INF-21306 Data Management

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Fluency in English, at ease with computers, basic mathematics.

Continuation courses:

INF-51306 Big Data, INF-31306 Information Systems for Managers and Engineers, INF-50806 Agent-Based Modelling of Complex Adaptive Systems, thesis work

Contents:

This course covers database design and the use of databases in applications, with a focus on applications in the life sciences. Topics include the relational model, database design principles, the structured query language (SQL), including temporal and spatial queries. Data lifecycle topics and contemporary issues for data scientists and practitioners are also introduced, i.e. big data, FAIR principles, data governance, licensing, privacy, blockchains.
The course includes extensive practical work in the design, construction and use of databases in the students' field of study. Practical work involves MySQL and Microsoft Access.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- demonstrate a managerial perspective on an organization's memory;
- explain key concepts of data modelling and databases (i.e. entities, relationships, primary and foreign keys);
- interpret data model diagrams using different notations (E-R diagrams);
- compile database queries with SQL; including nested subqueries, arithmetic, logical and spatial operations;
- analyse a realistic data problem and propose a data design solution;
- design and implement a database for a problem in their field of study;
- debate some of the contemporary challenges in data management, as FAIR principles, security, big data, blockchains, privacy, licensing, etc.

Activities:

- take a tutorial in a database package (MS Access or MySQL);
- do database design exercises;
- do advanced database querying exercises;
- study the course book "Data Management";
- perform a database development project in a team, write a report on it, present the results.

Examination:

- three (3) individual closed book quizzes (50%, needs a minimum mark of 5.0 to pass);
- team assignment (50%, needs a minimum mark of 5.5 to pass).
Quizzes are scheduled in the three first weeks.
There is one quiz re-examination in week 4 for cases of force majeure.

Literature:

The book for the course is:
Richard T. Watson. Data Management, Databases and Organizations. 6th ed. (e-book).
Blackboard offers support material: study guide, explanatory texts, self-tests, sample exam questions and sample project results of prior teams.