CS340 - Introduction to Database Systems¶

CS340 introduces database concepts, database architecture, conceptual data modeling, logical database design, relational constraints, relational algebra, SQL, normalization, teamwork-based database projects, and emergent database topics such as object-oriented databases, NoSQL theory, and MongoDB CRUD operations.

Course project

I created and documented a CS340 full stack database project for this course. You can view the portfolio entry and open the project here: Project portfolio · Project site · Repository

Course Information¶

Item	Details
Course code	CS340
Course title	Introduction to Database Systems
Credits/contact hours	3 credits
Prerequisite	CS210 Data Structures
Main textbook	Elmasri and Navathe, Fundamentals of Database Systems, 7th ed.

Course Learning Outcomes¶

By the end of CS340, students should be able to:

Describe basic database concepts, architecture, and DBMS principles.
Develop conceptual models using ER, EER, or UML notation.
Create logical database designs from conceptual ER models.
Apply functional dependencies and normalization forms such as 1NF, 2NF, 3NF, and BCNF.
Create relational schemas using keys, entity integrity, and referential integrity.
Work effectively in a team to design, implement, and present a database project.

Course Content¶

Chapters 1-2 - Database Fundamentals and Architecture

DBMS concepts, database approach characteristics and advantages, database users, data models, schemas, database languages, and architecture.
Chapters 3-4 - ER and EER Data Modeling

Conceptual modeling with Entity-Relationship and Enhanced ER models.
Chapter 5 - Relational Data Model and Constraints

Relations, keys, relational constraints, entity integrity, and referential integrity.
Chapter 9 - ER-to-Relational Mapping

Mapping conceptual ER/EER designs into relational schemas.
Chapter 8 - Relational Algebra

Algebraic query formulation using relational operators.
Chapter 6 - Basic SQL

SQL data definition, constraints, and basic queries.
Chapter 7 - Advanced SQL

Complex queries, views, and advanced SQL features.
Chapters 14-15 - Functional Dependencies and Normalization

Functional dependencies, normal forms, decomposition, and schema quality.
Emergent Database Topics

Object-oriented databases, NoSQL database theory, and MongoDB CRUD lab operations.
Final Project

Team-based database design, implementation, documentation, and presentation.

Assessments¶

Assessment	Weight
Class assignment	5%
Two quizzes	10%
Two major exams	25%
Project	15%
Attendance	5%
Final exam	40%

Current Site Coverage¶

Syllabus topic	Current site material	Status
Database fundamentals and architecture	Chapter 1/2 notes and slides	Covered
ER/EER modeling	Chapter 2/3 materials and slides	Covered
Relational model and constraints	Chapter 3/4 materials and slides	Covered
ER-to-relational mapping	Chapter 5/6 materials and slides	Covered
Relational algebra	Covered in study material	Covered
Basic and advanced SQL	Chapter 4/5 notes and Chapter 6/7 slides	Covered
Functional dependencies and normalization	Chapter 6/7 notes and Chapter 9 slides	Covered
Object-oriented and NoSQL databases	Chapter 9 notes and Chapter 10 slides	Covered
MongoDB CRUD lab operations	Covered under emergent database topics	Covered
Final project	Project concepts are supported by modeling, SQL, and design pages	Covered

Study Path¶

Start with database fundamentals and DBMS architecture.
Study ER/EER modeling and relational constraints.
Learn ER-to-relational mapping before writing SQL.
Practice relational algebra, then basic and advanced SQL.
Study normalization and functional dependencies.
Finish with NoSQL/object-oriented topics and MongoDB practice.
Use the project to connect conceptual design, implementation, and presentation skills.

Source

This overview was updated from the CS340 course syllabus and the current files in the CS340 section of this site.