SYLLABUS

CS726 Relational Database Design

Instructor
Gerald Balekaki, Assistant Teaching Professor, Illinois Institute of Technology
Gerald Balekaki | Illinois Institute of Technology (iit.edu)

Course Description
If you are in the data engineering and database development sector, as a provider, payer, or administrator,
this course is well suited for you. If you are pursuing a career change to the data engineering and database
development sector, you may also be interested in this course.

This course is part of the Performance Based Admission courses for the Data Science program.

This course provides you with the opportunity to learn about relational database design. You will be provided
an in-depth understanding of the design principles and methodologies involved in creating well-structured,
normalized, and efficient relational databases to manage data for small, medium, and large-scale enterprises.

Possessing database design skills will enable you to excel in careers such as Database Administrators, Data
Analysts, Software Developers, Data Engineers, and Business Intelligence Developers; capitalizing on the
ability to create robust and efficient data solutions for any organization. These are one of the most sought-
after careers across many industries today.

Additionally, if you would like to complete your master’s degree in data science or If you are interested in
academic credit for this course, you can transfer your learning and take a final exam for credit. This course is
part of a Performance Based Admission pathway for the Master of Data Science program. More information
about academic credit and degree pathways can be found here.

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

● Describe the process and the design aspects involved in relational database design.
● Interpret the main components of an Entity-Relationship diagram (ERD) using unified modeling language
(UML) notation.
● Develop entity-relationship diagrams using basic and extended Entity-relationship features in relational
design.
● Translate an Entity-Relationships diagrams into logical schemas (relation schemas)
● Explore the theory and practical application of functional dependencies in relational database design.
● Use the theory to recognize candidate keys and primary keys: Identify candidate keys and choose
appropriate primary keys for each table to uniquely identify records and maintain relational integrity.
● Deriving minimal and canonical covers of functional dependencies: Describe the process of deriving
minimal sets of functional dependencies and organizing them into canonical form to represent relationships
accurately.
● Describe the principles of database normalization: Explain the fundamental concepts of normalization,
including the rationale behind breaking down data into multiple tables to minimize redundancy and maintain
data integrity.
 ● Identify and apply normalization techniques: Gain the skills to identify data anomalies and apply
normalization techniques, such as first normal form (1NF), second normal form (2NF), third normal form
(3NF), Boyce-Codd normal form (BCNF), and beyond, to structure data effectively.

Course Materials
The link to reading materials and resources to learn the topics can be found in each week’s learning module.
All materials are available online for free, no required resources need to be purchased. There is no required
textbook to supplement the course materials. Note: Be aware that some resources may open in a new tab.

Course Outline
The course consists of 3 modules that focus on the following key areas:

Module 1: Design Overview

Key concepts

- Entity-Relationship Modeling (E-R Model)

- Developing E-R Diagrams
- Extended E-R Features and Relation Schemas

Readings
- Entity and Relationship
- Modeling Constraints – Participation and Cardinality
- Steps to Develop E-R Diagrams
- Interpreting E-R Diagrams and Cardinality Constraints
- Reduction to Relation Schemas
- Extended E-R Features

Module 2: Functional Dependency (FD)

Key concepts

- Functional Dependency Theory

- Finding Candidate Keys and Attribute Closure
- Derive Minimal Cover of FDs

Readings
- Functional Dependency
- Key Aspects of Functional Dependency
- Armstrong’s Axioms Closure Algorithm
- Attribute Closure
- Finding Candidate Keys

Module 3: Database Normalization

Key concepts

- Normal Forms (NFs)

Readings

- Normal Forms
- Conversion to 1NF
- Conversion to 2NF
- Conversion to 3NF

Course Structure and Learning Activities

There are 3 content modules in this course and each module may take about 5-8 hours to complete. You can
advance at your own pace; a consistent pace will help you complete the module and move on to the next
course in the sequence. The final module consists of your final assessment for the course. You have to pass
module tests and final assessment with 80% of achievement. At the end of the course, you will receive a
Certificate of Completion branded by Coursera and IIT.

This course is comprised of the following elements:

● Readings: Each module may include several required and/or supplemental readings.
● Video Lessons: In each module, the concepts you need to know will be presented through a
collection of short videos. You may stream these videos for playback within the browser by clicking on
their titles.

● Discussion Forum: This course has a place for you to interact with other learners about class-related
topics. Unless specified, discussion forums do not carry a score.

● Practice Quizzes: Each module will include some practice quizzes, intended for you to assess your
understanding of the topics. You will be allowed unlimited attempts at each practice quiz. There is no
time limit on how long you take to complete each attempt at the quiz. These quizzes do not contribute
toward your final score in the class.

