Database Systems

Welcome to the Database Systems course at the Faculty of Informatics and Information Technologies, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, design, and implementation of modern database systems. Over the course of 12 weeks, you will build a solid understanding of relational theory, data modeling, query languages, and the internal mechanisms that make database systems work.

Course Topics

  • Relational Algebra — the theoretical foundation beneath every query you will ever write
  • Data Modeling — conceptual, logical, and physical models; cardinalities; design patterns
  • SQL — from fundamentals through JOINs, aggregations, window functions, and views
  • Triggers and Functions — extending the database with programmable logic
  • DBMS Internals — how pages are loaded, how the query optimizer thinks, and why I/O matters
  • Indexing — B-trees, sorting algorithms, and the art of making queries faster than a frog’s tongue
  • Transactions — ACID properties, concurrency control, and recovery algorithms
  • Database Management — administration, configuration, and keeping your system alive
  • Application Aspects — how databases fit into real-world software architectures
  • NoSQL — document stores, key-value databases, and life beyond relations
  • Distributed Databases — replication, partitioning, and the CAP theorem

Structure

The course consists of weekly lectures and seminars. Lectures cover theory and concepts. Seminars are hands-on sessions where you apply what you have learned — modeling on paper, writing SQL, optimizing queries, and building a project from scratch.

There are three assignments and two credit tests throughout the semester. Details are on the Assignments and Schedule pages.

  • Frog — takes you home. Every pond needs a lily pad.
  • About — course policies and structure
  • Schedule — weekly topics, assignments, and deadlines
  • Assignments — what to submit and when
  • Staff — the people running this course (and the ones grading your SQL)