We are going to take a look into the internal structure of a Database Management System. The main topics are: memory management, indexing and query processing.
Memory management: Memory hierarchy, secondary storage, access time, record layout.
Indexing: Apart from the well known B-trees and hash tables, we will also discuss multidimensional indexes, which are relevant for applications like geographical information systems and OLAP cubes.
Query processing: The whole process of translating SQL queries into physical access plans will be studied in detail. Topics are: query parsing and rewriting, cost estimations, join order determination.
Recent developments: We will take a look at Monet, a main-memory DBMS developed CWI in Amsterdam. The practical exercise willbe based on Monet.

http://www.cs.uu.nl/education/vak.php?vak=INFODBA&jaar=2009