BCS 260: Introduction to Database Systems

This course provides the fundamental knowledge of database concepts. Topics studied will include the history and advantages of database systems, and the process of database design including entity-relationship diagrams and database normalization. Students will have hands-on experience using SQL (Structured Query Language). Credits: 3.00

Prerequisites

BCS 120 and BCS 160 with a grade of C or better.

Course Objectives

At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the main concepts of database systems and of relational databases
2. Describe the functions of a database management system
3. Recognize and explain the basic Entity-Relationship (E-R) diagram components
4. Build an E-R diagram using business rules
5. Convert an ER Diagram into relational database tables
6. Normalize a relational database up to and including Boyce-Codd Normal Form
7. Create and perform basic queries and modifications on a database using the SQL DDL and DML
8. Explain the role of database development within the Systems Development Life Cycle
9. Demonstrate a working knowledge of a commercial database management system

Textbooks

• Database Concepts 8th edition, Kroenke & Auer & Vandenberg, Pearson Publishing, ISBN:9780134601533
• SQL in 10 minutes – Sams Teach Yourself 4th Edition, ISBN: 9780672336072 (Forta)

Capstone

During the semester the student will develop a database system.  This system may be built as a team project at the discretion of the professor. The final project portfolio will contain: description of requirements, description of each query and/or report, entity relationship diagram, layout of tables, description of each attribute, copies of data in each table, sample screens from all queries and reports, documentation including: detailed instructions on using the system, backup and recovery instructions.