After successful completion of the course, students are able to

• name basic principles of query evaluation in relational DBMS
• to read query evaluation plans and derive measures for the improvement of the performance of queries
• describe central „big data“ concepts, methods, and technologies using subject-specific terminology
• use distributed data processing methods such as MapReduce and Spark
• name basic principles of NoSQL systems
• use various NoSQL technologies

Blocks:

1. Evaluation and Optimization of queries on relational databases
2. Introduction to distributed data processing techniques (with a focus on MapReduce and Spark)
3. Basic principles of various NoSQL systems

• Lectures
• Three exercises (one to each block), which are worked on in groups
• Before each exercise interview, we offer sessions with tutors for any questions regarding the exercise

ECTS Breakdown:

41h   lectures + preparation for and repetition of lectures
60h   solving exercise sheets  
 3h   exercise interviews
40h   exam preparation
 6h   exam
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150h (= 25h * 6ECTS)

The final evaluation is based on the performance at the 3 exercise sheets as well as 3 written exams. For the exercise sheets, the submission of solutions is required, which will be discussed in a meeting with a tutor). The 3 exercise sheets and written exams correspond to the 3 major blocks of the lecture (see contents of the lecture).

The individual evaluations contribute to the overall evaluation in the following proportions:

• 20% for each of the exams
• 15% each for exercise sheet 1 and 2
• 10% for exercise sheet 3

Database knowledge to the extent of the bachelor course "Database Systems" are absolutely necessary. Moreover, programming skills to the extent taught in the bachelor course "Introduction to Programming 1"  are also assumed.