The module aims to allow you to work in your own time and at your own pace, with lecturers being available at set tutorial times to offer assistance where required. Extensive use is made of the technique of learning via problem solving with each student having their own oracle account. The course relies heavily on prescribed reading with lectures supporting you in difficult areas. You will be able to identify the extent and type of help you require from these sessions by active learning self assessments which will be provided as an integral part of the module. There will be 12 lectures and 12 tutorials/practicals. In addition, there will be a single, 1-hour, weekly surgery session, available to all students requiring additional support with the practical aspect of this module.

Within this module you will be introduced to and/or be able to develop your:
- Intellectual skills
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Information technology

A CLASS-TEST length .5 HOUR(S) weighted at 50%.
A MULTI-CHOICE TEST length .5 HOUR(S) weighted at 50%.
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1. Completing a series of self managed student centered active learning exercises in sql-plus, you will sit a test based upon the series of exercises. (50%) (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, b, c, d, e)
2. You will also sit a time constrained multiple choice test covering the entire course. It will be assumed that you will have attended all the lectures and completed the active learning exercises and that you have done the required reading. (50%) (Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5, a, b, c)

1. Be able to analyse situations and/or environments for the application of database solutions
2. Be able to create, alter and remove relational tables, indexes and data using an appropriate database language
3. Be able to describe the functions required and the organisational implications of administrating a database system
4. Be able to understand issues of concurrency, security and integrity, and describe some mechanisms used in current database systems
5. Be able to demonstrate expertise in the use of database systems and associated products.

This module will also give you opportunity to demonstrate the following skills:
(a) Understanding of a specific body of knowledge and skills
(b) Undertake research appropriate to level and subject area
(c) Assimilate, evaluate and analyse information as a result of independent or group research
(d) Formulate a practical solution to the problem, making effective use of time and resources available
(e) Information technology

-F D Rolland The Essence of Databases Prentice Hall 1998 (background reading)
-Date C J Database System, 6th Edition Vol 1 Addison-Wesley 1998 (Essential reading)

Database design: Entity models, relational design, mapping designs to implementations, normalisation and denormalisation, case studies
Database languages: relational algebra
SQL: DML, DDL and DCL
Developing applications with database tools, CASE tools and data dictionary utilities
Database system architecture
Database security, reliability, integrity and concurrency control
Database administration: functions of database administration, organisational issues.

ORACLE relational database management system available on the Open VMS/NT system, students will require access to the SQL*PLUS and Developer 2000 products.