|
About the Module |
The Module and Its Aims |
The Module Objectives |
The Module Content |
Achieving the Aims and Objectives |
Assessment |
The Module Prerequisites |
Resources |
Databases and database technology are having a major impact on
the growing use of computers. Databases are playing a critical
role in almost all areas where computers are used, including
business, engineering, medicine, law, education, and many other
areas. The word “database” is in common usage, but in this
module a formal definition is given. The fundamental concepts
necessary for the design, use and implementation of database
systems are provided.
The study of database theory, design and management is an
important component in modern education. This module provides the
students with theoretical background and knowledge about current
Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). The module is
designed to provide effective integration of theoretical material
and its application. The material stresses the fundamentals of
database modelling and design, the languages and facilities
provided by database management systems, and techniques for
implementing database systems.
As a result of their developed awareness and knowledge after completing this module, students will be able to:
The syllabus content to be explored in the module covers eight areas:
The breakdown and delivery of this syllabus content, with the
teaching sessions and learning outcomes involved, are set out in The
TutorGuide.
Achieving the Aims and Objectives
A wide range of teaching methods and materials will be used to achieve the aims and learning objectives of this module. The principal vehicle for learning will be sessions, supported by preparatory and follow-up reading. No single core text will be used for study, but a wide range of material from a variety of source texts will be covered by brief presentations from both the tutor and students. Each session will include opportunities for discussion of the theoretical material and of personal experiences relating to it.
The course also contains a workshop element aimed at integrating material from across the sessions.
This student and activity-centred approach aims to achieve a high degree of learning and concept assimilation in students, developing their awareness and skills practically and making their learning relevant to their everyday work.
Throughout the module students will be encouraged to make use
of their own real life experiences, to adopt a reflective and
questioning approach to database design and implementation
activity.
Formal assessment in this module will be achieved through one assignment.
The sessional work will involve student activities. This provides the opportunity for the tutor to assess the students’ contributions continuously on a formal basis. It also provides a natural forum for informal feedback to students as they compare their own understanding of reading and presentations, with that of other group members and of the tutor.
In line with the teaching and learning philosophy of this
module, the written assignment will be aimed at encouraging
students to develop their understanding by integrating theory
with experience.
No specific prerequisite studies are required for students to
be able to complete the module.
A full list of the core materials to be used by tutors and
students follows, along with additional texts and resources
recommended for library or student resource centre use.
The students
will require access to a modern database management
system in order to gain practical experience for
completing the assignment. It is not necessary to have
any particular package available, but it is anticipated
that the students will have access to one of the
following: Microsoft FoxPro, Microsoft Access, Borland
Paradox for Windows.
Core Sessional Reading — Essential Resources
Elmasri, R., Navathe, S, Fundamentals of Database
Systems, The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company,
1994
Additional Resource for Both Tutor and Students
Avison D E, Information Systems Development: A Database Approach, Blackwell Scientific Publications 1988
Benyon-Davies P, Relational Database Systems, Blackwell Scientific Publications 1991
Bull M, Students Guide to Databases, Heinemann Newnes 1990
Carter J, Programming in SQL, Blackwell Scientific Publications 1992
Carter J, The Relational Database, Chapman and Hall 1995
Carterer de C & Vigden R, Data Modelling for Information Systems Pitman Publishing 1995
Courtney J F & Paradice D B, Database Systems for Management, 2nd Ed. Irwin 1992
Harry M, Information and Management Systems, Pitman Publishing Company 1990
Lucey T, Management Information Systems, 5th Ed. D P Publications 1989
Ricardo C., Database Systems: Principles, Design,
and Implementation, Macmillan Publishing Company,
1990
Additional Recommended Resources
Bell D & Grimson J, Distributed Database Systems, Addison Wesley 1992
Dukta A F & Hanson H H, Fundamentals of Data Normalisation, Addison Wesley 1989
Fleming C C & von Halle B, Handbook of Relational Database Design, Addison Wesley 1989
Kirkwood J, High Performance Relational Database Design, Ellis Horwood 1992
O’Brien B, Database Decisions, Pitman 1994
Stanezyk S, Theory and Practise of Relational Database, Pitman 1990