Page last updated: September 24,
1999
Course Goals and Expectations
You will learn the fundamental concepts underlying database management
systems. As a side effect of this process you will have a level of
understanding sufficient for (i) database administration of
relational, object-oriented, or other database management systems and
(ii) implementation of certain aspects of a DBMS. Specific goals include:
- 1. to understand and be able to use the E/R, relational, and
object-oriented logical data models to design a database
- 2. to effectively manage and use multi-user commercial relational and
object-oriented database management systems
- 3. to understand the tradeoffs involved in various choices
for physical data organization
- 4. to learn the phases of (relational) query processing
- 5. to understand the techniques and tradeoffs involved in
implementing a multi-user DBMS
- 6. to understand the structural and linguistic limitations of
relational DBMSs
- 7. to be able to apply goals 1-6 to evaluate the quality and
suitability of a particular DBMS, relational or otherwise
- 8. to be able to apply goals 1-6 to the implementation and
organization of a DBMS, relational or otherwise
No prior database knowledge is required for this course. You all bring
different perspectives and experiences to this course, and it is my
hope and expectation that you will enrich the classroom environment
(that includes those of you at the remote sites!)
by sharing your views with us appropriately. Please do not be shy in
offering your opinions, questions, or answers. I of course reserve the
right to keep the discussion on track.
During the quarter we will use commercial relational and object-oriented
DBMSs, so there will be some fun hands-on opportunities.