CS421 Architecture and Implementation of Database Management Systems
CS421 Architecture and Implementation of Database Management Systems
Syllabus | International University of Sarajevo - Last Update on Mar 03, 2026
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Computer Sciences and Engineering
Course Objectives
This course introduces the main techniques for database analysis and design and how they can be applied in a practical way. Additionally, it covers a methodology for database design and considers the main technologies associated with data ownership, data security and how to deal with big data like data warehouses.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Course Materials
Required Textbook
Database Systems, T.Connolly & C.Begg, 5. Edition, Addison Wesley.
Additional Literature
Teaching Methods
This course employs a range of teaching and learning methods (lecturing, home assignments, working in lab, discussion, and project)
Students have three hours lectures and two hours practical training a week
Students are also expected to realise a project
Learning will consist of knowledge acquisition and practical use of that knowledge
Regular homework assignments will guide students’ individual learning and students’ progression in acquiring required knowledge and practice will be additionally checked through quizzes and midterm and final exams
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic | Readings / References |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction, Basic Concepts | Chapter 1 |
| 2 | Database Environment | Chapter 2 |
| 3 | Database System Development Lifecycle | Chapter 10 |
| 4 | Conceptual Database Design +1. Quiz | Chapter 16 |
| 5 | Logical Database Design for the Relational Model | Chapter 17 |
| 6 | Physical Database Design for Relational Databases | Chapter 18 |
| 7 | Monitoring and Tuning the Operational System +2. Quiz | Chapter 19 |
| 8 | Midterm preparation and MIDTERM EXAM | |
| 9 | Security and Administration | Chapter 20 |
| 10 | Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues in Data Management | Chapter 21 |
| 11 | Distributed DBMSs-Concepts and Design | Chapter 24 |
| 12 | Data Warehousing Concepts an Design +3.Quiz | Chapter 32-33 |
| 13 | Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) | Chapter 34 |
| 14 | Review | |
| 15 | Review and final exam preparation |
Course Schedule (All Sections)
Office Hours & Room
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Assessment Components
Final Exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4 5
Homework
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4 5
Midterm Exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4 5
Assignments/Quizes
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4 5
Project
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4 5
IUS Grading System
| Grading Scale | IUS Grading System | IUS Coeff. | Letter (B&H) | Numerical (B&H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 44 | F | 0 | F | 5 |
| 45 - 54 | E | 1 | ||
| 55 - 64 | C | 2 | E | 6 |
| 65 - 69 | C+ | 2.3 | D | 7 |
| 70 -74 | B- | 2.7 | ||
| 75 - 79 | B | 3 | C | 8 |
| 80 - 84 | B+ | 3.3 | ||
| 85 - 94 | A- | 3.7 | B | 9 |
| 95 - 100 | A | 4 | A | 10 |
Late Work Policy
Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.
ECTS Credit Calculation
📚 Student Workload
This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:
Lecture hours
42 hours ⏳ (14 week × 3 h)
Midterm exam study
12 hours ⏳ (1 week × 12 h)
Tutorials
28 hours ⏳ (14 week × 2 h)
Final exam study
14 hours ⏳ (1 week × 14 h)
Projects
10 hours ⏳ (2 week × 5 h)
Assignments / Quizzes
30 hours ⏳ (3 week × 10 h)
Home study
14 hours ⏳ (14 week × 1 h)
150 Total Workload Hours
6 ECTS Credits
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.
Technology & AI Policy
Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.
Communication Policy
All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [CS421] in the subject line.
Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.
Learning Tips
Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.
Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Syllabus Last Updated on Mar 03, 2026 | International University of Sarajevo
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Referencing Curricula Print this page
| Course Code | Course Title | Weekly Hours* | ECTS | Weekly Class Schedule | ||||||
| T | P | |||||||||
| CS421 | Architecture and Implementation of Database Management Systems | 3 | 2 | 6 | ||||||
| Prerequisite | CS306 | It is a prerequisite to | - | |||||||
| Lecturer | Office Hours / Room / Phone | Currently not available |
||||||||
| Assistant | Assistant E-mail | |||||||||
| Course Objectives | This course introduces the main techniques for database analysis and design and how they can be applied in a practical way. Additionally, it covers a methodology for database design and considers the main technologies associated with data ownership, data security and how to deal with big data like data warehouses. | |||||||||
| Textbook | Database Systems, T.Connolly & C.Begg, 5. Edition, Addison Wesley. | |||||||||
| Additional Literature | ||||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: | |||||||||
|
||||||||||
| Teaching Methods | This course employs a range of teaching and learning methods (lecturing, home assignments, working in lab, discussion, and project). Students have three hours lectures and two hours practical training a week. Students are also expected to realise a project. Learning will consist of knowledge acquisition and practical use of that knowledge. Regular homework assignments will guide students’ individual learning and students’ progression in acquiring required knowledge and practice will be additionally checked through quizzes and midterm and final exams. | |||||||||
| Teaching Method Delivery | Teaching Method Delivery Notes | |||||||||
| WEEK | TOPIC | REFERENCE | ||||||||
| Week 1 | Introduction, Basic Concepts | Chapter 1 | ||||||||
| Week 2 | Database Environment | Chapter 2 | ||||||||
| Week 3 | Database System Development Lifecycle | Chapter 10 | ||||||||
| Week 4 | Conceptual Database Design +1. Quiz | Chapter 16 | ||||||||
| Week 5 | Logical Database Design for the Relational Model | Chapter 17 | ||||||||
| Week 6 | Physical Database Design for Relational Databases | Chapter 18 | ||||||||
| Week 7 | Monitoring and Tuning the Operational System +2. Quiz | Chapter 19 | ||||||||
| Week 8 | Midterm preparation and MIDTERM EXAM | |||||||||
| Week 9 | Security and Administration | Chapter 20 | ||||||||
| Week 10 | Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues in Data Management | Chapter 21 | ||||||||
| Week 11 | Distributed DBMSs-Concepts and Design | Chapter 24 | ||||||||
| Week 12 | Data Warehousing Concepts an Design +3.Quiz | Chapter 32-33 | ||||||||
| Week 13 | Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) | Chapter 34 | ||||||||
| Week 14 | Review | |||||||||
| Week 15 | Review and final exam preparation | |||||||||
| Assessment Methods and Criteria | Evaluation Tool | Quantity | Weight | Alignment with LOs | AI Usage |
| Final Exam | 1 | 35 | 1,2,3,4,5 | Not Allowed | |
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| Homework | 1 | 5 | 1,2,3,4,5 | Not Allowed | |
| Midterm Exam | 1 | 20 | 1,2,3,4,5 | Not Allowed | |
| Assignments/Quizes | 3 | 30 | 1,2,3,4,5 | Not Allowed | |
| Project | 1 | 10 | 1,2,3,4,5 | Not Allowed | |
| *** ECTS Credit Calculation *** | |||||
| Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | |||
| Lecture hours | 3 | 14 | 42 | Midterm exam study | 12 | 1 | 12 | |||
| Tutorials | 2 | 14 | 28 | Final exam study | 14 | 1 | 14 | |||
| Projects | 5 | 2 | 10 | Assignments / Quizzes | 10 | 3 | 30 | |||
| Home study | 1 | 14 | 14 | |||||||
| Total Workload Hours = | 150 | |||||||||
| *T= Teaching, P= Practice | ECTS Credit = | 6 | ||||||||
| Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey | Last Update Date: 27/03/2026 | |||||||||