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
Mc Graw-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 oral examination where a lab project will be discussed. The lab project consists of two parts: i) the design of a conceptual and a logical model for a database (the requirements for such a database are assigned by the teachers) and ii) about 10-20 SQL queries assigned by the teacher on an existing database also assigned by the teacher. The lab project is carried out by the students working in small groups of approximately up to three people. The students are expected to write a report about their lab project to be delivered to the teacher a few days before the discussion. The individual oral examination can be supplemented with questions regarding the basic concepts of relational databases using as a basis the students’ report. The total score of this partial test is 30 points.
The overall assessment will take account of 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.