AIMS 3710 Database Management Systems

3 semester hours

This course is intended for the student who wishes to become more proficient at developing and managing database applications. It is designed to provide an introduction to the conceptual foundations underlying database management systems, with an emphasis on its applications in business and organizations. The course begins with an introduction to the fundamental principles of database design-from data modeling to the actual implementation of a business application. Particular emphasis will be placed on the careful planning and analysis of business needs, which will lead to the appropriate development of an Entity-Relationship Model. Using these principles, each student will design and implement a database application using Access. This part of the course will employ lectures describing database theory, as well as hands-on tutorials demonstrating database concepts using Access. The second part of the course will further investigate the relational model, which is the basis for the most popular DBMS products on the marketplace today (i.e., Oracle, SQL Server, MS Access, Sybase). Topics to be studied include relational algebra, Structured Query Language (SQL), and maintaining data integrity in a relational design. In addition, important managerial concerns will be covered including database administration and the management of multi-user databases. No prior knowledge of database management systems is required, although a strong aptitude for computer-related work is helpful.

Prerequisites: ACCT 3140 or AIMS 2710 ; BADM 1030 with a grade of C (2.0) or better; or consent of instructor and approval of Associate Dean.