EGEN Topics: Advanced Database Systems

Seminar Modules — Final 4 Weeks

Course: EGEN5208W Databases for Soft Engineers
Instructor: Abdelghny Orogat
Department: Department of Systems and Computer Engineering
University: Carleton University

Overview

This module covers advanced database systems with emphasis on NoSQL technologies, distributed architectures, performance optimization, and data management practices. Topics are presented through student-led seminars focusing on system design, implementation trade-offs, and production considerations.

Format: 4 presentations per topic, 17–20 minutes each

Deliverables: Each student must complete both a seminar presentation (17–20 minutes) and an individual PDF report documenting their assigned topic.

Course Information

Course Rationale — Why these topics matter
Preparing Seminar Presentations — How to prepare a good seminar talk
Presentation Checklist — Student presentation checklist
Seminar Report Requirements — Report format and requirements

Seminar Topics

1	NoSQL – Graph-Oriented Databases Property graph model, Neo4j architecture, Cypher query language, graph analytics
2	NoSQL – Vector Databases for AI Applications Vector embeddings, similarity search, Milvus architecture, production challenges
3	NoSQL – Key-Value Stores Beyond Caching Redis, DynamoDB, consistency models, design patterns and scaling strategies
4	NoSQL – Time-Series Databases InfluxDB, TimescaleDB, time-series workloads, retention and downsampling
5	Databases in Software Architecture & Design Microservices patterns, distributed transactions, event-driven architectures, CAP theorem
6	ORM, Tooling, and Developer Productivity ORM patterns, N+1 queries, schema migrations, CI/CD, database testing
7	Performance, Scalability, and Reliability Indexing strategies, query optimization, sharding, replication, high availability
8	Security, Privacy, and Responsible Data Management SQL injection, authentication, encryption, compliance, ethical data handling