Module 02525 (2013)

Module Description - Databases 2

The Module Description is a strict subset of the Syllabus Page, which gives more information

Module TitleDatabases 2
SchoolComputer Science
Module Code06-02525
DescriptorCOMP/06-02525/LH
Member of StaffAta Kaban
LevelH
Credits10
Semester2
Pre-requisites 06-19321 Software System Components 2 (or some other introductory course in databases)
Co-requisites None
Restrictions May not be taken by anyone who has taken or is taking 06-21980 (ICY: Databases) or 06-21923 (Fundamentals: Databases)
Contact hours 34
Delivery 2 lectures and one exercise class per week during term time plus revision lecture. Weekly exercise sheets.
Description The module begins with a swift recap of the standard database canon: SQL and ER modelling, albeit from a more advanced perspective. This is followed by a discussion of relational algebra and functional dependencies, and their role in verifying and improving the ER model (towards Boyce-Codd normal form). In the second part of the module, the inner workings of a database management system are presented and it is discussed how they impact on query evaluation efficiency. In the final part, transactions and transaction processing will be discussed.
Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to:Assessed by:
Use SQL for querying a relational database Examination, Continuous Assessment
Design a relational database using extended entity-relationship diagrams Examination, Continuous Assessment
Translate extended entity-relationship diagrams into SQL CREATE statements Examination, Continuous Assessment
Translate between SQL and relational algebra Examination, Continuous Assessment
Analyse a relational database design using functional dependencies and perform transformations towards Boyce-Codd Normal Form Examination, Continuous Assessment
Demonstrate an understanding of database implementation principles, and their impact on query evaluation efficiency Examination
Structure a series of queries as transactions, and demonstrate an understanding of the impact this has on database behaviour and performance. Examination
AssessmentSessional: 1.5 hr examination (80%), continuous assessment (20%).
Supplementary (where allowed): By examination only.
The continuous assessment consists of three class tests.
TextsR Ramakrishnan & J Gehrke, Database Management Systems (3rd ed.), 2003