Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

On completion of this course the student should be able to:

• Describe and explain the importance of database processing and database development.
• Design and prepare a data model using an Entity-Relationship diagram and a Semantic Object Model diagram.
• Communicate effectively with database professionals using relational database terminology.
• Communicate effectively with database professionals regarding the rules of normalization.
• Prepare queries to a database using Structured Query Language.
• Analyze the impact of database applications and learn the techniques for developing views, forms and reports.
• Describe the significance of multi-user databases and the need for backup/recovery and security of databases.
• Analyze the effects of the Internet on databases in the client/server implementation.

• Design and prepare a data model using an Entity-Relationship diagram and a Semantic Object Model diagram.
  • Apply technology to create data designs using both the E-R model and the Semantic Object model.
  • Data model should be a real business or personal database.
  • Data model should include at least 5 and not more than 8 strong entities/objects.
  • Data model should include 1:N and M:N relationships.

• Prepare queries to a database using Structured Query Language.
  • Write queries using basic SQL including WHERE, built-in functions, subqueries, joins, LIKE, BETWEEN, EXISTS

• In satisfying the assessments, students must dmonstrate written communication skills. Other assessment choices include:
  • Contextual written tasks in or outside of class.
  • Written case study analysis.
  • Individual or group projects.
  • Class presentations.
  • Quizzes and/or examinations.
  • In class interactive role-plays

Describe and explain the importance of database processing and database development.

• Use appropriate terminology to describe database management systems

Design and prepare a data model using an Entity-Relationship diagram and a Semantic
Object Model diagram.

• Apply technology to create designs using both the E-R model and the Semantic Object model.

Communicate effectively with database professionals using relational database terminology.

• Distinguish the basic components of a relational database

Communicate effectively with database professionals regarding the rules of normalization.

• Distinguish the various normal forms leading to domain key normal form
• Identify reasons for denormalization

Use the operations of relational algebra which form the foundation for data manipulation

• Distinguish among union, intersection, difference, product, selection, projection, equi-joins and outer joins.

Prepare queries to a database using Structured Query Language.

• Write queries using basic SQL including WHERE, built-in functions, subqueries, joins, LIKE, BETWEEN, EXISTS

Analyze the impact of database applications and learn the techniques for developing views, forms and reports.

• Distinguish views and materialization of views in forms and reports
• Assess the value of constraints and data integrity
• Use features like drop-down lists, buttons, check boxes, special purpose keys

Describe the significance of multi-user databases and the need for backup/recovery and security of databases.

• Identify the need for transaction processing, commit and rollback commands
• Assess various locking features
• Assess various security privileges

Analyze the effects of the Internet on databases in the client/server implementation.

• Identify the 3 tier architecture and the roles of the various components
• Assess the process of embedding SQL in other programming language