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Database
Fundamentals
Data is the new infrastructure. This course teaches you how to design, query, and manage it with precision and purpose.
What You'll Learn
A full semester of database fundamentals — completed at your own pace, with no deadlines or fixed class times.
What You'll Be Able to Do
- Demonstrate proficiency in database fundamentals by classifying various types of data, such as numerical, textual, and multimedia data, and elucidating their respective sources and definitions; differentiate between relational, hierarchical, and object-oriented databases with concrete examples
- Explain the roles of fundamental database components, including tables, records, and fields, within database structures
- Master essential terminologies like schema, query, and normalization to communicate database concepts with precision and clarity
- Analyze the significance of database records and fields, recognizing their crucial role in organizing data
- Evaluate the purpose and functions of Database Management Systems (DBMS) and compare various DBMS models to demonstrate proficiency of database management principles
- Assess the advantages offered by DBMS, such as data integrity, security, and scalability, to make informed decisions regarding database management strategies.
Major Course Topics
Course chapters and lessons
Database Fundamentals has 21 chapters across 77 instructional hours, as listed in the course syllabus. Expand any chapter to see the lessons inside it.
- Chapters
- 21
- Lessons
- 94
- Instructional hours
- 77 hrs
- Semester hours
- 3
Chapter 1
The Advantages of Databases Over Traditional Data Storage Methods
- 1.1 Evolution of Data Management: From File-based Systems to Database Systems
- 1.2 The Evolution and Importance of the Database Approach in Modern Data Management
Chapter 2
Key Concepts, Objectives, and Challenges of Database Systems
- 2.1 Overview of databases and their fundamental components
- 2.2 The Strategic Importance of Data as an Organizational Asset
- 2.3 Data as a Strategic Asset
- 2.4 Key Components of Database Systems
- 2.5 Key Objectives and Benefits of Database Systems
- 2.6 Challenges and Considerations in Adopting Database Systems
Chapter 3
Key Objectives, Advantages, and Features of Database Management Systems (DBMS)
- 3.1 The Advantages and Key Features of Database Management Systems (DBMS)
- 3.2 Key Objectives and Advantages of a Database Management System
- 3.3 Balancing Effectiveness and Efficiency in Database Systems
Chapter 4
Database System Development: Models, Planning, and Design Frameworks
- 4.1 Types of Data Models in Database Systems
- 4.2 Comprehensive Framework for Developing a Database System Master Plan
- 4.3 Structuring and Phased Development of Database Systems: The Role of Entity Charts in the Master Plan
- 4.4 Comprehensive Approach to Database System Development and Design
Chapter 5
Key Concepts and Phases in Effective Database Design
- 5.1 Comprehensive Overview of Data Modeling and Database Design
- 5.2 Critical Phases and Importance of Database Design
- 5.3 Entity-Relationship (E-R) Model in Data Modeling
- 5.4 Advanced Relationships and Constraints in Entity-Relationship (E-R) Models
- Lab 1: Designing a Simple ER Model
Chapter 6
Comprehensive Database Management System (DBMS) Planning, Design, and Integration
- 6.1 Types and Classifications of Database Management Systems (DBMS)
- 6.2 Comprehensive Techniques and Procedures for Effective Database Management
- 6.3 The Role of Database Management Systems in Organizational Information Systems
Chapter 7
Core Concepts and Operations in the Relational Database Model
- 7.1 Overview of the Relational Data Model and Its Fundamental Concepts
- 7.2 Fundamental Principles of the Relational Database Model
- 7.3 Keys, Relationships, and Integrity in the Relational Database Model
- 7.4 Overview of Relational Algebra Operations in Databases
- Lab 2: Implementing a Relational Database in MS SQL Server
Chapter 8
Introduction to SQL: History, Functions, and Key Operations
- 8.1 Installing and Configuring MySQL Server on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- 8.2 Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL) and Database Creation
- 8.3 Understanding SQL: DDL, Data Types, and Table Creation
- 8.4 Overview of Structured Query Language (SQL) and Its Relational Operations
- 8.5 Advanced SQL Joins and Query Techniques
- Lab 3: Writing Basic SQL Queries (DDL Commands - CREATE, ALTER, DROP)
Chapter 9
Advanced SQL Querying Techniques: Sorting, Grouping, and Using Joins, Functions, and Subqueries
- 9.1 Comprehensive Guide to SQL Data Manipulation Language (DML)
- 9.2 Comprehensive Guide to the SQL INSERT Statement
- 9.3 Modifying and Deleting Data in SQL: Understanding the UPDATE and DELETE Statements
- 9.4 SQL Server Built-in Functions: Aggregate, Conversion, Date, and Mathematical Functions
- 9.5 Understanding SQL Joins: Inner, Outer, and Cross Joins
