CSE-3421
Introduction to Database Systems

York University
Winter 2009
Test #2 Preparation
 
  Coverage

Basically chapters 4 &apm; 5, and part of chapter 19 (Normalization), from the textbook. We have covered the second part of the course, II. Queries.

Only topics covered both in the reading and in class are fair game. Test #2 is not cumulative, so it does not test the topics covered by Test #1.

  1. Relational Algebra & Calculus (Ch.4)
    1. relational algebra
    2. relational calculus (domain & tuple variants)
  2. SQL (Ch.5)
    1. syntax & conceptual model
    2. aggregate operators
    3. NULL values
  3. Normalization: Schema Refinement (Ch.19)
    1. lossless join decomposition
    2. dependency preservation
    3. minimal cover

 
  Preparation

Go through the reading and the examples in the textbook. Consider the problems at the end of each chapter and work some of them. (Answers to the odd numbered excercises are available at the textbook's web-site.) Go through the exercises I have provided.

 
  Policies

The test will be closed-note, closed-book. You may bring a calculator, but I cannot imagine that you would need one.

There will be space on the text packet for writing answers. I will bring extra paper, in case anyone needs it, to attach.

The test will be for the class lecture time, so 75 minutes.