Main Field of Study and progress level:
Computing Science: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass with merit, Pass, Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Computing Science
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2017-10-02
Contents
The course consists of two parts: Part 1, principles, 4.5 credits
This part discusses theories and techniques concerning the following areas:
advanced SQL, including triggers, OLAP, recursive queries;
basic XML and its associated query languages;
properties and performance of storage devices including hard disks, RAID levels;
storage structures for database-management systems, including record models, indices, clustering, B-trees and B+-trees, hash-based structures;
query processing and optimization, view maintenance, and materialization of views;
concurrency modelling for transactions, the ACID criteria, isolation levels, locking and locked-based protocols, granularity of locking, and avoidance and handling of deadlock;
recovery from failure, logging protocols, immediate and deferred update, checkpoints, and buffer management.
Part 2, practice, 3 credits In the practice part some of the theories and techniques discussed in the principles part are put into practice. This part consists of a series of mandatory practical assignments.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding After completing the course the student will be able to:
exhibit competence in select advanced query techniques for relational database systems; (FSR1);
display a basic understanding of data modelling and querying in the context of semistructured data; (FSR2).
in precise technical terms, describe and contrast the various data structures and algorithms employed for internal storage in database-management systems; (FSR3)
discuss the algorithms used for internal optimization of SQL queries in modern database-management systems; (FSR4)
exhibit a understanding of the properties and use of concurrency models for transactions in modern database-management systems; (FSR5)
in precise technical terms, describe the principal approaches used in modern database-management systems for recovery from various types of transaction and system failure. (FSR6)
Skills and abilities After completing the course the student will be able to:
design, implement, and document in English advanced queries in SQL involving the use of triggers, recursion, and OLAP-style expression (FSR7);
design simple schemata in XML, represent data within those schemata, and express simple queries on those schemata (FSR8);
compute quality parameters, such as size and performance, for physical representations of relational data; (FSR9);
identify an appropriate mode of isolation of a set of transactions for a given application setting; (FSR10)
Required Knowledge
To be admitted you must have 60 ECTS-credits in Computing Science or 2 years of completed studies, in both cases including the courses Introduction to Database Management (5DV119) and C-programming and Unix (5DV088) or equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section). Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
Form of instruction
Instruction consists of lectures and mandatory assignments. In addition to scheduled activities, individual work with the material is also required.
Examination modes
The examination consists of a written exam in Part 1 (FSR 1-11) and by grading the mandatory assignments in Part 2 (FSR 1-11).
In Part 1, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (3) or Pass with Mark (4), or Pass with Distinction (5). In Part 2 the grades given are Fail (U) or Pass (G). On the course as a whole, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (3) or Pass with Mark (4), or Pass with Distinction (5). In order to pass the course completely all mandatory parts must be passed as well. The final grade of the course is a summary assessment of the results and decided only after all mandatory parts are passed. A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.
For all students who do not pass the regular examination there there are additional opportunities to do the examination. A student who has taken two tests for a course or segment of a course, without passing, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there exist special reasons (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 6, section 22). Requests for new examiners are made to the head of the Department of Computing Science.
Other regulations
Transfer of credits This course may not be used towards a degree, in whole or in part, simultaneously with another course of similar content. If in doubt, consult the student counselors at the Department of Computing Science and / or program director of your program.
In particular, this course can not, in whole or in part, be used in a degree together with 5DV052 Advanced Data Models and Systems but may be used in a degree together with 5DV021 Principles of Database Systems.
Transfer of credits is considered individually (see the University Code of Rules and regulations for transfer of credits). An application for transfer of credits is made on a special form and should be submitted to the Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå University.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
