Relational Databases: Theory and Practice

COMP 3590SED

Course Guide

RELATIONAL DATABASES: THEORY & PRACTICE

COMP 3590SED

Course Guide

RELATIONAL DATABASES: THEORY & PRACTICE

Course Start Date

Aut 2026

Course Level

3000

Length in Terms

2 terms

Credits

6

Language

English

Fees ($) (including lab fees)

11,370

Future Terms

This course may be included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. Click HERE for details of eligibility.

Quota and Schedule

This course may be included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. Click HERE for details of eligibility.

Course Start Date	Course Level	Length in Terms	Credits	Language	Fees ($) (including lab fees)	Future Terms
Aut 2026	3000	2 terms	6	English	11,370

Quota and Schedule

Course Coordinator:

Dr Wyman WANG, BEng (Hons) (HUST); PhD (CUHK)

Course Developer:

Edward SZETO Lok Chun

COMP 3590SED Relational Databases: Theory and Practice is a two-term, six-credit-unit, 3000-level course within the Bachelor of Computing with Honours in Internet Technology (BCITH) programme suite and the Bachelor of Science with Honours in Computing and Networking (BSCICNH) programme suite. It is a compulsory course for BCITH and an elective course for BSCICNH. This course is designed for students to understand the concepts underlying all relational databases and gain practical experience in applying the concepts in different situations.

Aims

This course aims to:

introduce relational databases and illustrate their ubiquity;
identify the need for database management systems, including the facilities required to store and access large data collections in a shared user environment;
introduce the different user requirements and the common requirements for the underlying data;
emphasise the concept of data being used for specific purposes and the importance of data correctness; and
explore underpinning topics such as data modelling and database architecture, setting the stage for further development of these ideas as the course progresses.

Contents

This course consists of the following study units:

Introduction to database systems
Data models and relational representation
Constraints and normal forms
Data retrieval with simple queries
Data retrieval with composite queries
Database definition and administration
SQL control statements
Database life cycle

Learning support

Five forms of tutor-student interaction will be provided in this course, including tutorials, surgeries, online discussion board, email and telephone tutoring.

Tutors will conduct seven two-hour in-person tutorials and three two-hour surgery sessions. At these sessions, tutors will review and reinforce key concepts, discuss topical issues, answer individual student questions, and provide assistance related to assignments.

Assessment

There will be three assignments (50%) and a final examination (50%). Students are required to submit assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE).

Online requirement

This course is supported by the Online Learning Environment (OLE). You can find the latest course information from the OLE. Through the OLE, you can communicate electronically with your tutor, Course Coordinator as well as other students. To access the OLE, students will need to have access to the Internet. The use of the OLE is required for the study of this course.

Equipment

You will need access to a PC-compatible computer with:

1.5 GHz x86 processor
1 GB RAM
Hard disk drive with at least 2 GB free for course software
8 MB graphics card with colour monitor
Internet access

Software

Students will need access to a computer with the Windows operating system.

Set book(s)

There are no set books for this course.

Students with disabilities or special educational needs

Students with serious impairment of sight or manual dexterity may find it difficult to follow this course. Course and supplementary materials are not available on tape. You are encouraged to seek advice from the Course Coordinator before enrolling on this course.

Relational Databases: Theory and Practice

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