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    Overview

    The theory and practice of database design and administration. Survey of research in the database field, such as data mining, multidimensional indexing, temporal databases, and distributed database architectures.

    About this paper

    Paper title Advanced Database Topics
    Subject Computer Science
    EFTS 0.1667
    Points 20 points
    Teaching period(s) Semester 1 (Distance learning)
    Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,371.61
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Eligibility
    There are no formal prerequisites for the 400-level papers, but prior knowledge is assumed (particularly regarding database systems, programming and basic system administration). Admission to these papers is restricted not only by numbers, but by satisfactory grades in 300-level COSC papers. COSC 430 requires students to have experience installing and using software entirely from a text console.
    Contact
    Computer Science Adviser
    Teaching staff

    Lecturers: Dr Yawen Chen
    Dr Haibo Zhang

    Paper Structure

    This paper explores the practical and theoretical concerns of modern approaches to database design and management. The fundamentals of this topic are already covered in COSC 344 (Database Theory and Applications), in which students learn about Entity-Relationship modelling, query languages and client-side application programs. This paper instead concentrates on concepts of database resource management, database administration, the theory of functional dependencies and the state of the art in the field of database research.

    Assessment:

    • Three assignments 8%, 15%, and 17%
    • Final exam 60%
    Teaching Arrangements
    There is one 2-hour lecture per week.
    Some of the practical sessions will be carried out in a computer lab during the lecture time slot.
    Textbooks

    Recommended:
    Elmasri and Navathe, Database Systems, 6th Ed, Pearson, 2011
    David Maier, The theory of relational databases, Pitman, 1983
    C.J. Date, An Introduction to Database Systems, 6th, 7th or 8th Ed, Addison-Wesley, 1995, 2000, 2004

    Course outline
    View the course outline for COSC 430
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    This paper will enable students to:

    • Understand advanced relational database theory
    • Appreciate the limitations of the relational database model and features introduced by alternative database models
    • Contextualise advanced database research topics
    • Perform practical database administration

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Semester 1

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

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 10:00-11:50 9-15, 18-22
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