Course Material

In this second course on database systems, you will learn the fundamental issues involved in building a database management system.

From Fall 2008 onwards, W4111 has focused on issues related to using a database system, and W4112 is intended to cater to students interested in the internal design and implementation of database systems. Prior to Fall 2008, W4111 covered a mix of material that is now spread over the two courses. Thus, if you completed W4111 prior to Fall 2008:

The course will focus on relational databases, but will also touch on object-relational databases.

There is one required text, ``Database Management Systems'' by Raghu Ramakrishnan and Johannes Gehrke (third edition, published by WCB/McGraw-Hill), which should be available at Bookculture (formerly the Labyrinth bookstore) on 112th street. Note that there is a version of the textbook available for the Kindle that is significantly cheaper than the physical book.

The course will cover material from chapters 8-18, 22, 23, 25. Some additional material will be provided by the instructor. Copies of the textbook have been placed on reserve in the Engineering Library.

Additional material related to the textbook (including solutions to some of the exercises) can be found here.

References to additional course material will be provided by the instructor as necessary.

Because this is a CVN course, video recordings of the class will be available on-line, for both in-class students and CVN students. For in-class students (not CVN students), videos for only the most recent classes (the previous 8 days) are available here. The link can be accessed only from computers within the Columbia Morningside campus network. The online archives are provided as a complementary service, meant only to be used for supplemental review and not as a substitute for attending classes.

Ken Ross 2011-04-12