Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMPT 354 D100

Database Systems I (3)

Class Number: 5449

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 225 and (MACM 101 or (ENSC 251 and ENSC 252)), all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Logical representations of data records. Data models. Studies of some popular file and database systems. Document retrieval. Other related issues such as database administration, data dictionary and security.

COURSE DETAILS:

Almost all organizations maintain their data using a database management system (DBMS). This course provides an introduction to DBMS. We focus on the most widely used model: the relational data model. Students will become familiar with the design of database applications and use of databases. We study design tools, database modeling and query languages, including the Structured Query Language (SQL).

Topics

  • Relational data model
  • Relational algebra
  • Introduction to SQL
  • SQL: queries
  • SQL: modifications and transactions
  • SQL: constraints and triggers
  • Indexes
  • Database design theory
  • Database applications development
  • Data Warehousing and OLAP
  • Data Mining

Grading

  • Assignments 40%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Final exam 40%

NOTES:

Grading scheme to be finalized in the first week of classes. Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to obtain a clear pass (C- or better).

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

There will be two types of assignments, paper and pencil assignements that prepare for the exams, and  programming assignments, giving practical experience with Microsoft SQL Server.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Database Systems The Complete Book, 2nd Edition
Hector Garcia-Molina, Jeffrey D.Ullman, Jennifer Widom,
Prentice Hall, 2009,
ISBN: 9780131873254

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.
 
  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.