Beginning Databases

Course Number:

CAS 140

Transcript Title:

Beginning Databases

Created:

Aug 04, 2022

Updated:

May 24, 2025

Total Credits:

4

Lecture Hours:

10

Lecture / Lab Hours:

60

Lab Hours:

0

Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:

No

Satisfies General Education requirement:

No

Grading Options

A-F, P/NP, Audit

Default Grading Options

A-F

Repeats available for credit:

0

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Use a database application to create personal and/or business databases following current professional and/or industry standards.

• Database Fundamentals
  • Introduction to Database Applications
  • Understanding Tables, Fields, and Records
• Database Planning & Design
  • Defining Database Purpose and Structure
  • Establishing Relationships and Keys
• Creating and Managing Tables
  • Setting Up Tables and Fields
  • Configuring Data Types and Constraints
• Data Entry and Validation
  • Efficient Data Input Methods
  • Implementing Validation Rules
• Querying and Retrieving Data
  • Basic SQL Queries (SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY)
  • Using Query Builders and Filters
• Generating Reports and Forms
  • Creating and Formatting Reports
  • Designing User-Friendly Forms
• Database Security and Maintenance
  • Protecting Data and Managing Permissions
  • Backing Up and Restoring Databases

Outcome #2: Use database applications to efficiently retrieve data.

• Introduction to Data Retrieval
  • Understanding Queries and Data Retrieval
  • Exploring Query Tools in Database Applications
• Basic Querying Techniques
  • Selecting Data with Queries
  • Filtering and Sorting Records
• Using SQL for Data Retrieval
  • Writing Basic SELECT Statements
  • Using WHERE, ORDER BY, and DISTINCT Clauses
• Advanced Querying Techniques
  • Using Aggregate Functions (SUM, AVG, COUNT)
  • Grouping Data with GROUP BY and HAVING
• Joining and Relating Data
  • Understanding Primary and Foreign Keys in Queries
  • Using INNER, LEFT, RIGHT, and FULL JOINS
• Parameterized and Action Queries
  • Creating Parameter Queries for User Input
  • Implementing Update, Append, and Delete Queries
• Optimizing Query Performance
  • Indexing for Faster Retrieval
  • Avoiding Redundant and Inefficient Queries

Outcome #3: Apply database design principles to a new or existing database.

• Introduction to Database Design
  • Importance of Good Database Design
  • Common Database Design Pitfalls
• Planning and Structuring a Database
  • Identifying Database Purpose and Requirements
  • Creating an Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD)
• Normalization and Data Organization
  • Understanding Normal Forms (1NF, 2NF, 3NF)
  • Eliminating Redundant Data
• Defining Tables and Relationships
  • Establishing Primary and Foreign Keys
  • Implementing Referential Integrity
• Optimizing Data Storage and Performance
  • Choosing Appropriate Data Types
  • Indexing for Efficient Data Retrieval
• Modifying and Improving an Existing Database
  • Assessing Database Efficiency
  • Redesigning Tables and Relationships
• Ensuring Data Integrity and Security
  • Implementing Constraints and Validation Rules
  • Setting User Permissions and Access Controls

Outcome #4: Communicate in a business setting using database management vocabulary.

• Fundamental Database Terminology
  • Database, Table, Record, Field, Data Type
  • Primary Key, Foreign Key, Index
• Query and Data Retrieval Terms
  • SQL, SELECT, WHERE, JOIN
  • Sorting, Filtering, Aggregation
• Database Design and Structure
  • Normalization, Relationships, Referential Integrity
  • ERD (Entity-Relationship Diagram), Schema
• Business and Industry Terminology
  • Data Governance, Compliance, Security
  • Data Integrity, Backup, Recovery
• Communication in Professional Settings
  • Explaining Database Concepts to Non-Technical Users
  • Writing Documentation and Reports
• Collaboration in Database Projects
  • Working with Teams on Database Design
  • Presenting Database Solutions to Stakeholders

Suggested Texts and Materials

• Text: Libre Office Getting Started Guide 7.3

• Software: Microsoft Office 2019 or greater

• Software: Libre Open Office Base