This course covers modern database and information systems as well as research issues in the field. Topics and systems covered may include object-relational, object-oriented, active, semi-structured and streaming databases. Also discussed will be recent advances in database systems such as advanced query processing, distributed databases, data warehousing, on-line analytical processing, distributed information integration, XML query engines, web and semi-structured data management, continuously streaming and sensor-based data systems, multimedia database tools, data mining, and client-server, heterogeneous and P2P systems. The specific subset of topics for a given course offering is selected by the instructor. Research papers from recent journals and conferences are used.
Expected background includes basic knowledge of relational database systems and some programming skills. Some prior relational database course (such as CS542 or the corresponding undergraduate database courses) or equivalent knowledge, possibly gained via job experience, will be helpful to be familiar with basic database concepts and terminology.