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    Overview

    An introduction to fundamental database technology, including database theory, database design, and extensive practical work.

    About this paper

    Paper title Database Theory and Applications
    Subject Computer Science
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    COSC 203 or COSC 242
    Restriction
    COSC 444
    Recommended Preparation
    COSC 201
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Science
    Contact

    Computer Science Adviser

    Teaching staff

    Dr Nigel Stanger

    Paper Structure

    Database theory, design, implementation, use, and administration, focusing on the Relational Model of Data and SQL database management systems (DBMSs). Relational theory, including relational algebra, functional dependencies, and normalisation. Advanced features of SQL including server-side database programming and triggers. Database administration including recovery and protection, transactions and concurrency, query optimisation and performance, and underlying storage structures and access methods. Includes an introduction to distributed databases and NoSQL DBMSs.

    Teaching Arrangements
    There are two 1-hour lectures and a 2-hour lab per week. Weekly exercises also have to be completed.
    Textbooks

    Recommended:
    Elmasri, R. & Navathe, S., Database Systems: Models, Languages, Design, and Application Programming (7th Edition), 2016.

    Course outline

    View the course outline for COSC344

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Lifelong learning, Critical thinking, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students will:

    • Design and implement a database in an SQL database management system, based on a high-level specification.
    • Master advanced features of SQL.
    • Understand key database administration tasks including security management, backup and recovery, and concurrent data access.
    • Understand internal storage mechanisms of a database management system and how these affect database and query performance.
    • Understand issues relating to distributed data management and NoSQL database systems
    Assessment details
    • Assignment and lab work 40%
    • Final exam 60%

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Aoroa

    Computer Lab

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Friday 08:00-09:50 9-13, 16-22
    A2 Wednesday 16:00-17:50 9-14, 16-22
    Thursday 15:00-16:50 14

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 09:00-09:50 9-14, 16-17, 19-22
    Wednesday 10:00-10:50 9-14, 16-22
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