Basic notions on computer programming (only suggested).
Introduction to data management problems in information systems and database design methodologies. Introduction to the EU rules governing the management of personal data.
The student will acquire the reasoning schemes to analyze and design a corporate database and use data management systems (DBMS). The student will also acquire the basic notions regarding the EU rules for the protection of personal data.
Conceptual design: Entity-Relationship model.
Logic design: the relational data model.
Techniques for representing conceptual schemas into the relational data model.
Querying data: relational algebra.
The SQL language: simple queries, with selection, grouping, and aggregate functions, different types of Join, and nested queries. Introduction to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Teaching will take place through lectures, but giving importance to confrontation and direct dialogue with the students, who, during the lessons, will be able to formulate questions and proposals for further study. Great importance will also be given to the exercises that will be carried out in the classroom by both the teacher and the students themselves. In some cases the exercises will be carried out using personal computers.
The exam consists of a written test. The test contains four types of exercises:
(1) a conceptual modeling exercise;
(2) a logical design exercise;
(3) an exercise about queries in both relational algebra and SQL;
(4) theoretical questions on the course content.
If it will be necessary to hold the course remotely or in a mixed way, the syllabus could be modified in order to make the course and the exams suitable for these teaching methods.