Database Design Fundamentals

Overview

The Database Design Fundamentals course at CTS College offers a foundational understanding of how to structure and manage data in a way that enhances both accessibility and integrity. Participants are introduced to core concepts such as entity-relationship (ER) modelling, normalization, and Structured Query Language (SQL). These principles are the backbone of any robust database system and serve as essential tools for transforming raw data into meaningful information structures. Through guided lessons and practical exercises, learners will explore how data can be logically organized and relationally modelled to reflect real-world scenarios.

Beyond theory, the course emphasizes hands-on experience, enabling learners to apply their knowledge by designing and managing actual databases. This includes crafting effective queries, ensuring data integrity, and improving database performance through optimization techniques. Whether you're a budding developer, an IT professional, or someone working in data-heavy environments, this module equips you with the practical skills and conceptual clarity needed to build reliable, scalable, and efficient database systems.

Benefits

Upon completion of this programme, students would have:

• Developed a strong foundational understanding of database systems and their applications
• Learned to model real-world data effectively using Entity-Relationship (ER) diagrams
• Improved decision-making skills by analysing how data is structured, stored, and retrieved
• Gained hands-on experience writing SQL queries to manipulate and manage databases
• Built technical skills directly applicable to software development, data analytics, and IT roles
• Enhanced their ability to ensure data integrity, security, and consistency in database systems
• Prepared for advanced studies in database administration, data engineering, or data science

Features

Below are some of the main features of this course:

• Short duration - can be completed in only 4 weeks with 1 class per week
• Competitive rates with flexible payment plans
• Experienced lecturers with excellent student support
• Online classes which are also recorded for further review
• Support group via WhatsApp with the lecturers, programme manager and students

Target Audience

This programme is perfect for:

• IT professionals at beginner to intermediate levels looking to expand their database expertise
• Software developers aiming to enhance their backend system design capabilities
• Computer science or information systems students seeking practical database knowledge
• Data analysts and aspiring data scientists requiring strong database fundamentals
• Project managers and business analysts working with data-driven projects
• Technology enthusiasts curious about database architecture and internal operations

Entry Requirements

No prior experience or qualifications are required for enrolment in this course – all are welcome to join and learn.

Note: Candidates are expected to be computer literate.

Course Content

The following would be covered in this course:

1: Introduction to Databases

• What is a database and why is it important
• Types of databases (Relational, NoSQL, Hierarchical, etc.)
• Real-world applications of databases

2: Entity-Relationship Modeling

• Understanding entities, attributes, and relationships
• Drawing and interpreting ER diagrams
• Converting ER diagrams into relational schemas

3: Database Normalisation

• The purpose of normalization
• Normal forms (1NF, 2NF and 3NF) and how to apply them
• Identifying and removing data anomalies

4: Structured Query Language (SQL)

• Basics of SQL: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE
• Filtering, sorting, and joining tables
• Creating and modifying tables and databases

5: Ensuring Data Integrity and Constraints

• Primary keys, foreign keys, and unique constraints
• Data types and field constraints
• Referential integrity and cascading rules

6: Performance and Optimisation Basics

• Indexing for faster data retrieval
• Query optimisation techniques
• Best practices for database design and scalability

7: Database Security and Access Control

• User roles and permissions
• Authentication and authorisation methods
• Protecting data from unauthorised access

8: Backup, Recovery and Maintenance

• Importance of regular backups
• Recovery strategies for data loss scenarios
• Routine database maintenance tasks and tools

Schedule

Course Offering

Day	Time	Duration	Contact Hours	Cost	Lecturer
Tuesday	06:00 pm to 09:00 pm	4 Weeks	12 Hours	$1,000.00	Mr. Charles Mc Lean

*SPECIAL OFFER: Sign up for all 5 modules in Certificate in Software Engineering programme and get $1,500 OFF ($3,500 for all 5 modules)

Session - Tuesday (06:00 pm to 09:00 pm)

Session	Start Date	End Date
Database Design Fundamentals	Tuesday, September 2, 2025	Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Database Design Fundamentals	Tuesday, January 20, 2026	Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Delivery Mode

Online Classes

This course will be delivered via live online classes. Students will be provided with a link to join the class as well as other relevant instructions at least one day before the start of each class. These classes are also recorded - therefore students have the option to review the course content as often as they like.

Additional Info

Assessment

Students would be required to complete the following assessment(s) for this course:

• Weekly assessments

Certification

In order to receive the CTS College certificate of completion or participation for this course, students must attend a minimum of 75% of classes and pay any outstanding fees. Where applicable, students who do not meet the necessary assessment requirements, but attended the required number of classes would receive a CTS College certificate of participation.

Certificates would be provided in digital format which would allow students to access, print and share their certificates 24/7 on demand. For more information on our digital certificates please click here.

Note: Certificates would be provided for each module completed.

Resources

To get the most out of this course, students are encouraged to have access to the following:

• A working laptop or desktop – Having a computer allows students to practice at home and reinforce what they learn.

Interactive Course Calendar

Explore our comprehensive Interactive Course Calendar, with a list of all our courses and their costs and delivery modes offered throughout the year.

View Calendar »

Fees & Payment

Cost

This course is offered at the affordable price of $1,000 or at a discounted rate of $700 if doing all 5 modules in the Certificate in Software Engineering programme. In order to start the course, students must pay a minimum of 50% before the first class.

Payment Plans

Students can be given a payment plan where the initial downpayment is made, with an arrangement for the remaining balance to be paid over the duration of the course. Please feel free to contact us to discuss a payment plan customised for you.

Payment Methods

The following table shows the details for the 4 convenient ways to pay the CTS College fees for this programme:

Payment Method	Details
Linx	Paid at the Administration Office
Credit Card	Paid at the Administration Office
Cheque	Paid at the Administration Office Made Payable to CTS College
Online Bank Transfer	Paid via Online Banking Click to view full instructions »

Student Support

Facilitator

At CTS College, we believe in crafting an extraordinary student experience. This is why we have selected Mr. Charles McClean to facilitate the Database Design Fundamentals course. Mr. McClean not only imparts knowledge, but creates a learning experience where students feel valued and appreciated. He is also committed to shaping a transformative learning journey and creating an educational adventure that goes beyond the ordinary.

With 19 years of experience in Information Technology, Charles currently serves as Programme Manager at CTS College's Private Secondary School and has been lecturing since 2023. A First Class Honours graduate in IT and valedictorian, he has worked with MySQL, Oracle APEX, Microsoft SQL Server, and MariaDB across various projects.

His teaching journey began by helping classmates understand complex networking concepts like subnetting and has grown into a deep passion for education. Known for making technical material approachable, he brings both depth and clarity to the classroom, ensuring to bridge real-world industry experience with academic instruction in database design.

Programme Management

The programme management team is responsible for the management of this course. If you would like further information or clarification on this programme please contact:

Ms. Shai-An Baljour
Programme Manager
Phone: (868) 286-0862

Mr. Sebastian Ramsawak
Programme Manager
Phone: (868) 328-8594

E-mail: BSchidden@CTSCollege.com