Module Additional Assessment Details
Class test 50% - 1 hour. Learning outcomes 1, 3 and 4.
Group assignment 50%. Students will produce a prototype database system including table, relationships, queries, forms, reports and macros. They will also present their results in a 15 minute presentation. Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 4.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None.
Module Texts
Dawson, R. (2001) Relational Databases: Design and Use. 3rd edition. Group D. ISBN: 1-874152-09-8
Module Learning Strategies
Weekly Lecture (1 hour/week).
Lab Work (1 hour/week)
Weekly Tutorial (1 hour/week)
Group Work
(1:n) (1:25) (1:25)
Module Indicative Content
Indicative Content
The module will concentrate on:
The fundamentals of RDBMS (Relational Database management System) and related ADE (Application Development Environments)
Analysis and Design using ERDs (Entity Relationship Diagrams)
Logical data modelling (definition of tables and relationships).
Data typing and validation
Table Normalisation
Data manipulation using query design and SQL
Forms design including: forms accessing multiple tables, sub-forms and HCI aspects of form design.
Report design including reports accessing multiple tables and data grouping.
Basic Relational ADE automation including: design of toolbars and linking objects (eg, forms, reports, toolbars) together using a programming language.
Students will demonstrate their abilities in the above areas in practical terms by the production of an exemplar application (which they present in assignment 1) as well as in the exam.
In addition the module will provide a basic and theoretical introduction to the following topics:
RDBMS performance (tuning)
Referential integrity (management)
RDBMS administration (of multi-user systems)
RDBMS security (of multi-user systems)