● Summative Module Assessments: Each module will include at least one summative module
assessment. You will be allowed three attempts every eight hours for each assessment. There is no
time limit on how long you take to complete each attempt at the assessment. Your highest grade will
be recorded.

● Peer Reviewed Assignments: You have 3 Peer Review Assignments in this course. After submitting
your work, you will then swap assignments and engage in peer reviews to provide feedback to course
colleagues on their assignments.

● Summative Course Assessment: This course contains one final summative course assessment. You
will be allowed one attempt for this assessment.

How to Pass This Course

Guidelines for completing and submitting each assigned course activity are posted along with the assignment.
Assignments can be submitted at any time as you move through the module. Only those who complete and
submit all assignments, including peer reviews, will receive a certificate of completion of this course. No late
assignments will be accepted. In case of extenuating circumstances beyond your control that prevent the
submission of an assignment or exam, you have to enter a request with the program advisor and the
instructor.

To qualify for a Course Certificate of Completion, simply start verifying your coursework at the beginning of
the course and pay the fee. Coursera Financial Aid is available to offset the registration cost for learners with
demonstrated economic needs. If you have questions about Course Certificates, please see the help topics
here.

Also note that this course is part of the Master of Data Science program offered by Illinois Institute of
Technology. By earning a Course Certificate in this course, you are on your way toward earning a
Specialization Certificate in this topic. See more information about this program here.

If you choose not to pay the fee, you can still audit the course. You will still be able to view all videos, submit
practice quizzes, and view required assessments. Auditing does not include the option to submit required
assessments. As such, you will not be able to earn a grade or a Course Certificate.

The following table explains the breakdown for what is required in order to pass the class and qualify for a
Course Certificate. You must pass each and every required activity in order to pass this course.

Activity Required? Number per Estimated Time % Required % of Total

Course per Module to Pass Grade

Lecture Videos Yes 3-6 per .5-1 hour N/A N/A

module

Practice Quizzes No 4-7 per .5 hour N/A N/A

module

Discussions No 2 per course 1 hour N/A N/A

Summative Module Yes 1 per module .5 hour 80% 20% /

Assessments each
module
(60%)

Peer Reviewed Yes 1 per module 1-2 hours N/A N/A

Assignments

Summative Course Yes 1 per course 1-3 hours 80% 40%

Assessment

Getting and Giving Help

● Use the Learner Help Center to find information regarding specific technical problems. For example,
technical problems would include error messages, difficulty submitting assignments, or problems with
 video playback. If you cannot find an answer in the documentation, you can also report your problem
to the Coursera staff by clicking on the Contact Us! link available on each topic's page within the
Learner Help Center.
● Use the flag icon under each item to report errors in lecture video content, assignment questions and
answers, assignment grading, text and links on course pages, or the content of other course materials.
● Familiarize yourself with Coursera’s policy on Accessibility.

Academic Integrity
Your attentiveness to academic integrity reflects the value you place on your own work and the work of
others. In addition to Coursera's Honor Code, we also have high expectations for conduct during course
participation.

Discussion Forums: Expectations

Sharing an online course with other avid learners like you gives you a unique opportunity to share,
collaborate, and learn from others and their experiences, and helps you reinforce your understanding of the
topics of the course. Interacting in the Discussion Forums is a great way to engage with your online
community. We know that it is not possible to read every discussion forum post, so we recommend that you
read those that interest you; and reply when you can contribute.

The forum is part of your class activities and everybody is expected to act professionally and be civil and
respectful of others in your class. Failure to meet these expectations may be considered a break in the
Academic Code of Conduct and may result in your removal from the course. Please, check tips and helpful
tools to interact in discussion forums in this document.

Academic Code of Conduct

Above all else, learners are expected to ensure that their conduct helps to create an atmosphere conducive to
learning and the interchange of knowledge. While it is understood that some of these items are subject to
interpretation, learners should nonetheless endeavor to:

● Be respectful of fellow learners.

● Do not discriminate against fellow learners in any manner.
● Conduct peer reviews in a timely manner and give useful feedback on what was done well, helpful
suggestions for how to improve, and specific comments about why you gave the grade you chose to
assist peers in their learning.
● Turn assignments in on time and follow instructions on all assignments including those affecting the
use of technology.
● Be truthful in all communication, which includes, but is not limited to, avoiding academic dishonesty.

Illinois Institute of Technology Copyright Statement

This course material is copyrighted and all rights are reserved by IIT. No part of this course material may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer
language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, or
otherwise, without the express prior written permission of the University.