Ateneo - UPO

Among the main data models presented in data base literature, the course presents the relational model
and, in particular, it focuses on its theoretical aspects. Conceptual models are introduced for database
design and the logical structure of the database is analyzed through the notion of normal forms.
Sperimentazioni: We introduce some case studies and we design databases for such case studies by
defining conceptual and logical models. We also introduce the SQL language for the management of a
database

Atzeni, Ceri, Fraternali, Paraboschi, Torlone, Basi di Dati: Modelli e Linguaggi di Interrogazione, McGraw-Hill, sesta edizione, 2023

The course aims at introducing the main methodological and formal tools for designing the logical
structure of a relational database, starting from the requirements specification. Another aim is to
promote the development by students of practical skills in the conceptual and logical design of a
database and of skills in the use of SQL language in both the definition and manipulation of databases.

The students must have completed the first-year courses in Programming and Computer Architecture.

Lectures and exercises in the classroom and computer lab.

2/3 of the lessons of the course are classroom lessons and 1/3 are in the laboratory.

The students should have acquired the base notions of the relational model, of the entity-relation model,
of normalization theory, and basic elements of DB architectures.
Sperimentazioni: for successfully completing Sperimentazioni the students should prove to have
learned the basic concepts relating to database design and the use of SQL language, through the
realization of a lab project.
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request
specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e
agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-
physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education
needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to
define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Fondamenti: A written examination and an optional discussion. The exam involves several questions on different subjects within the course contents. The evaluation takes into account the answers to the different questions. Sperimentazioni: an individual examination on the platform DIR, with the support of the DBMS PostgreSQL, available on the computers in the Computer Science Laboratory. The exercises deal with the different topics within the course contents, including the formulation of SQL queries assigned by the teacher on a database developed by the students (based to the given requirements), or on a database provided by the teacher. The exam may also include an oral discussion about a lab project consisting in the design of a conceptual and a logical model for a database (the requirements for such a database are assigned by the teachers). The maximum score for each part of the course will be 30 points (possibly with laude). The overall assessment will take into account the partial scores obtained in the two parts.

Among the main data models presented in data base literature, the course presents the relational model
and, in particular, it focuses on its theoretical aspects. Conceptual models are introduced for database
design and the logical structure of the database is analyzed through the notion of normal forms. The
course consists of the following parts: Relational Model; Relational Algebra; Entity-Relationship
Model; translation from the ER model to the relational model; Normal Forms. The threelevel architecture of a
DBMS is introduced. The main notions on indexes and transactions are briefly discussed.
Sperimentazioni: Conceptual and logical design: introduction of case studies. Introduction to SQL: Data
Definition Language, Data Manipulation Language and Query Language. Implementation and
management of a relational database using SQL through the implementation of some case studies in the
computer lab. Use of the PostgreSQL DBMS.

The achievement, up to a degree measured by grades, of the learning goals.