This sequence of 3 lecture notes gives an introduction to databases with a short history.

1. The theoretical fundaments of realational database is presented and we learn to normalise file records and handle a relational database in Microsoft Access
2. We learn how can we express our early design ideas (conceptual models) and communicate these within the group and with others? We also study the relations between conceptual models, data models (i.e. more formalised descriptions of our data structures) and how these can be implemented in systems like relational databases (and other systems like object oriented systems).
3. Finally we learn how we can write program code in SQL (Structured Query Language) to communicate with the database (from e.g. the WWW).
   
   
   • Let's start with a few database examples (including your exercice)
   • Database history
   • Hiearchical, Network and Relational databases
   • (Object Oriented systems are not covered in this course)
   • Normalisation
   • Examples

References

• Frederiksen Helle, 2000, "Databasedesign med Access 2000". IDG Forlag, Valby. (103 pp.). http://www.idgforlag.dk/. ('Centrale databasebegreber sid. 6-11, 'Normalisering' sid. 60-63).
  or
  
• Mose Ole, 1997, "Access - praktisk databasdesign". IDG Bøger 1997, Carl Jocobsens Vej 25, 2500 Valby. (36 199 100, 36 199 199 fax). http://mirror.idgforlag.dk/. (119 pp.) (69:- DkK).
  (Chapter 1-3).

Further reading

• Date C., J., 1996, 1994, "An Introduction to Database Systems". Sixth edition. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company. Reading, Massachusetts. (839 pp.)

Questions (examples):

• What are the differences between Hierarchical, Networked and Relational Databases?
• Describe why we do normalization of data in in a relational database.
• Describe the three steps in in the normalization process.