Diploma in Database Administration Program offered by Canadian College of Excellence

Diploma in Database Administration Program
 (12 Month, 52 Weeks) 100% Remote Program

Section 1: Program Overview

1.1 Introduction

The Diploma in Database Administration program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in database management. The program covers fundamental concepts such as SQL programming, database design, and management systems, as well as advanced topics including database security, backup, recovery, and performance tuning. By the end of the program, students will be prepared to tackle the challenges of the digital age and excel in the field of database administration.

Goals:

• Technical Proficiency: The primary goal of the program is to impart a strong foundation in database administration, enabling students to proficiently utilize database management systems and related technologies.
• Industry Relevance: To ensure graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the job market, the program aims to align its curriculum with industry standards and best practices in database administration.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Through hands-on projects and real-world scenarios, students will enhance their problem-solving abilities, enabling them to troubleshoot issues and optimize database performance effectively.
• Ethical Considerations: The program aims to instill ethical values and practices related to database administration, emphasizing the importance of data security, privacy, and integrity.

Objectives:

• Comprehensive Understanding: By the end of the program, students should have a comprehensive understanding of database concepts, including relational database management systems, data modeling, normalization, and transaction management.
• Proficiency in SQL: Students will gain proficiency in SQL programming, including the ability to write complex queries, perform data manipulation tasks, and create and manage database objects.
• Database Design and Management: The program will equip students with the skills necessary to design and implement databases effectively, considering factors such as data integrity, performance, and scalability. They will also learn techniques for database optimization and management.
• Advanced Topics Mastery: Students will delve into advanced topics such as database security, backup, recovery, and performance tuning, learning strategies to ensure data integrity, availability, and performance under various circumstances.
• Hands-on Experience: Through practical exercises, lab sessions, and project work, students will gain hands-on experience working with popular database management systems, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the Diploma in Database Administration, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of database concepts and principles.
• Design, implement, and manage databases effectively, considering factors such as performance, security, and scalability.
• Write complex SQL queries to retrieve, manipulate, and manage data within a database system.
• Implement robust database security measures to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access or manipulation.
• Develop and implement backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies to ensure data integrity and availability.
• Apply performance tuning techniques to optimize database performance and scalability.
• Analyze and troubleshoot common database-related issues, employing problem-solving skills to resolve them effectively.
• Adhere to ethical standards and best practices in database administration, prioritizing data security, privacy, and integrity.

1.2 Program Structure and Curriculum

The program consists of a total of 40 credits, including core courses and elective options. Core courses provide a strong foundation in database administration, covering topics such as introduction to databases, SQL programming, and database design. Elective options allow students to specialize in areas like NoSQL databases, data warehousing, and project management. The curriculum is designed to align with industry standards and emerging trends, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the field. The sequence and progression of courses are structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of database administration, starting from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Core Courses:

Introduction to Databases: 

• Overview of databases and their importance
• Introduction to database management systems (DBMS)
• Basic concepts of relational databases

SQL Programming:

• Understanding SQL syntax and semantics
• Data manipulation language (DML) operations
• Data definition language (DDL) commands

Database Design:

• Entity-relationship modeling
• Normalization techniques
• Schema design and optimization

Database Management Systems:

• Overview of popular DBMS such as MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server
• Installation, configuration, and administration of DBMS
• Data dictionary and metadata management

Advanced SQL and Query Optimization:

• Advanced SQL queries: subqueries, joins, and unions
• Indexing strategies for performance optimization
• Query execution plans and optimization techniques.

Database Security:

• Understanding database security threats and vulnerabilities
• Authentication and authorization mechanisms
• Role-based access control (RBAC) implementation

Database Backup and Recovery:

• Importance of backup and recovery in database management
• Backup strategies: full, incremental, and differential backups
• Point-in-time recovery techniques.

Database Performance Tuning:

• Performance monitoring and analysis
• Identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks
• Query optimization and tuning techniques.

