Advanced Relational Database Systems (MERIT)

This advanced course delves into the intricacies of relational database systems, tackling a broad spectrum of topics from sophisticated query optimisation techniques to the internal workings of database management systems (DBMS). 

"Advanced Relational Database Systems" is developed in the context of the MERIT project, with the support of the Digital Europe Programme of the European Union. The aim of MERIT is to build an educational ecosystem for training digital specialists by bringing together universities, industry partners, research centres, and technology organisations.  The project focuses on the design of a joint Master's programme that addresses the market needs in Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and Cybersecurity. 

About this course

The course equips participants with practical skills, enabling them to lead in the design and implementation of scalable, efficient, and secure database solutions. Learners also acquire extensive theoretical knowledge on the main principles underneath modern database systems today. 

Students learn through a variety of formats including interactive videos, practice quizzes, presentations, assignments, discussion forums and handing in a final project, which will cover the technical and practical aspects of designing and deploying at least one relational database management system (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle), highlighting the gained knowledge required to tackle the challenges of modern database systems and prepare for future advancements in the field.

Course structure

The course is split across 5 modules: 

• Module 1. DBMS Internals - Exploring the Engine Room
• Module 2. Module SQL Optimisation
• Module 3. Introduction to Transactions and Concurrency
• Module 4. Introduction to Distributed Databases
• Module 5. NoSQL vs NewSQL-Understanding Modern Database Technologies

Learning outcomes 

Students will grasp the architecture and operation of distributed database systems, including big data integration, evaluate the applicability and limitations of NoSQL and NewSQL databases in various scenarios discussing their use cases, strengths, and how they complement traditional relational database systems to lastly implement effective strategies for data warehousing, business intelligence, and database security.