CS403

CS403 – Database Management Systems

CS403 – Database Management Systems is a foundational course designed to provide students with a deep understanding of how data is stored, organized, managed, and retrieved using modern database systems. It begins by highlighting the limitations of traditional file systems and explains how databases offer improved data integrity, reduced redundancy, and efficient access to information. The course emphasizes the relational model while also introducing hierarchical and network models. A major focus is placed on designing databases using Entity-Relationship (ER) modeling, which helps students visually capture real-world data requirements and translate them into relational schemas. Students learn the practical use of Structured Query Language (SQL), covering commands for data definition, manipulation, and retrieval, including complex queries involving joins, subqueries, aggregate functions, and views. Alongside SQL, the theoretical foundation is laid through topics like relational algebra and relational calculus. The course thoroughly covers normalization techniques, from First Normal Form (1NF) to Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF), ensuring students understand how to optimize database structure and eliminate redundancy. CS403 also explores performance-enhancing concepts like indexing and hashing, as well as the critical areas of transactions, concurrency control, and database recovery mechanisms to maintain consistency in multi-user environments. Topics such as ACID properties, deadlock handling, and checkpointing are also discussed in detail. Furthermore, the course introduces essential aspects of database security, including access control, encryption, and privilege management. It explains the three-schema architecture and overall DBMS system architecture, offering insights into how databases abstract complexity from end users and applications. Through theoretical learning and hands-on practice with real-world tools like MySQL or Oracle, students are prepared to take on roles such as database developers, administrators, or analysts. CS403 ultimately equips learners with the conceptual knowledge and practical skills needed to design, implement, and manage robust, efficient, and secure database systems in both academic and professional settings.