This course provides prospective users of data base management systems with a solid theoretical and practical foundation for using these systems in a variety of contemporary organizational environments. The course traces the nature of DBMS from general conceptual structures, through the design, interface and implementation of actual database systems. The course includes a mix of classical database theory with practical hands-on application using state of the art DBMS packages; similar to those used today by large and small organizations alike to run their information systems.