INF3100 – Database Systems
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course looks at databases and information systems, the relational model, algebra, and normalization theory, relational databases and SQL. It also looks at alternative database models, data storage, query optimization, serialization of transactions, handling of conflicts, deadlocks and failures. Distributed databases.
Learning outcome
After completing INF3100 you:
- know what a database management system (DBMS) does, how it works and is implemented
- have and in-depth understanding of the theoretical and practical problems connected to operating DBMSs
- can identify and eliminate anomalies in relational databases
- understand the basic principles of transaction management
- know the types of transaction management (isolation levels) offered by modern DBMSs and the strengths and weaknesses of each isolation level.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:
- Mathematics R1 or Mathematics (S1+S2)
The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies. Read more about special admission requirements (in Norwegian).
Recommended previous knowledge
INF2220 – Algorithms and Data Structures (continued) and INF1080 – Logical Methods for Computer Science (continued) are recommended.
Hashing, B-trees and graphs (from INF2220) and set theory, first order logic and proof by induction (from INF1080) are assumed known and will not be lectured on.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with INF4100 – Database systems (discontinued)
- 10 credits overlap with INF212
- 9 credits overlap with IN212
Teaching
4 hours of and 2 hours of problem sessions per week. Mandatory assignments must be completed during the course. Rules for mandatory assignments.
Examination
4 hour written digital examination at the end of the semester. The mandatory assignments must be approved prior to the exam.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.
Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
It will also be counted as one of your three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: INF4100 and INF212.
Other
It is strongly recommended to attend the first lecture since it will be given important information.