracle relational system, (and we might possibly have some use of the Informix object-relational system) running on Unix.
In the theoretical portion of the course we will examine the major types, or data models, of DBMS (hierarchical, network, relational, and object-oriented). We will discuss the principles and problems of database design, operation, and maintenance for each data model.
The course is intended to prepare you to design, develop and use Databases in an organizational context with a special emphasis on the use of relational Database Management Systems (DBMS). We will explore the practices, issues and theoretical foundations of organizing and analyzing information and information content for storage and representation in DBMS, and explore the methods of designing and implementing database applications using current DBMS technology. Students will learn to use a set of tools and procedures for designing databases and also for building applications that use those databases.
These topics will be examined through readings, discussion, hands-on experience using various database management systems.