- 9.6 Advanced SQL Query Techniques: Sorting, Grouping, and Set Operations
- 9.7 Query Optimization Techniques in SQL
- Lab 4: SQL Data Manipulation (DML) and Query Optimization
- Real-World Case Study: Query Optimization in a Large Database System
Chapter 10
Comprehensive Overview of the Entity-Relationship (ER) Model and Its Application in Database Design
- 10.1 Understanding the Entity-Relationship (ER) Data Model
- 10.2 Understanding Attributes, Keys, and Relationships in ER Modeling
- 10.3 Converting ER Models to Data Structure Diagrams: A Practical Approach
- Lab 5: Converting ER Models to SQL Tables
Chapter 11
Understanding Constraints and Relationships in Relational Database Design
- 11.1 Ensuring Data Integrity Through Constraints in Relational Databases
- 11.2 Advanced Relationships and Constraints in Relational Database Design
- 11.3 Understanding Functional Dependencies (Essential for Normalization)
- Lab 6: Implementing Constraints & Data Integrity in SQL
- Real-World Case Studies on Database Constraints and Data Integrity
Chapter 12
Understanding and Resolving Data Dependence and Modification Anomalies in Database Design
- 12.1 Understanding Functional Dependencies and Armstrong's Axioms in Database Design
- 12.2 Understanding Modification Anomalies in Database Design
- 12.3 Understanding and Avoiding Data Dependence Issues in Database Design
Chapter 13
Understanding Functional Dependencies and Avoiding Anomalies in Database Design
- 13.1 Understanding Redundancy in Database Design and Its Impact
- 13.2 Avoiding Anomalies Through Normalization and Functional Dependencies
Chapter 14
Key Concepts and Challenges in Database Normalization
- 14.1 Understanding Normalization in Database Design: A Step-by-Step Guide
- 14.2 Understanding Normalization: First, Second, Third, and Boyce-Codd Normal Forms
- 14.3 Handling Multivalued Dependencies and Achieving Fourth Normal Form in Database Design
- 14.4 Understanding Decomposition and Advanced Normal Forms in Database Design (5NF)
- 14.5 Side Effects and Considerations of Database Normalization
- Lab 7: Normalization & Decomposition
Chapter 15
Comprehensive Database Management and Design: Techniques, Procedures, and Maintenance
- 15.1 Comprehensive Overview of the Software and Database Development Life Cycle
- 15.2 Key Phases of Database Design in a Database Environment
- 15.3 Database Administration and Maintenance Procedures
Chapter 16
The Roles and Responsibilities in Database System Development and Management: From Top Management to Technical Staff
- 16.1 Types of Database Users
- 16.2 The Role of People and User Concerns in Database Systems
- 16.3 Key Roles in Database System Development and Management
- Lab 8: Managing User Roles & Permissions in SQL Server
Chapter 17
Database Administration and Data Dictionary Systems
- 17.1 Comprehensive Overview of Data Dictionary Systems
- 17.2 Comprehensive Database Security: Ensuring Protection Through Logical, Physical, and Disaster Preparedness Measures
- 17.3 Comprehensive Database Recovery Techniques
- 17.4 Managing Concurrent Access in Database Systems
- Lab 9: Implementing Backups & Recovery Strategies
Chapter 18
Distributed Database Management Systems
- 18.1 Distributed Database Management Systems and Client/Server Architectures
- 18.2 Overview of Network Topologies and Data Transmission in Distributed Database Systems
- 18.3 Data Distribution and Concurrency Management in Distributed Database Systems
- 18.4 Recovery and Data Management in Distributed Database Systems
- 18.5 Advantages and Challenges of Distributed Database Environments
- 18.6 Fragmentation, Allocation, and Replication in Distributed Databases
- Lab 10: Configuring a Distributed Database
Chapter 19
Personal Computer Database Systems
- 19.1 The Evolution and Challenges of Organizational Computing: From Mainframes to Personal Computers
- 19.2 Data Security Challenges in Personal Computer Environments
- 19.3 Evaluating Types of Personal Computer Database Systems
Chapter 20
Advanced Data Structures for Efficient Database Management
- 20.1 Efficient Data Access and Representation in Database Systems
- 20.2 Efficient Data Retrieval and Management Using Linked Lists
- 20.3 Optimizing Data Retrieval with Inverted Lists in Database Systems
- 20.4 Efficient Data Management Using B-Trees
Chapter 21
Database Programming & Application Development
- 21.1 Introduction to Database Programming
- 21.2 Writing Stored Procedures, Triggers, and Views in SQL
- 21.3 Interacting with Databases through Programming Languages (Python, Java, etc.)
- 21.4 Database Connectivity: JDBC, ODBC, and Web Applications
- Lab 11: Writing Stored Procedures & Triggers
These chapters come straight from the official course syllabus, which also sets out the graded assignment and the proctored final exam.
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Data is the new infrastructure. This course teaches you how to design, query, and manage it with precision and purpose.
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