EBA 3420 Databases

EBA 3420 Databases

Course code: 
EBA 3420
Department: 
Data Science and Analytics
Credits: 
7.5
Course coordinator: 
Magdalena Ivanovska
Course name in Norwegian: 
Databases
Product category: 
Bachelor
Portfolio: 
Bachelor of Data Science for Business - Programme Courses
Semester: 
2025 Spring
Active status: 
Active
Level of study: 
Bachelor
Teaching language: 
English
Course type: 
One semester
Introduction

This course provides a hands-on introduction to relational databases, covering fundamental aspects of database modeling and design. Emphasis is placed on data modeling and using the SQL language for creating, modifying and querying relational databases. The course employs a blended learning-by-doing approach, enabling all aspects of database use and database design to be practiced by students.

Learning outcomes - Knowledge

During the course the students will:

  • Acquire knowledge of the relational database model and the principles and techniques of database modelling.
  • Develop understanding of the syntax and semantics of SQL and its use for database management.
  • Understand the challenges that come with simultaneous use of databases by multiple users.
  • Explore the possibilities of using databases in data analysis through Python.
Learning outcomes - Skills

After completed course the students will be able to:

  • use SQL to create, modify and query relational databases.
  • use ER modelling to conceptualize given problem specifications.
  • translate an ER-model to a relational database model.
  • apply normalization techniques to reduce data redundancy and improve data integrity.
  • set up indexes to improve the performance of databases.
  • create computer programs which store, modify and query data in databases.
  • use Python programming to present and analyze data from databases.
General Competence

The course will strengthen the analytical abilities of the students and improve their technical skills and general information literacy. The students will improve their understanding of how the modern data-driven society functions from a technical perspective, and how databases are essential to many industries. The students will gain experience in working in teams on technical problems, and will understand the possibilities and risks associated with digitally stored information as they will gain understanding on how easy it is now to process, extract and present individual-level details from big datasets.

Course content
  • Introduction to database systems.
  • Relational database model.
  • Structured Query Language (SQL).
  • Database modelling and design.
  • Entity-relationship (ER) model.
  • Functional dependencies and normalization.
  • Indexes and performance optimization.
  • Transactions and concurrency control.
  • Database security and access control.
  • Python database application programming interface.
Teaching and learning activities

The course work combines lectures, individual work with web resources, and TA sessions, and puts a high emphasis on student's individual work done under supervision.

Software tools
Software defined under the section "Teaching and learning activities".
Qualifications

Higher Education Entrance Qualification

Disclaimer

Deviations in teaching and exams may occur if external conditions or unforeseen events call for this.

Required prerequisite knowledge

EBA3400 or equivalent knowledge or background in Python programming.

Assessments
Assessments
Exam category: 
Submission
Form of assessment: 
Submission other than PDF
Exam/hand-in semester: 
First Semester
Weight: 
60
Grouping: 
Group (1 - 3)
Duration: 
2 Week(s)
Comment: 
All exams must be passed to obtain a final grade in the course.
Exam code: 
EBA 34203
Grading scale: 
ECTS
Resit: 
Examination every semester
Exam category: 
Submission
Form of assessment: 
Submission other than PDF
Exam/hand-in semester: 
First Semester
Weight: 
40
Grouping: 
Individual
Duration: 
2 Hour(s)
Comment: 
All exams must be passed to obtain a final grade in the course.
Exam code: 
EBA 34204
Grading scale: 
ECTS
Resit: 
Examination every semester
Type of Assessment: 
Ordinary examination
All exams must be passed to get a grade in this course.
Total weight: 
100
Student workload
ActivityDurationComment
Teaching
45 Hour(s)
Two hours of lectures combined with one hour of asynchronous material each week for 15 weeks.
Seminar groups
30 Hour(s)
Problem solving in class under supervision (TA sessions). Two hours each week for 15 weeks.

Student's own work with learning resources
80 Hour(s)
Examination
45 Hour(s)
One group assignment and an individual written exam. Approximately 42 hours in total.
Sum workload: 
200

A course of 1 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of 26-30 hours. Therefore a course of 7,5 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of at least 200 hours.