New Generation Data Models and Dbmss

A.Y. 2020/2021
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
INF/01
Language
English
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to introduce students to new generation data models that are alternative or extend the relational model. Specifically, models will be presented that allow the representation of information with a complex structure, models that allow the representation of semi-structured data and models to manage an efficient and scalable recovery of large amounts of data. The Oracle extensions for managing these types of information and some systems that have been proposed by the NoSQL movement will also be presented.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will have to acquire the skills to design and build databases that require the management of these types of information. Furthermore, they must be able to develop queries that take advantage of the SQL language extensions to access this information and be able to decide which model and which system is best to use depending on the characteristics of the application domain.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Didactic Methods

Lectures will be carried on using the Zoom platform, and recorded to allow synchronous as well as asynchronous fruition by students not present in classrooms. The links to the lectures, the didactical materials and all the communications related to the Covid-19 situation and evolution will be made available in the Ariel website.

Reference Materials
Course program and reference materials will not change.

Learning Verification And Evaluation Criteria
In case of emergency, the written exam can be sostituted with a shorter written exam and an oral presentation. The written exam will be carried out using the platforms made available by the University and its purpose is only to make the basis for the oral discussion.
Course syllabus
The course deals with the following topics:
- Object relational data model
o Design of an object-oriented database
o Navigational queries
o The Oracle object relational model
- Management and treatment of XML documents
o XML, DTD, XML schema
o Storage of XML documents (native or enabled approaches)
o Xpath and Xquery
o XML-SQL constructs in Oracle
- The noSQL movement
o The "Keyword-based" and "Column family" systems
o Document-based systems (MongoDB and its navigation language)
o Graph based (neo4J and its Cypher language)
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisite is required for this subject rather than interest in data management issues.
Teaching methods
The course is held in computerized classrooms so that students can test the functionality of the languages proposed during the lessons and verify the main characteristics of the data management systems and the query languages. Students can then follow the teacher in the design and creation of databases that exploit new generation models.
Teaching Resources
Website:
https://mmesitimddng.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/
A detailed list of the topics covered, lesson by lesson, is published and updated on the teaching website.

The subject topics are widely covered on the Web and a specific book is not adopted.

Additional supplementary material, exercises carried out and lecture notes, prepared by the teacher, is made available on the teaching website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a practical exercise and a written test.

The practical exercise consists in the design and development of an object-relational database that allows the storage and processing of XML documents. The practical exercise can be substituted by an in-depth study of a new generation database system that falls within the nosql movement. The practical / in-depth exercise is given a score from -2 to +3 which is added to the written mark.

The written test focuses on verifying the student's ability to design and build a database using a new generation data model (object-relational, XML, or nosql) and in carrying out operations with the language offered by these models. The written test can be replaced by two assignments that will be proposed during the course. A maximal mark of 30 points is assigned to the written test (and each assignment).

The exam ends by adding the increase obtained after discussion of the project to the mark of the written test. Students interested in increasing the mark obtained can take an oral test (which is however optional).
INF/01 - INFORMATICS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor: Mesiti Marco
Professor(s)