 

 

Elective Courses (Choose at least 2):

NoSQL Databases:

• Introduction to NoSQL databases: MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis, etc.
• Understanding CAP theorem and BASE properties
• Applications and use cases of NoSQL databases

Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence:

• Data warehousing concepts and architecture
• ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes
• Business intelligence tools and analytics

Cloud Database Management:

• Introduction to cloud computing and its impact on databases
• Deployment models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
• Managing databases on cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud

Big Data Management:

• Overview of big data technologies: Hadoop, Spark, etc.
• Handling large volumes of data: storage and processing
• Distributed database systems and scalability

Capstone Project:

Students will undertake a capstone project where they will apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program to design, implement, and manage a database system. The project will involve database design, SQL programming, security implementation, backup and recovery strategies, and performance tuning.

Internship (Optional):

Students have the option to undertake an internship in a relevant industry setting, allowing them to gain practical experience and further enhance their skills under the guidance of professionals in the field.

1.3 Admission Requirements

• To be admitted to the Diploma in Database Administration program, students require to meet specific academic qualifications and involves additional criteria such as aptitude tests or interviews. Prospective students should demonstrate a strong interest in software development and possess foundational knowledge of programming concepts. The admission process aims to select candidates with the potential to thrive in the program and succeed in the software development industry.
• Educational Qualifications:
• Applicants should have completed secondary education or its equivalent, such as a high school diploma or an international baccalaureate (IB) diploma.
• A strong background in mathematics, science, and computer science may be advantageous for an AI diploma program.
• English is the primary language of instruction in Canadian College of Excellence, Dubai, applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS if the English score in high school diploma or its equivalence is below 60%. 
• Interview: CCE, Dubai interviews all eligible applicants, before their provincial letter of admission, test applicant academic readiness, academic and technical proficiency, Interest, and passion in the program-subject chosen, communication skills, problem solving and critical thinking skills and ability to collaborate with peer group and Faculty to successfully complete their academic program. 
• Section 2: Program Evaluation
• 2.1 Learning Outcomes
• The Diploma in Database Administration program aims to equip students with the following learning outcomes:
• Understand fundamental database concepts, terminologies, and database management systems.
• Use basic and advanced SQL queries to retrieve, manipulate, and manage data.
• Design normalized relational database schemas and utilize entity-relationship diagrams (ERDs) for database modeling.
• Identify and compare different types of database management systems (DBMS) and administer a DBMS effectively.
• Implement database security measures, backup strategies, and disaster recovery plans.
• Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks in a database system and optimize database queries and indexes.
• Describe the characteristics and use cases of NoSQL databases, and develop applications using NoSQL database technologies.
• Explain data warehousing concepts and components, design and implement ETL processes, and utilize data warehousing tools for business intelligence and analytics.
• Apply project management principles to database projects, create project plans, schedules, and budgets, and coordinate with stakeholders for project success.
• Apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world database projects during the internship/practicum, gaining hands-on experience and professional feedback.

These learning outcomes are aligned with industry needs and reflect current best practices in database administration.

2.2 Curriculum Mapping

The program's courses and learning activities are designed to align with the defined learning outcomes. Each course contributes to the achievement of specific learning outcomes as follows:

