vcc.ca
CSTP 1210: Database Systems
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Computer Systems Tech Diploma
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
Students learn the basics of relational and non-relational database management systems (SQL and NoSQL). It covers the fundamental concepts of relational databases such as records, tables, normal forms, join operations, queries, data modeling, and data integrity. Students learn how to configure and manage SQL database systems and how to perform basic database administration tasks such as creating users and database schema, applying constraints, setting up access control, assigning memory, defining storage structures and manipulating data. They learn fundamental concepts such as transnational operations, ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability), backup and redundancy, data recovery, database user roles, and concurrency control. Finally, students gain hands-on experience with non-relational (NoSQL) databases such as MongoDB.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
CSTP 1130 or equivalent, taken prior to or concurrently.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the steps in designing SQL databases
- Design and normalize databases
- Create databases and tables
- Create queries that select data from tables
- Use JOINs to create SQL database queries
- Create stored procedures and functions
- Explain ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability)
- Describe the differences between non-relational DB and relational DB
- Setup common non-relational DBs such as MongoDB and perform basic operations
- Tune database performances and prepare troubleshooting strategies
- Perform general DB Admin tasks
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Total Hours: 60
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies include classroom lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, computer labs and hands-on practical work.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
20 |
4 project assignments, could be individual or team projects |
|
Project |
20 |
Final project |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
10 |
2 quizzes |
|
Midterm Exam |
20 |
|
|
Final Exam |
30 |
|
Course topics
- SQL databases
- Entity relational diagrams
- Data tables and normalization
- Queries and data retrieval
- Queries and data manipulation
- SQL stored procedures
- Forms and reports
- NoSQL databases
- ACID property of well designed databases
- Database administration
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.