School of Computer Science

Module 06-02525 (2011)

Databases 2

Level 3/H

Ata Kaban Semester 2 10 credits
Co-ordinator: Ata Kaban
Reviewer: Alan Sexton
The Module Description is a strict subset of this Syllabus Page.

Aims

The aims of this module are to:

  • Present the key concepts of relational database theory
  • Present the background to physical database design and performance tuning

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to:

  • Use SQL for querying a relational database
  • Design a relational database using extended entity-relationship diagrams
  • Translate extended entity-relationship diagrams into SQL CREATE statements
  • Translate between SQL and relational algebra
  • Analyse a relational database design using functional dependencies and perform transformations towards Boyce-Codd Normal Form
  • Demonstrate an understanding of database implementation principles, and their impact on query evaluation efficiency
  • Structure a series of queries as transactions, and demonstrate an understanding of the impact this has on database behaviour and performance.

Teaching methods

2 lectures and one exercise class per week during term time plus revision lectures. Weekly exercise sheets.

Assessment

  • Sessional: 1.5 hr examination (80%), continuous assessment (20%).
  • Supplementary: By examination only.

Detailed Syllabus

  1. Querying a relational database with SQL
  2. Modelling a real-world situation with (extended) entity-relationship diagrams
    • ER modelling
    • Extended ER diagrams
    • Translating EER diagrams to tables
  3. Logical analysis of database designs
    • Relational algebra
    • Functional dependencies
    • Normalisation
  4. RDBMS implementation technology
    • File organisation and retrieval
    • Indexes
    • Algorithms for relational operators
    • Query Execution
    • Query Optimisation
    • Transactions

Programmes containing this module