Calendar Description

A user-oriented approach to the management of large collections of data. Methods used for the storage, selection and presentation of data. Common database management systems.

Course Objectives

The main objective of this course is to introduce students to fundamentals and use of database technology by studying databases from the viewpoint of a database user. It teaches the use of a database management system (DBMS) by treating it as a black box, focusing only on its functionality and its interfaces.

Prerequisites

One of CS 230, CS 234, CS 241, CS 330; Not open to Computer Science students.

Antirequisites

CS 348, CS 448, ECE 456

Announcements and On-line Q&A Forum

We will be using a tool named Piazza instead of a newsgroup. All class announcements will be posted there.

Course Outline

Download a self-contained course outline.

Exams

In-class Quizz: early October 2026
Midterm Exam: Oct 29, 7PM
Final Exam: TBA
Course Evaluation

The University of Waterloo has been working hard to bring student evaluations into the modern era by eliminating the need for wasteful and time-consuming paper surveys. The current system we are testing is called "evaluate", and was developed on campus in order to meet the specific needs of the university.
The evaluation survey is available online.