Databases

2021/2022

Academic Year

ENG

Instruction in English

5

ECTS credits

Delivered at:

Department of Sociology

Course type:

Elective course

When:

2 year, 1, 2 module

Instructor

Kuznetsova, Anastasiya

Course Syllabus

Abstract

We will cover database theory, characteristics of contemporary DBMS landscape, Relational Algebra, Entity Relationship modeling of different domains, SQL and its dialects, different approaches to data modelling. Course DB project will include group modelling of a complex domain area, design, and implementation of DB for this area, including relationships, triggers, stored procedures, complex queries. Applications of databases to Business Intelligence are also discussed through the course, including the integration of predictive analytics with DBMS and user BI systems. Course BI project will include defining BI goals, setting KPI and designing dashboards for a particular case from different domain areas. Visualization of business metrics and dashboards design will become a special topic of the course, which will allow students to get familiar with the process of data communication. Data-driven dashboards, being one of the most essential parts of Business Intelligence, will be discussed a lot.

Learning Objectives

• introduces database design and querying in different Database Management Systems. Emphasis is both on database design and on applications of databases to analytical tasks.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• design and implement normalized database structures by creating database tables, queries, triggers, stored procedures, reports, and forms
• model different domain areas using ER approach
• perform typical BI reporting queries using SQL and analytical tools
• produce custom reports and dashboards based on DB data in Tableau and/or Power BI
• understand applications of BI to decision support in modern companies

Course Contents

• Fundamentals of Databases: Relational Algebra, ER modelling
• Database Design
• SQL
• Dashboards design and basics of BI

Assessment Elements

• Seminar participation
  Seminar participation can be replaced with extra homework.
• In-class test on ER diagrams and Relational Schemas
  If the student were not able to attend the in-class test without a valid excuse, the in-class test can be retaken in the next two days with its score reduced by 1 point. If the student were not able to attend the in-class test with a valid excuse, the in-class test can be retaken without any penalties. Confirmation of the valid excuse is required. Retake time is negotiated individually.
• In-class test on SQL queries
  If the student were not able to attend the in-class test without a valid excuse, the in-class test can be retaken in the next two days with its score reduced by 1 point. If the student were not able to attend the in-class test with a valid excuse, the in-class test can be retaken without any penalties. Confirmation of the valid excuse is required. Retake time is negotiated individually.
• DB Project
  If the project was submitted an hour after the deadline, the score for it is reduced by 1 point, 6 hours - by 5 points, after 7 hours after the deadline projects are not accepted.
• BI Project
  If the project was submitted an hour after the deadline, the score for it is reduced by 1 point, 6 hours - by 5 points, after 7 hours after the deadline projects are not accepted.
• 80-minute final test

Interim Assessment

• 2021/2022 2nd module
  0.2 * 80-minute final test + 0.1 * In-class test on ER diagrams and Relational Schemas + 0.1 * Seminar participation + 0.1 * In-class test on SQL queries + 0.25 * BI Project + 0.25 * DB Project

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Churcher, C. (2012). Beginning Database Design : From Novice to Professional (Vol. 2nd ed). New York: Apress. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1173722
• Foster, E. C., & Godbole, S. (2014). Database Systems : A Pragmatic Approach. [Berkeley, CA]: Apress. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=933677

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Khan, A. (2016). Jumpstart Tableau : A Step-By-Step Guide to Better Data Visualization. [United States]: Apress. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1250591
• Laursen, G. H. N., & Thorlund, J. (2010). Business Analytics for Managers : Taking Business Intelligence Beyond Reporting. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=330345
• Monsey, M., & Sochan, P. (2016). Tableau For Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: For Dummies. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1082334
• Rockoff, L. (2017). The Language of SQL (Vol. Second edition). Hoboken, NJ: Addison-Wesley Professional. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1601663