- Docente: Damiano Marino Somenzi
- Credits: 6
- SSD: IINF-05/A
- Language: English
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
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Corso:
First cycle degree programme (L) in
Statistical Sciences (cod. 8873)
Also valid for Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Statistical Sciences (cod. 6810)
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from Sep 14, 2026 to Oct 21, 2026
Learning outcomes
The student learns the fundamental principles of the relational data model and of the relational database management systems. In particular, the student will be able to understand the structure of a relational database, the integrity constraints on data and the SQL query language.
Course contents
Understand data: elementary, structured in files and on the Web
Data modeling
Formats, XML language and JSON notation
Databases
- Conceptual model (Entity - Relationship diagram)
- Logical model (relations schema)
Models for non relational databases (NoSQL)
Database management
- Database management systems
The language to query data bases: SQL
- Data definition and manipulation
- Query databases
The language for non relational databases Document-based
Data analysis
- Extract data, information
- Create data views
Practice sessions with R on data from Databases and from the Web
Readings/Bibliography
Lectures will be mainly based on the book of Jeff Ullman and Jennifer Widom: "A First Course in Database Systems" and documentation available on the Web.
Further readings, examples and exercises will be made available on “Virtual Learning Environment”.
Teaching methods
Lectures will be held in seminar and in computer rooms. Participation at the lecture (theory and practice) is a valid support for the comprehension of the topics covered.
Practice sessions are prevalent and fundamental to acquire the knowledge on the concepts and tools and practical competencies to answer the given questions.
Assessment methods
Practical and written assessment (2 hours).The assessment consists in two parts.
In the first written part is required to design a data model based on given requisites (35%), and further to solve/answer to exercises and/or questions on course contents (20%). Use of teaching material is not allowed.
In the second practical part is required to write queries on a real database through SQL language (45%). It is allowed to use only the teaching material.
The final grade (over thirty) is computed applying percentages (weights) assigned to each type of request.
Teaching tools
Personal Computer and Open Source software to manage and query relational databases (MySQL) and non relational (MongoDB) and Open Source software for experiences on data (R).
Office hours
See the website of Damiano Marino Somenzi