Course	Weekly Coverage	Reference Books
Introduction to Databases   Hours: 100 Weeks: 5 Credits: 4	Week 1: Database Concepts and Terminology (20 hours) Week 2: Basic SQL Queries (20 hours) Week 3: Database Management Systems Overview (20 hours) Week 4: SQL Advanced Queries (20 hours) Week 5: DBMS Administration Basics (20 hours)	"Database Systems: Design, Implementation, and Management" by Carlos Coronel, Steven Morris, and Peter Rob.
SQL Programming   Hours: 140 Weeks: 7 Credits: 6	Week 1-2: Complex SQL Queries (40 hours) Week 3: Stored Procedures and Functions (20 hours) Week 4: Triggers in SQL (20 hours) Week 5: SQL Best Practices (20 hours) Week 6-7: Advanced SQL Topics (40 hours)	"SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL" by John L. Viescas and Michael J. Hernandez.
Database Design   Hours: 100 Weeks: 5 Credits: 4	Week 1: Normalized Relational Database Schemas (20 hours) Week 2: Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) (20 hours) Week 3: Database Design Principles (20 hours) Week 4: Data Storage Optimization (20 hours) Week 5: Design Review and Optimization (20 hours)	"Database Design for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Relational Database Design" by Michael J. Hernandez.
Database Management Systems   Hours: 100 Weeks: 5 Credits: 4	Week 1: DBMS Types and Comparison (20 hours) Week 2: DBMS Installation and Configuration (20 hours) Week 3: DBMS Administration Tasks (20 hours) Week 4: Backup, Recovery, and Security (20 hours) Week 5: DBMS Maintenance (20 hours	"Database Management Systems" by Raghu Ramakrishnan and Johannes Gehrke.
Database Security and Backup/Recovery   Hours: 120 Weeks: 6 Credits: 4	Weeks 1-2: Principles of Database Security and Backup Strategies (40 hours) Weeks 3-4: Implementing Security Measures and Disaster Recovery Plans (40 hours) Weeks 5-6: Security Incident Response and Data Restoration (40 hours)	"Implementing Database Security and Auditing" by Ron Ben Natan. "Backup & Recovery: Inexpensive Backup Solutions for Open Systems" by W. Curtis Preston.
Database Performance Tuning (SAIT course: CMPP 279)   Hours: 60 Weeks: 3 Credits: 2	Week 1: Performance Bottleneck Identification (20 hours) Week 2: Query and Index Optimization (20 hours) Week 3: Performance Monitoring and Analysis (20 hours)	"Database Performance Tuning and Optimization: Using Oracle" by Kevin Meade and Meade Jason.
NoSQL Databases   Hours: 60 Weeks: 3 Credits: 2	Week 1: NoSQL Database Characteristics (20 hours) Week 2: NoSQL Database Installation and Configuration (20 hours) Week 3: NoSQL Application Development (20 hours)	"NoSQL Distilled: A Brief Guide to the Emerging World of Polyglot Persistence" by Pramod J. Sadalage and Martin Fowler.
Data Warehousing   Hours: 60 Weeks: 3 Credits: 2	Week 1: Data Warehousing Concepts (20 hours) Week 2: ETL Process Design (20 hours) Week 3: Business Intelligence Tools (20 hours)	"The Data Warehouse Toolkit: The Definitive Guide to Dimensional Modeling" by Ralph Kimball and Margy Ross.
Project Management for Database Administrators   Hours: 60 Weeks: 3 Credits: 2	Week 1: Project Management Principles (20 hours) Week 2: Project Planning and Scheduling (20 hours) Week 3: Stakeholder Coordination (20 hours)	"A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)" by Project Management Institute.

 

 

The curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its alignment with the program's goals and industry standards.

2.3 Teaching and Learning Strategies

The program employs various instructional methods and strategies to support student engagement, active learning, critical thinking, and practical application of knowledge. These include lectures, hands-on exercises, case studies, group projects, and discussions. The use of innovative approaches and technologies, such as simulation software and virtual labs, enhances the teaching and learning experience.

Instructional methods and strategies include:

• Lectures and presentations for theoretical knowledge.
• Practical exercises, role-playing, and case studies for active learning.
• Hands-on practice sessions for skill development.
• Group discussions and interactive sessions for critical thinking and application of knowledge.
• Use of simulation models, diagrams, and technology to enhance learning experience.
• Guest speakers and field visits to provide real-world insights into healthcare practices.

 

2.4 Assessment Methods

Assessing students' understanding and proficiency in network administration involves a range of methods tailored to measure both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Traditional assessments such as quizzes and exams evaluate theoretical understanding of networking concepts, protocols, and best practices. Practical assessments, including lab exercises, simulations, and hands-on projects, allow students to demonstrate their ability to configure, troubleshoot, and manage network environments effectively. Additionally, case studies and problem-solving tasks assess students' critical thinking and analytical skills in real-world scenarios. Continuous assessment through class participation, peer evaluations, and instructor feedback provides ongoing insights into students' progress and areas for improvement. By employing a variety of assessment methods, instructors can ensure a comprehensive evaluation of student's knowledge and skills in network administration.

 

Assessment methods include:

• Formative assessments such as quizzes, assignments, and practical exercises throughout each module.
• Summative assessments at the end of each module to evaluate overall understanding and proficiency.
• Practical assessments to evaluate patient care skills, communication abilities, and cultural competence.
• Case studies and projects to assess critical thinking and application of knowledge.
• External assessments or certifications to validate competence in specific areas, if applicable.
• Regular review and updating of the curriculum are conducted through feedback from students, faculty, industry stakeholders, and ongoing monitoring of industry trends and best practices. Adjustments are made to ensure alignment with program goals and industry needs.

