East Carolina University
Department of Computer Science

CSCI 3700
Database Management Systems
Standard Syllabus

Catalog entry

P: CSCI 2540 or CSCI 3200. Theory and techniques of relational, hierarchical, and network database management systems.

Course summary

This course focuses on the theory and techniques of relational database. It covers the fundamental concepts of the relational model and entity-relationship model, the SQL query languages, and the database design theory. It also aims to develop students' skills to design and implement databases.

ORACLE is currently used for the course as a practical database management system.

Course topics

• The E-R model and conversion from E-R model to relational model.
• The relational model and relational algebra query language.
• SQL, including SQL data types, data definition, simple and complex SQL queries, views, indexes, modification of the database.
• Advanced SQL, including integrity constraints, authorization, embedded SQL, triggers, assertions, store procedures.
• Relational database design theory.

Student learning outcomes

• Employ the principals of relational database model.
• Design database using E-R model and convert from E-R model to relational model.
• Use relational algebra and SQL query languages to write simple to complex queries.
• Use Oracle to implement and manipulate databases.
• Evaluate and improve the database design through database normalization.

Textbook

Grading

Grading will be based on a midterm, a final exam, assignments, and quizzes. The midterm exam counts 25%, final exam 30%, assignments and quizzes 45%.

Grade cutoffs are 94% for an A, 90% for an A-, 87% for a B+, 83% for a B, 80% for a B-, 77% for a C+, 73% for a C, 70% for a C-, 67% for a D+, 63 for a D, 60% for a D-, below 60% for a F.

Grade meanings