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Sistemi Informativi e Basi di Dati
Information Systems and Databases
Claudia Diamantini

Seat Ingegneria
A.A. 2016/2017
Credits 9
Hours 72
Period I
Language ENG

Prerequisites
storage devices, files and file system, basic concepts of algebra e logics

Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
The course aims at introducing the concepts, methods and languages for the management of structured information within organizations. The student will learn the advantages of using DBMS to manage data in an integrated fashion and the differences with a file-based management. It provides also the basic notions of database design.
CAPACITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
At the end of the course the student will be able to perform simple gathering and analysis of information requirements, to design medium-sized databases taking into account issues related to social, health, security and economic constraints, to create, populate, and query databases using state-of-the-art languages and database management systems.
TRANSVERSAL SKILLS:
The development of the project of a database, which will be done in groups and will be documented by a report, will help to enhance communication, independent judgment and problem solving skills. Group work and interaction with domain experts, during the requirement gathering phase, will contribute to improve the ability to communicate with non-engineering parties.

Program
- Introduction to enterprise information systems: definitions of organization, information and computer systems. Enterprise processes. Characteristics of processes, information and data. - Introduction to databases and database management systems: basic definitions, database schemes and instances, abstraction levels, abstraction and independence. Languages for database management, Database users. - Relational model: definition of relation, relations and tables, null values, integrity constraints. - Relational algebra and calculus. - SQL. - Database design. Conceptual design and the Entity/Relationship model. Logical design. - Theory of normalization. - Advanced laboratory of database design

Development of the examination
LEARNING EVALUATION METHODS
Evaluation is based on three tests: - a project in which the student faces the problem of collection and analysis of requirements and the design of a database using models, methodologies and languages introduced in the course. The project leads to the writing of a report documenting the activities undertaken and the results obtained; - a written examination composed by open-ended and closed-ended questions on theoretical and practical course topics; - an oral examination, consisting of the discussion of concepts and theoretical aspects on one or more topics covered in the course, possibly starting from learning gaps that emerged in the previous tests Projects can be developed in groups of three students at most. A positive outcome of the project gives access to the written test, either in the same exam session or in subsequent exam sessions. In order to access the oral examination the student has to obtain a positive outcome in the written examination. Oral examination must be taken in the same exam session as the written examination. In case of failure of the oral examination, the student must also repeat the written test.

LEARNING EVALUATION CRITERIA
To successfully pass the assessment of learning, the student must demonstrate, through the tests described above, a good understanding of the concepts presented in the course and mastery of the use of languages to define and manipulate databases. The student also must demonstrate a clear understanding of, and be able to correctly apply, the methodologies for database design.

LEARNING MEASUREMENT CRITERIA
During the tests it is assessed the degree of completeness and depth achieved in knowledge and understanding of the issues, models, languages and methodologies for managing databases. It is also assessed the ability to use in a correct and autonomous way models, languages and methodologies for solving typical problems in database management.

FINAL MARK ALLOCATION CRITERIA
A score between zero and 30 is assigned to each of the three tests indicated above. The overall grade is between zero and 30, calculated as the average of the marks obtained in the three tests. In order for the overall outcome grade to be positive, the student must achieve at least a pass, amounting to eighteen points in each of the three tests, showing a basic knowledge and understanding on all the questions proposed, and the ability to autonomously solve simple problems, or problems of medium complexity with the help of the teacher. The highest rating is achieved by demonstrating a thorough understanding of the course content, full autonomy and mastery of techniques. The praise is reserved for students who have demonstrated a particular brilliance in the colloqium and in the preparation of written assignments.

Recommended reading
- P. Atzeni, S. Ceri, S. Paraboschi, R. Torlone, “Basi di dati: modelli e linguaggi di interrogazione“, 3° ed.”, McGraw-Hill, Italia - Further material provided by the teacher on the course site hosted on the University learning management system, https://lms.univpm.it

Courses

• Ingegneria Informatica e dell'Automazione (Corso di Laurea Triennale (DM 270/04))
• Ingegneria Informatica e dell'Automazione (Corso di Laurea Magistrale (DM 270/04))