COMS 3630

teaching
Computer Science
Introduction to Database Management Systems
Published

January 10, 2025

COMS 3630 – Introduction to Database Management Systems

📘 Course Description

COMS 3630 offers a comprehensive introduction to database systems, covering both theoretical foundations and practical implementation. Students explore various data models (relational, object-oriented, and semistructured), learn query languages such as SQL and NoSQL, and build full-stack applications that integrate modern database backends with web interfaces.

The course emphasizes database design, optimization, and application development, using tools like MySQL, MongoDB, and Neo4J.

🧑‍🏫 My Role as Teaching Assistant

As a Teaching Assistant for COMS 3630, I supported over 100 students in understanding key database concepts and building end-to-end data-driven applications. My responsibilities included:

  • Lab Instruction & Demonstrations: Led weekly sessions on topics like SQL programming, ER modeling, and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Neo4J).
  • Project Mentorship: Guided students through semester-long projects, helping them design schemas, write efficient queries, and integrate databases with web applications.
  • Technical Support: Assisted students in implementing transactions, managing storage, and debugging issues related to query execution and performance.
  • Design Review & Grading: Evaluated assignments and database design submissions, providing constructive feedback aligned with best practices.
  • Office Hours: Offered one-on-one and group-based academic support on database internals, relational algebra, and query optimization strategies.

🎯 Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students are expected to:

  • Design and implement relational databases using ER modeling and normalization techniques.
  • Develop database-driven applications using SQL, APIs, and ORM frameworks.
  • Work with NoSQL systems including document-based (MongoDB) and graph-based (Neo4J) databases.
  • Understand the inner workings of a DBMS, including query processing, transaction management, and storage optimization.

📚 Topics Covered

  • Entity-Relationship (ER) Modeling
  • Relational Model & Relational Algebra
  • SQL Programming and Constraints
  • NoSQL Systems (MongoDB, Neo4J)
  • Schema Normalization & Data Dependencies
  • Database Storage & Indexing
  • Cost Estimation & Query Optimization
  • Transaction Management & Concurrency Control
  • Web Application Integration using SQL APIs & ORMs
  • Application Development using Host Languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript)

💡 Course Catalog | Email