Relational Database Concepts and Applications covers enterprise RDBMS design and use — entity/relationship diagrams, normalization, and SQL.
What CMSC 320 covers
(Formerly CMIS 320.) Prerequisite: CMSC 115 (or CMIS 141). A study of the functions, underlying concepts, and applications of enterprise relational database management systems (RDBMS) in a business environment. The aim is to appropriately use databases to meet business requirements.
Discussion covers entity/relationship diagrams, relational theory, normalization, integrity constraints, the Structured Query Language (SQL), and physical and logical design. Business case studies and projects include hands-on work using an industry standard RDBMS.
Typical CMSC 320 assignments
Expect a project requiring you to design an entity/relationship diagram, normalize it, and write SQL queries to meet a specific business requirement.
Key topics in CMSC 320
- Entity/relationship diagrams
- Database normalization
- SQL
- Physical and logical database design
Writing tips for CMSC 320
Follow the assignment instructions and rubric line by line
UMGC assignments for CMSC 320 are graded against a specific rubric or grading criteria your instructor provides — every requirement has to be visibly addressed. Skipping a requirement because it seems minor is one of the most common reasons a strong submission loses points.
Working, tested code matters as much as the write-up
Computer Science courses like CMSC 320 usually grade both the code itself (does it compile, run, and produce correct output) and the accompanying documentation or design write-up. A well-written report attached to code that doesn't run will still lose significant points.
Document your design decisions, not just the final code
Strong CMSC submissions explain the reasoning behind design choices — why a particular data structure, algorithm, or architecture was chosen — not just the final implementation. Evaluators check whether you understand the tradeoffs, not just whether the code works.
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Why students seek help with CMSC 320
Students sometimes write SQL queries without the underlying normalized database design the assignment requires — the rubric typically wants that full design-through-query process shown, not queries alone.
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CMSC 320 requires Introductory Programming (CMSC 115) or CMIS 141. It was formerly numbered CMIS 320, and is the gateway prerequisite for CMSC 415, CMSC 420, and CMSC 440. Note: students may receive credit for only one of CMIS 320, CMSC 320, or IFSM 410.
Related courses
Frequently asked questions
CMSC 320 requires Introductory Programming (CMSC 115) or CMIS 141, and is itself the gateway prerequisite for CMSC 415, CMSC 420, and CMSC 440.
Students may receive credit for only one of CMIS 320, CMSC 320, or IFSM 410, since they cover the same relational database content.