Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMPT 354 D200

Database Systems I (3)

Class Number: 5450

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Surrey

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Surrey

  • 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 the use of databases. We study design tools, database modeling, and query languages, including the Structured Query Language (SQL). 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics

  • Entity-Relationship model
  • Relational data model
  • Relational algebra and calculus
  • Introduction to SQL
  • Constraints and triggers
  • Database Applications Development
  • Normalization
  • Database Security
  • Introduction to NoSQL (time permitting)

Grading

NOTES:

To be determined in the first week of classes.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

  • Fundamentals of Database Systems, Elmasri and Navathe, Pearson, 2016, 9780133970777, 7th. Edition
  • Database Systems: An Application-Oriented Approach, Michael Kifer, Arthur Berstein, Philip M. Lewis, Addison Wesley, 2005, 9780321268457, The complete version

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.