CIS 143 at Harper College was my deep-dive into the world of relational databases—and it was both challenging and rewarding. The course was fully asynchronous, which meant I had the flexibility to work on assignments and projects at my own pace while sticking to a weekly structure that kept me engaged.
We started with foundational concepts like database design, normalization, and the relational model, before diving into practical tools like Query By Example (QBE) and Structured Query Language (SQL). From there, we tackled more advanced topics like data definition and control languages (DDL/DCL), ER diagrams, and database functions. Every week came with hands-on assignments, discussion board participation, and quizzes to reinforce our learning.
The biggest highlight was the Final Project, where I built a fully functioning relational database from scratch. It had to demonstrate correct normalization, include ERD documentation, and use SQL queries to manipulate and retrieve data. We even had to submit a recorded walkthrough demonstrating our design, logic, and learning outcomes.
What set this course apart was its emphasis on real-world application. Each assignment wasn’t just an exercise—it was a scenario where I had to apply what I’d learned to create or troubleshoot parts of a working database system. This made the content feel meaningful and gave me a lot of confidence in my ability to use SQL Server and Access in actual workplace settings.
Overall, CIS 143 provided a rock-solid introduction to database systems and gave me the tools to think like a database designer. I’m walking away with practical skills in SQL, database normalization, and data modeling—skills I know I’ll be using in future dev work.