 

Section 3: Faculty and Resources

3.1 Faculty Qualifications

The faculty members involved in delivering the Diploma in Database Administration program possess strong qualifications and expertise in the field. They hold advanced degrees in computer science, information technology, or related fields, and many have relevant industry certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE). Faculty members have extensive professional experience in database administration, including roles in database design, development, and management. They actively contribute to research in the field and stay updated with current trends and technologies. Faculty development and professional growth are supported within the institution through opportunities for further education, training, and participation in conferences and seminars.

Common certifications may include:

• Programming Languages: Certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), or Java SE Programmer certify proficiency in specific programming languages like Java, C#, or Python.
• Agile and DevOps: Certifications like Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), or AWS Certified DevOps Engineer validate expertise in Agile methodologies, Scrum frameworks, and DevOps practices.
• Database Management: Certifications such as Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) or Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate demonstrate proficiency in database management systems like Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server.

The resume detailing the educational qualifications, professional work experience, relevant research and thesis work, laboratory experience are included along with copies of certificates for the following faculty:

• Afrin Sadia Rumana
• Hafez Md. Nasrullah
• Dr. Md. Morshedul Islam
• Mahudun Nabi
• Md. Ashraful Islam
• McVern Gall

 

3.2 Academic Resources

The program is supported by a range of academic resources to enhance student learning and research. The institution's library offers a comprehensive collection of books, journals, and online resources related to database administration. Specialized cloud labs equipped with modern computing facilities and software are available for hands-on practice and experimentation. Students have access to relevant databases and online resources to supplement their studies. These resources are regularly evaluated, upgraded, and aligned with program needs to ensure they meet the evolving demands of the field.

The specific academic resources including eLearning/ digital content offered to students are:

• D2L- Brightspace -Learning Management System 
• McGraw Hill Connect
• Pearson Higher Education Online Resource
• eBookshelf-Vitalsource

3.3 Student Support Services

We prioritize the holistic development and well-being of our students by offering comprehensive support services. Our student support team provides academic advising, career counseling, and mentorship opportunities to help students navigate their academic journey and make informed decisions about their future. We also offer tutoring services, workshops, and networking events to foster a supportive learning community where students can collaborate, share ideas, and learn from each other's experiences. Additionally, we assist with internships, job placements, and professional development opportunities to help students transition seamlessly into the workforce upon graduation.

Online Learning Platforms:

• Access to online learning platforms or learning management systems (LMS) where students can find course materials, lecture notes, assignments, and supplementary resources.
• Integration with video lecture platforms for asynchronous learning and revision.

Faculty Support:

• Availability of experienced and knowledgeable faculty members who provide guidance, mentorship, and support to students both in and out of the classroom.
• Office hours and consultation sessions for students to seek help with course material, assignments, and research projects.

Workshops and Seminars:

• Regular workshops, seminars, and guest lectures conducted by faculty members, industry professionals, and researchers to expose students to current trends, best practices, and real-world applications of software development.
• Opportunities for students to present their own research findings and projects to their peers and faculty members.

Research Opportunities:

• Access to research facilities and resources for conducting independent or collaborative research projects in AI and related disciplines.
• Support for participation in research conferences, symposiums, and competitions to showcase research outcomes and network with peers and experts in the field.

Career Services:

• Career counseling and guidance services to help students explore career paths, develop professional skills, and prepare for job interviews and internships in tech-related industries.
• Job placement assistance and connections with industry partners for internship and employment opportunities.

Collaborative Spaces:

• Collaborative spaces such as study rooms, group work areas, and project labs where students can collaborate on assignments, projects, and research activities.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with students and faculty from other departments or programs.

Section 4: Continuous Improvement

4.1 Program Evaluation and Feedback Mechanisms

The Diploma in Database Administration program has several mechanisms in place to gather feedback from stakeholders. These include surveys and evaluations administered to students, alumni, faculty, and employers. Feedback is also gathered through advisory boards and industry partnerships. This feedback is used to assess the program's effectiveness and relevance, identify areas for improvement, and implement necessary changes. For example, feedback from employers may lead to updates in the curriculum to align with industry needs, while feedback from students may result in adjustments to teaching methods or course materials.

