Sophia Learning

CS1011: Introduction to Relational Databases (ACE

recommends 3 credits)

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Sophia’s Introduction to Relational Databases course builds mastery in database terminology and concepts,
including using popular notational systems to design database schemas with usability and data integrity in
mind. Through a study of foundational SQL commands, students learn to create and connect tables, query for
data across multiple tables, create indexes to optimize data retrieval, and perform basic administrative tasks
that ensure security and reliability.

COURSE EFFECTIVE DATES: October 2024 - Present

PREREQUISITES: No prerequisites

LENGTH OF COURSE: This is a self-paced course. Students may use as much or as little time as needed to
complete the course.

ACE CREDIT® RECOMMENDATION: In the lower-division baccalaureate category, 3 semester hours in

Relational Databases (ACE ID: SOPH-0047).

GRADING: This is a pass/fail course. Students must complete 19 Challenges (formative assessments) and 6
Milestones (summative assessments) with an overall score of 70% or better.

Challenges Points Possible

Challenge 1.1: Utility 6

Challenge 1.2: Common Database Models 8

Challenge 1.3: Commercial Variety 4

Challenge 1.4: Constraints and Migration 5

Challenge 2.1: Entity-Relationship Diagram 7

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 Challenge 2.2: Normalization 8

Challenge 2.3: Applied Normalization 4

Challenge 3.1: Single Table Query Foundations 10

Challenge 3.2: Single Table Construction 9

Challenge 3.3: Aggregate Function Queries 10

Challenge 3.4: Updating a Single Table 7

Challenge 4.1: Querying Multiple Tables 9

Challenge 4.2: Constructing Related Tables 5

Challenge 4.3: Specialized Queries 5

Challenge 4.4: Views 6

Challenge 5.1: Reliability 7

Challenge 5.2: Security 6

Challenge 5.3: Enhancement 4

Challenge 5.4: Management 5

Total 125

Milestones Points Possible

Milestone 1 69

Milestone 2 57

Milestone 3 108

Milestone 4 75

Milestone 5 66

Final Milestone 75

Total 450

Grand Total 575

For more general information on assessments, please visit the Student Guide located on your course
dashboard.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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 Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate deeper understanding of the concepts of the relational data model in its modern use.
2. Demonstrate mastery of the concepts of the entity-relationship model and normalization technique.
3. Apply basic Create, Read, Update, and Delete interactions with a SQL database.
4. Evaluate resources for complex SQL database interactions.
5. Identify data security requirements for managing a relational DBMS.

COURSE COMPETENCIES AND TOPICS

Unit Competencies Major Topics

1. Relational Database Explain the purpose and utility of a database. Database Utility
Model Identify the most common database models used Database Purpose
today. Parts of a Database
Distinguish between several commercial relational Database Models
DBMS. Commercial Databases
Adapt RDMS use to business considerations. Database Constraints
and Migration

2. Design Explain the purpose of an ERD. Entity Relationships

Explain the purpose of normalization with respect Normalization
to the relational data model. Database Modeling
Given an ERD depicting non-normalized data, Database Forms
normalize the data model.

3. SQL Queries Use Select-From-Where queries to collect SQL Query Functions

information from a single table database. Table Construction
Form a single table database using Create and Aggregated Function
Insert commands. Queries
Use Group By, Order By, and aggregate functions. Updating a Single
Alter and update the database table by adding, Table
deleting, or modifying columns.

4. Advanced Database Use Select-From-Where queries to combine Querying Multiple

Commands information from multiple tables in a database using Tables
Joins. Constructing Related
Form a database with multiple tables using primary Tables
keys and foreign keys. Specialized Queries

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 Demonstrate awareness of sub-queries, views, Views
indices, and unions.
Demonstrate awareness of views for subsets,
simple and complex queries.

5. Administration Explore other methods of enhancing relational table Reliability

design. Database Security
Evaluate multiple approaches to securing relational Database
data. Enhancements
Explore other methods of enhancing relational table Database Management
design.

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