Database Management · Intermediate level

Intermediate level · Module 1 of 6 · 16 guided hours

Database Design and Normalisation

Turn requirements into entity–relationship diagrams and normalised table designs that avoid repetition and anomalies.

Learning objectives

  • Model requirements as entities, attributes and relationships
  • Normalise tables to third normal form
  • Choose data types, keys and naming conventions

Topics

  • requirements to entities
  • ER diagrams and cardinality
  • many-to-many and junction tables
  • 1NF, 2NF and 3NF
  • update, insert and delete anomalies
  • data types and naming conventions

Lessons

  1. Lesson 1 From Requirements to an ER Diagram

    Identify entities, attributes and relationships from requirements and draw them as an entity–relationship diagram.

    entity and attributerelationship and cardinalityone-to-manymany-to-many

  2. Lesson 2 Normalisation to Third Normal Form

    Remove repetition and anomalies by normalising tables step by step.

    anomalyfirst normal formsecond normal formthird normal form

  3. Lesson 3 Types, Keys and Conventions

    Choose data types, keys and naming conventions that keep a schema clear and correct over time.

    data types (INTEGER, NUMERIC, TEXT, DATE, BOOLEAN)surrogate vs natural keysnaming conventionsdocumenting a schema

Practical activity

Design the NGO beneficiary database from interview notes: draw the ER diagram, normalise a provided flat spreadsheet and write the schema.

Expected outcomes

  • Sound, normalised designs
  • Clear design documentation

Assessment

Design review of the ER diagram and schema against a checklist, plus an oral explanation of one normalisation decision.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.