Continuous program evaluation and feedback mechanisms are integral to ensuring the quality and effectiveness of our technology program. We regularly solicit feedback from students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners through surveys, focus groups, and advisory committees. This feedback is carefully analyzed and used to identify areas for improvement, update curriculum content, and enhance teaching methodologies. Additionally, we conduct regular assessments and evaluations of student learning outcomes to measure program effectiveness and identify areas where additional support may be needed. By engaging stakeholders in the evaluation process, we strive to maintain a dynamic and responsive program that meets the evolving needs of the industry.

Student Feedback:

• Regular course evaluations: Students are provided with opportunities to evaluate each course they undertake, typically at the end of each semester. These evaluations cover aspects such as course content, teaching quality, learning resources, and overall satisfaction.
• Mid-term feedback sessions: Mid-way through the semester, feedback sessions may be conducted to gather input from students regarding their learning experience, challenges faced, and suggestions for improvement.
• Student representatives: Each cohort may elect student representatives who serve as liaisons between students and faculty/administration, providing a channel for ongoing feedback and communication. 

Faculty Feedback:

• Peer evaluations: Faculty members may participate in peer evaluation processes where they provide feedback on each other's teaching methods, course materials, and assessment strategies.
• Faculty meetings and forums: Regular meetings and forums are held where faculty members can discuss curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and student feedback to identify areas for improvement.

4.2 Quality Enhancement Initiatives

Our commitment to quality enhancement drives us to continuously innovate and improve our database administration progarm. We actively engage in quality assurance processes, accreditation reviews, and benchmarking exercises to ensure that our program meets or exceeds national and international standards of excellence. We invest in faculty development initiatives, curriculum enhancements, and infrastructure upgrades to enhance the overall learning experience for students and equip them with the latest knowledge and skills demanded by the industry. Moreover, we foster partnerships with industry leaders, professional associations, and research institutions to stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in network administration and incorporate them into our curriculum.

Proposed Strategic Partnerships in 2024:

• Peerless College, Calgary AB Canada, -For offering student exchange programs. 
• Canadian Institute for Advanced Education, Dhaka Bangladesh for professional development. 
• Celestia Bookings, Calgary AB Canada -For Internship & to gain Industry experience for business students.
• Dr. Gulshan Akter Center for Healthcare -Calgary AB Canada -Healthcare programs partnership and practicum offerings. 

4.3 Program Review and Monitoring

Regular program review and monitoring are essential components of our commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement. We conduct comprehensive reviews of our network administration program periodically, involving stakeholders from within and outside the institution. These reviews assess program outcomes, student performance, faculty qualifications, and industry relevance to ensure that our program remains current, relevant, and aligned with industry needs. Monitoring mechanisms, such as student progress tracking, course evaluations, and performance metrics, enable us to identify challenges early on and implement timely interventions to support student success.

Annual Program Review:

• The institution conducts an annual comprehensive review of the database administration diploma program.
• Program coordinators, faculty members, administrators, and relevant stakeholders participate in the review process.
• The review covers various aspects of the program, including curriculum content, teaching methodologies, learning outcomes, student performance, and feedback received from stakeholders.

Curriculum Alignment and Relevance:

• The curriculum is reviewed to ensure alignment with industry trends, technological advancements, and evolving job market demands in the field of software development. 
• Program coordinators assess the relevance of course offerings, learning objectives, and practical components to meet the current and future needs of software professionals in Dubai and globally.
• Industry Engagement and Employer Feedback:
• The institution engages with industry partners, employers, and professional associations to gather feedback on the skills and competencies needed in the tech workforce.
• Employer feedback on the performance of graduates, their preparedness for the workforce, and areas for improvement is collected and analyzed.

Section 5: Conclusion

In conclusion, this self-evaluation report provides an overview of our program and demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high-quality educational standards. We have outlined the program's goals, structure, curriculum, and assessment methods, while highlighting the qualifications of our faculty and the resources available to support student learning. We have also emphasized our dedication to continuous improvement through feedback mechanisms and quality enhancement initiatives.

We believe that our program meets the required standards for programmatic accreditation and are confident that it prepares students for successful careers in their chosen fields. We welcome the opportunity for external review and feedback from the Accreditation Committee to further enhance our program's quality.

Thank you for considering our institution for programmatic accreditation. We look forward to the opportunity to engage in the external review process and demonstrate our commitment to providing a high-quality education.