Addis Ababa University School of Commerce
Course Outline
Course Title: Database Systems
Course No: BAIS3061
Credit hours: 3
Instructor: Kuribachew Gizaw (PhD)
Course Description
This course introduces the basic concepts and elements of database systems. It will
cover the fundamentals of database modeling, design and implementation. There are
various approaches to designing databases. These approaches are continually evolving.
You will learn Entity Relationship models and normalization as main tools for
designing databases. Relational databases are emphasized throughout the course.
Databases will be implemented on software packages with an emphasis on SQL. Some
selected database issues like database Security, Reliability, and Integrity will also be
overviewed.
Course Objectives
After completing this course students will able to:
Differentiate between traditional file-based systems and database systems
Describe the ANSI-SPARC database architecture
Describe database development life cycle
Design a database using conceptual, logical and physical database design methods
Write SQL statements to define and manipulate databases
Describe the type of database threats and methods to control them.
Course Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction to Database Systems
1.1 Overview
1.2 Needs of databases
1.3 File-based approach Vs. Database approach
1.4 Limitations of file-based systems
1.5 Advantages and disadvantages of database systems
1.6 Roles of people in database environment
1.7 The ANSI-SPARC database architecture
Chapter 2: Database Management Systems (DBMSs)
2.1 Introduction to DBMSs
2.2 Brief history of DBMS
2.3Types of DBMSs
2.4 Functions of DBMSs
2.5 Components of DBMS
Chapter 3: The Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMSs)
3.1Itrodction to RDBMSs
3.1Terminologies
3.2 Integrity Constraints
3.3 Views
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Chapter 4: Database Designs
4.1 Overview of database designs
4.2 Conceptual Design using ER-modeling
4.3 Logical Design
4.3.1 Converting (or mapping) ER Diagram to Relational Tables
4.3.2 Normalization
4.3 Physical Design
Chapter 5: Query Languages
5.1Relational Algebra
5.2 Relational Calculus
5.3 Structured Query Languages (SQL)
Chapter 6: Overviews of Selected Database Issues
6.1 Security
6.2 Reliability
6.3 Integrity
Course Materials
Textbooks:
Thomas M. Connolly, Carolyn E. Begg, Database Systems: A practical
Approach to Design, Implementation, and Management, Fourth Edition,
Pearson Education Limited, 2005
R. Elmasri and S. Navathe, Fundamentals of Database Systems, 4th Edition,
Addison-Wesley, 2003, ISBN: 0-321-12226-7. (The 3rd Edition, ISBN 0-
8053-1755-4, is also acceptable).
Reference Materials
R. Ramakrishnan and J. Gehrke, Database Management Systems, 3rd Edition,
McGraw-Hill, 2002, ISBN: 0-07-232206-3.
Database management system by CJ Date 2004
Introduction to Database management System by Bipin C Desai 2000
M. Kifer, A. Bernstein, and P.M. Lewis Database Systems, An application
oriented approach, second edition, Addison-Wesley, 2005, ISBN: 0-321-
26845-8
Methodology
Lecture based with SQL practice in MS Access/MS- SQL Server/ Oracle or other
DBMS software’s and assignments and projects of designing a database
Evaluation Scheme
1. Assignments and/or project 20%
2. Tests 30%
3. Final Examination 50%
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