Study

Distance course in

Principles of Databases

This course introduces participants to databases and data manipulation. The course focuses on thematic (also known as attribute) databases, the relational data model, and queries in the query language SQL. Database engineering is an important tool for any type of information management. The techniques learnt will be useful in a variety of settings in professional life.

For whom is the course relevant?

The course is relevant for anyone working with (usually large) collections of structured data. It focuses on what database technology has to offer, and lays the foundation for more advanced data handling techniques covered in other courses. We expect a basic level of computer skills and independence from participants, as well as familiarity with standard Windows software and secondary school discrete mathematics, and the ability to explore new software and new datasets.

What is the course content?

The course covers the following topics:

• what purposes do databases serve, and when should they be used?
• database management systems
• the relational data model
• set theory and mathematical logic as a foundation for data manipulation
• database querying using SQL
• database maintenance
• introduction to database design and UML
• database implementation.

What will be achieved?

Participants will learn how database management systems work, what stored tables and queries are, and how to define queries in SQL. In addition, the first aspects of database design will be covered.

On completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• explain the fundamentals of the relational data model
• formulate simple queries in mathematics
• define, execute and verify SQL queries against an existing relational database
• follow simple steps in database design (UML class diagrams).

Learning from a distance, how is it like?

The general approach of the course is task based learning which blends theory and practice. The study load is 20 to 24 hours per week. All materials including (most of) the software will be provided online in ITC's digital learning environment Blackboard. For convenient offline study most materials will be sent on a CD-Rom. We will use email for individual communication and a discussion board in Blackboard for group communication.

Admission requirements

Academic level and background
Applicants for the Distance programme should have a Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised university in a discipline related to the course, preferably combined with working experience in a relevant field.

As all courses are given in English, proficiency in the English language is a prerequisite. Participants in Distance programme are exempted from an English language test. However, ITC expects their proficiency in the English language to meet the minimum requirements mentioned below.

Applicants for the Distance education programme must have elementary computer experience, and internet, e-mail and bulletin board skills.

Distance courses require knowledge of, and skills in, working with GIS and/or digital image processing of remotely sensed data.

Hardware and software requirements

Software

• Internet Explorer 5.0 (6.0 or higher recommended)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Microsoft Office (Access and Excel)

Hardware
ITC expects the hardware to meet the minimum requirements mentioned below.

What more there is to know?

This distance course is based on a module of one of ITC's degree courses, successful completion will lead to exemption for that module in the degree course.