CS 348: Introduction to Database Management


Winter 2026

(preliminary version: can change without warning before classes begin)

Course Objectives

The lectures try to give an answer the following three questions:

  • why do we want to use databases and what are the benefits of doing so,
  • how do we use databases as users and application programmers,
  • how do we design databases, and
  • (extremely elementary introduction into) how do databases work.
  • Official Course Description and official syllabus.


    Prerequisites

    The lectures do not assume any prior knowledge of databases. However, you must brush up your skills in the following three areas:
  • Elementary math (sets, relations, first-order logic).
  • Basics of complexity theory (e.g., the O-notation, etc.).
  • Basic programming skills (in C).

  • Lectures

    LEC 001 02:30-03:50TTh MC 2054 David Toman
    LEC 002 04:00-05:20TTh MC 2054 David Toman


    Midterm Exam

    TBA.

    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 evaluation survey is available online.


    COVID-19 Contingency Plan