Introduction This course introduces students to database systems. The course explains what a database system is, and then proceeds for the greater part of the learning material to explore relational database systems—databases designed according to the relational (or tabular) model. The material includes discussion of SQL, the Struc tured Query Language, as well as a unit on database design. From data abstraction, the course then turns to transaction management, with some additional material on improving query performance. Finally, there is an introduction of up-to-date trends in database system design, which also locates recent developments in the larger history of data storage technology. tured Query Language, as well as a unit on database design. From data abstraction, the course then turns to transaction management, with some additional material on improving query performance. Finally, there is an introduction of up-to-date trends in database system design, which also locates recent developments in the larger history of data storage technology.