This graduate-level course provides an introduction to database concepts, SQL, and principles of database design. The major goal is to provide students with an understanding of the basic concepts underlying the use of a database system. Microsoft Access will be used as a vehicle for illustrating some of the concepts discussed in the course.  Students will design and implement a database application project.

At the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the role of a database management system in an organization.
• Understand basic database concepts, including the structure and operation of the relational data model.
• Construct simple and moderately advanced database queries using Structured Query Language (SQL).
• Understand and successfully apply logical database design principles, including Entity-Relation diagrams and database normalization.
• Design and implement a small database project using Microsoft Access.
• Understand the concept of a database transaction and related database facilities, including concurrency control, journaling, backup and recovery, and data object locking and protocols.
• Understand the role of the database administrator.