Databases

General

• Code: 751
• Semester: 7th
• Study Level: Undergraduate
• Course type: Special Background
• Teaching and exams language: Greek
• Teaching Methods (Hours/Week): Lectures and Practice work (3)
• ECTS Units: 6
• Course homepage: https://elearning.cm.ihu.gr/course/view.php?id=481
• Instructors: Kydros Dimitrios

Course Contents

1. Memory aids, organization of memory aids.
2. File-based data storage, disadvantages and proposed solutions.
3. The concept of Databases, advantages.
4. Basic data models.
5. Logical models, Entity-Relationship Diagrams.
6. Relationship Entity Diagrams (continued).
7. Implementation models, Relational Model.
8. Relational model (continued).
9. Algorithm for converting an Entity-Relationship Diagram into a Relational Model.
10. Small database applications.
11. Newer developments – Applications in accounting and financial environments.
12. Applications Using Free Software.
13. SQL Introductory Issues.

Educational Goals

The general objective of the course is to provide the foundation of database science and, more specifically, the enrichment of the student’s knowledge with the principle of conceptual and logical modeling and design of databases, database programming languages ​​as well as the possibilities of implementing databases that are provided today by database management systems. The course aims to present an introduction to the theory and applications of modern Databases. The students will acquire knowledge of database operation, distinguish the advantages of applications developed in a relational database environment and implement business applications. Another goal is to engage students in the collaborative design of a database during the group work phase.

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Recognize the need to organize data in a structured format.
• Distinguish and explore the possibilities offered by various forms of data organization.
• Leverage applications that organize data.
• Examine and produce collections of data with specific strengths.
• Recognize the advantages of organizing data in relational database format.
• Analyze and design entity-relationship diagrams of small organizations and enterprises.
• Implement algorithms to convert relational entity diagrams into relational tables.
• Create or reconstruct databases for specific problems.
• Acquire application skills and implement databases.
• Acquire knowledge of relational algebra and apply the knowledge to creating queries in relational databases.
• Develop interface and reporting environments for databases.
• Evaluate and compare different Database Management System technologies.

General Skills

• Independent work.
• Search for, analysis and synthesis of data and information, with the use of the necessary technology.
• Working in an interdisciplinary environment Decision making.
• Production of free, creative and inductive thinking.

Teaching Methods

• In the classroom, face to face.

Use of ICT means

• Basic software (windows, word, power point, the web, etc.).
• Support of learning process through the electronic platform / e-class.

Teaching Organization

Students Evaluation

Written final exams (60%) that may include:

• Judgemental questions.
• Short answer questions.
• Application exercises.
• True/false and multiple choice questions.
• Composite theoratical questions.

In each question, corresponding evaluation points are specified.
Optional assignment (Essay writing and presentation) corresponds to 40% of the final grade.

Recommended Bibliography

1. Κεχρής Ε., Σχεσιακές Βάσεις Δεδομένων, Νέα αναθεωρημένη έκδοση, Κριτική 2015.
2. GARCIA-MOLINA, ULLMAN, WIDOM, ΣΥΣΤΗΜΑΤΑ ΒΑΣΕΩΝ ΔΕΔΟΜΕΝΩΝ (ΣΕ ΕΝΑΝ ΤΟΜΟ), ΙΔΡΥΜΑ ΤΕΧΝΟΛΟΓΙΑΣ & ΕΡΕΥΝΑΣ-ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΑΚΕΣ ΕΚΔΟΣΕΙΣ ΚΡΗΤΗΣ, 2012.