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2026-2027 / INFO9016-1

Advanced Databases

Duration

24h Th, 20h Pr, 20h Proj.

Number of credits

 Master MSc. in Computer Science, professional focus in computer systems security5 crédits 
 Master MSc. in Computer Science, professional focus in computer systems security (Double degrees - HEC Lège)5 crédits 
 Master MSc. in Data Science, professional focus5 crédits 
 Master MSc. in Data Science and Engineering, professional focus5 crédits 
 Master MSc. in Computer Science and Engineering, professional focus in management5 crédits 
 Master Msc. in computer science and engineering, professional focus in intelligent systems5 crédits 
 Master MSc. in Computer Science, professional focus in management5 crédits 
 Master MSc. in Computer Science and Engineering, professional focus in computer systems and networks5 crédits 
 Master MSc. in Computer Science and Engineering, professional focus in computer systems and networks (Double degrees - HEC Liège)5 crédits 
 Master MSc. in Computer Science, professional focus in intelligent systems5 crédits 

Lecturer

Christophe Debruyne

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course introduces students to current techniques, methods, and results in database systems and data management.

While the specific topics the lecturer covers may vary over time, topics typically include spatial databases, temporal databases, deductive databases, data warehousing, and NoSQL databases.

The project furthermore consists of conducting applied research on a topic chosen from a list provided at the start of the semester, and presenting the results as a technical report and a poster. Students must attend their peers' poster presentations.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The student develops an awareness of different types of databases, beyond relational databases. The student can describe the characteristics of each technology and identify cases where a specific technology suits a particular problem. The student can study a particular technology and present the results of their research.


This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.1, I.2, III.1, III.3, VI.1, VII.1, VII.2, VII.4 of the MSc in computer science and engineering.

 

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

  • INFO0009 (*)
  • INFO9015 (*)
  • Some programming experience.
(*) Or equivalent if the student comes from another institution.

Students are expected to be familiar with operating systems and containers (or eager to acquire those skills outside the class).

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course is organized around four key learning activities.

Theory: Knowledge is delivered through lectures supported by slides. Lectures occasionally include short debates or discussions to deepen understanding of specific points. These debates may also introduce a new topic within a chapter.

Practical sessions: These exercises are designed to train you in applying the techniques covered in class. Some exercise sessions provide an environment to test your solutions. Solutions to these exercises are made available after the session.

Project: The goal of the project is to conduct applied research on a specific database-related topic (literature review, experimental setup, development, etc.) and to present the results in a technical report and a poster presentation. Unlike the exercises, where solutions are provided, you will only be guided. Projects are carried out in teams of two (exceptionally three) students.

Poster presentations: Students will present their project to their peers as a poster. Attendance at the poster presentations is mandatory.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Slides, which are part of the required readings, will be available on eCampus. Links to standards and papers will be shared on eCampus.

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )

Written work / report

Continuous assessment

Other : Presentation


Further information:

Assessment consists of:

  • A written exam (50%)
  • Two quizzes (2 × 5%)
  • A project (40%) leading to a poster presentation and technical reports.
Intermediate grades are not rounded. Rounding applies only to the final grade.

Groups of two (exceptionally three) students will carry out an applied research project on a topic chosen from a list available on eCampus. Students may also propose their own topics, but the professor must approve them. The project results in a technical report and a poster presentation. Students must attend their peers' poster presentations.

The project and its deliverables are mandatory learning activities. Students who do not take part will receive an A (absent) for the course. The project must be carried out in a group and completed during the semester. Comprising three key stages and feedback moments, the project cannot be completed over the summer. Students who do not take part in the project during the semester will receive a grade of A (absence) and will fail the course in both sessions.

L'examen contient des questions sur la matière vue en classe.

The final grade will be calculated as a weighted average of all assessments. However, to be eligible for this weighted average, students must obtain a minimum grade of 8/20:

  • on the weighted average of the exam and quizzes;
  • on the weighted average of the project deliverables (report, poster, and presentation).
Otherwise, the student's lowest assessment grade will be used as the final grade for the course.

For the second session:

  • Quizzes cannot be retaken. Grades from the first session will carry over.
  • Students who scored 10/20 or higher on their project may not submit an improved version. Students who scored between 8 (inclusive) and 10 (exclusive) may improve their project. Improving the reports, poster, and/or poster presentation is mandatory if the student received a failing grade of <8/20, other than an A (absent).

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

The course is organized in English. All material will be made available on eCampus. 

Contacts

Lecturer: Christophe Debruyne (c.debruyne@uliege.be)

Association of one or more MOOCs