Catalog Description: Access methods and file systems to facilitate data access. Hierarchical, network, relational, and object-oriented data models. Query languages for models. Embedding query languages in programming languages. Database services including protection, integrity control, and alternative views of data. High-level interfaces including application generators, browsers, and report writers. Introduction to transaction processing. Database system implementation to be done as term project.

Units: 4

Also Offered As: COMPSCI 186

Related Areas:

• Database Management Systems (DBMS)

Prerequisites: COMPSCI 61C or COMPSCI 47C. COMPSCI 47C may be taken as a co-requisite for transfer students.

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for COMPSCI 186 after completing COMPSCI W186.

Formats:
Spring: 3.0 hours of lecture and 1.0 hours of discussion per week
Fall: 3.0 hours of lecture and 1.0 hours of discussion per week

Grading Basis: Student Option

Final Exam Status: Yes

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Class Schedule (Fall 2026):
CS 186 – MoWe 09:30-10:59, The Gateway Building 1210 – Alvin Cheung

Class Notes
- NEW FOR FALL 2026: Prerequisites are no longer enforced.

- Time conflicts are allowed

- Lectures will be recorded

- One alternate final timeslot will be offered, which will be right after the main final. This will be the ONLY alternate final offered (barring DSP exceptions, which will be worked out with the DSP office on an individual basis)

- Seats reserved for students with enrollment permission are not open. They are reserved for students in internal programs. Please DO NOT ask faculty or staff for one of these seats.

Links:

• EECS Course Archives (CalNet authentication required)
• CS enrollment policies
• EE enrollment policies
• HKN course maps