This course provides a foundational introduction to the essential principles required for the design, use, and implementation of database systems. Emphasizing core aspects such as database modelling, design, relational theory, and the application of Structured Query Language (SQL), students will gain a comprehensive understanding of key concepts in the domain of database management. 

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

1. Explain databases and the Relational Data Model for efficient data management.
2. Describe a Conceptual Data Model defining entities and relationships for information system representation.
3. Explain Relational Database Design principles to create normalized and robust database schemas.
4. Apply SQL Commands for Data Manipulation and Querying. 

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).

Week 1: Unit 1 – Databases and the Relational Data Model

Week 2: Unit 2 – Entity-Relationship (E-R) Modelling

Week 3: Unit 3 – Relational Database Design

Week 4: Unit 4 – Structured Query Language (SQL)

Week 5: Unit 5 – SQL Database Operations

Week 6: Unit 6 – Advanced Structured Query Language (SQL) Queries and Data Integrity

Week 7: Unit 7 – Database Interaction and Connectivity

Week 8: Unit 8 – Database Development Process

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following outlines how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Databases and the Relational Data Model

1. Describe the characteristics of databases and database management systems (DBMS).
2. Define the key information models.
3. Explore the various job roles for database professionals.
4. Develop relations within a relational data model and assess constraints based on real-world entities.

Week 2: Unit 2 – Entity-Relationship (E-R) Modelling

1. Describe the concept of a conceptual data model.
2. Develop logical and physical data models.
3. Create ER diagrams defining entities, relationships, attributes, and keys.

Week 3: Unit 3 – Relational Database Design

1. Explain issues related to data redundancy in databases.
2. Identify functional dependencies.
3. Analyze a relational schema to minimize redundancy.
4. Apply normalization techniques to transform a relation into first, second, third and Boyce-Codd normal forms.

Week 4: Unit 4 – Structured Query Language (SQL)

1. Define SQL data types.
2. Examine the categories and basic constructs within the SQL language.
3. Implement simple database constructs using the SQL language.

Week 5: Unit 5 – SQL Database Operations

1. Apply SQL statements including creating tables, altering tables, dropping tables, inserting data, updating records and deleting entries.
2. Create and manipulate database entities.
3. Modify data within database tables.

Week 6: Unit 6 – Advanced Structured Query Language (SQL) Queries and Data Integrity

1. Apply SQL Select statement for database queries.
2. Apply SQL joins when conducting database queries ensuring the inclusion of integrity constraints encompassing both entity and referential integrity.
3. Create complex SQL statements incorporating nested select, subqueries, unions and construct database views.

Week 7: Unit 7 – Database Interaction and Connectivity

1. Identify SQL implementation methods in programming and define transactions in database contexts.
2. Explain embedded SQL usage and use key interface technologies like JDBC and ODBC.
3. Differentiate between static and dynamic SQL and the usage of database API’s for SQL implementation.

Week 8: Unit 8 – Database Development Process

1. Define the Waterfall model of Database Life Cycle for database development.
2. Apply strategies for database alterations and maintenance.

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam