CIS 317 Database Management System
Reflection
Learning Goals:
· The fundamentals of database management and data organization
· Design and implement database application
· Managing the large bodies of data
· How data is organized in abstract data structures
· Relational languages and how they are used to provide the interface for DBMS
I began my journey into the Medical Informatics Program on January 10, 2008. My very first class was CIS 317 Database Management Systems with Dr. Faisal Akkawi. I was very excited and nervous at the same time. After a few housekeeping information such as when the first homework is due, when the Midterm is (week 5), the need to find a Testing Center for the final exam and the 3 phases of the class project, I started to second guess if pursuing a second masters degree was such a good idea. I had just barely finished my Master in Health Services Administration in November 2007 when I decided to apply for the Medical Informatics Program. My anxiety was heightened by my unfamiliarity with the online format. Nevertheless, I was determined to forge my way through.
Before taking this class, database management and organization for me, meant entering data in the system and somehow getting it stored somewhere and organized by the computer. This class helped me realize database management is not as simple as that. I learned that there different types of data modeling language the most common of which is the Relational Model. I also learned that an Entity-Relational Diagram has three components: the Entities, the Relationship and the Attributes. Although having a database meant data stored could be accessed quickly and easily, a relationship has to be established so that when queried, the data acquired would not be false and misleading. I also learned that there are four different types of relationship: Binary (the most common), Tertiary, Quaternary and Recursive.
I gained a basic knowledge of how a database application is designed and implemented. Dr. Akkawi indicated that a poorly designed database application will result in errors and inconsistencies, while a well-designed one provides anytime access, allows reports and statistics generation when needed, and provides support in decision-making process.
To manage large bodies of data, a database management system (DBMS) is required. This allows storage and retrieval of large data in a structured way. I learned that commands should be capitalized and that Normalization is used to check the desirability and correctness of a relationship.
I also learned that Structured Query Language or SQL is a relational language which could allow the user to access, execute queries, retrieve data, insert new data, delete and update records. On the other hand Unified Modeling Language is object-oriented and is used to specify, visualize, modify, construct and document artifacts.
Using what I have learned, I was able to complete the project requiring us to create the NU Hospital Database. However, the true testament of what I have learned happened just last year when I was asked to get myself acquainted with Ingenix Impact Analysis, a database which stores all information pertaining to patients’ utilization of healthcare services. Without the basic knowledge from this class, I would have had a difficult time understanding the system I have at work.
· The fundamentals of database management and data organization
· Design and implement database application
· Managing the large bodies of data
· How data is organized in abstract data structures
· Relational languages and how they are used to provide the interface for DBMS
I began my journey into the Medical Informatics Program on January 10, 2008. My very first class was CIS 317 Database Management Systems with Dr. Faisal Akkawi. I was very excited and nervous at the same time. After a few housekeeping information such as when the first homework is due, when the Midterm is (week 5), the need to find a Testing Center for the final exam and the 3 phases of the class project, I started to second guess if pursuing a second masters degree was such a good idea. I had just barely finished my Master in Health Services Administration in November 2007 when I decided to apply for the Medical Informatics Program. My anxiety was heightened by my unfamiliarity with the online format. Nevertheless, I was determined to forge my way through.
Before taking this class, database management and organization for me, meant entering data in the system and somehow getting it stored somewhere and organized by the computer. This class helped me realize database management is not as simple as that. I learned that there different types of data modeling language the most common of which is the Relational Model. I also learned that an Entity-Relational Diagram has three components: the Entities, the Relationship and the Attributes. Although having a database meant data stored could be accessed quickly and easily, a relationship has to be established so that when queried, the data acquired would not be false and misleading. I also learned that there are four different types of relationship: Binary (the most common), Tertiary, Quaternary and Recursive.
I gained a basic knowledge of how a database application is designed and implemented. Dr. Akkawi indicated that a poorly designed database application will result in errors and inconsistencies, while a well-designed one provides anytime access, allows reports and statistics generation when needed, and provides support in decision-making process.
To manage large bodies of data, a database management system (DBMS) is required. This allows storage and retrieval of large data in a structured way. I learned that commands should be capitalized and that Normalization is used to check the desirability and correctness of a relationship.
I also learned that Structured Query Language or SQL is a relational language which could allow the user to access, execute queries, retrieve data, insert new data, delete and update records. On the other hand Unified Modeling Language is object-oriented and is used to specify, visualize, modify, construct and document artifacts.
Using what I have learned, I was able to complete the project requiring us to create the NU Hospital Database. However, the true testament of what I have learned happened just last year when I was asked to get myself acquainted with Ingenix Impact Analysis, a database which stores all information pertaining to patients’ utilization of healthcare services. Without the basic knowledge from this class, I would have had a difficult time understanding the system I have at work.
