CC5051 - Databases (2023/24)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2023/24 | ||||||||||
| Module title | Databases | ||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Computing and Digital Media | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2023/24(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
Introduces techniques for analysing, designing and implementing database systems. An understanding of data modelling and design concepts is provided and database programming language skills are taught. The practical aspect of developing database systems is emphasised and use is made of a widely-used commercial database system (e.g. Oracle) for this purpose.
The module will enable students to give an introduction to the issues governing the design and implementation of database systems. Theoretical aspects of designing sound database systems, as well as the practical aspects of implementing such systems are presented. This therefore allows students to understand, and put into practice, the techniques available for analysing, designing and developing database systems.
Prior learning requirements
Successful completion of Level 4 or equivalent
Syllabus
The main areas of the module syllabus include:
Databases and Database Management Systems: architectural framework, data independence. LO5
Data analysis and modelling: conceptual data model notation, Entity-Relationship modelling, normalisation theory. LO1, LO2, LO3
Database models: historical background, hierarchical, network, relational models. LO3, LO5
Relational database theory: the model and its terminology, primary/foreign keys, integrity constraints, logical schema transformation. LO2, LO3
Relational Database languages: querying, insertion, deletion, update, views and reporting with SQL. LO4, LO5
Relational Algebra: algebraic operations, reference to SQL. LO4, LO5
Case study: practical application of database design and implementation. LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Topics will be introduced through the medium of formal lectures, supported by tutorial and workshop sessions, and blended learning as follows:
- Lecture (1 hour / week): Introduction of the major topics identified in the syllabus, plus for practical exercises, directed reading and other further study
- Tutorial/ Workshop (2 hour / week): Consolidating understanding of topics introduced in the lecture via class and group discussions, informal presentations and other activities in the tutorial sessions. Data analytic skills will be further developed through lab-based workshops.
- Blended learning: Using the University’s VLE and online tools to deliver content, assessment and feedback, to encourage active learning, and to enhance student engagement and learning experience.
Students will be expected and encouraged to produce reflective commentaries and an action plan for personal development on the learning activities and tasks that they carry out to complete their work, e.g. in the form of an assessed section of their coursework report.
Learning and teaching
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:
LO1: Produce an Entity-Relationship model from a realistic problem specification
LO2: Use formal design techniques (e.g. normalisation) to produce a database schema
LO3: Design and implement a database system from a conceptual data model
LO4: Manipulate and extract data stored in a database using relational algebra and SQL
LO5: Discuss the relative merits of the relational environment
Assessment strategy
The module will be assessed by a practical piece of coursework (100%).
The coursework is a practical piece of coursework to assess students’ ability to absorb and apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained from the module. It will provide students with the opportunity to undertake design and implementation of a database based on a business case and produce a technical report that demonstrates their theoretical knowledge and practical proficiency for problem-solving and critical thinking/evaluation (LO1- LO5).