Study information

Database Theory and Design - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEDatabase Theory and Design CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECM2419 MODULE CONVENERDr Zeliang Wang (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 81
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module will give you an insight into the theoretical and technical issues underlying current and future database management systems. You will acquire practical and theoretical competence in database modelling and design, as well as gaining familiarity with modern state-of-the-art database technology.

 

Prerequisite module: ECM1400, ECM1410, ECM1413 or equivalent. 

AIMS - intentions of the module

The intention of the module is to equip you with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to design, develop and manage database systems using modern database management systems. You will get hands-on experience on a selected database management system that is currently in commercial use. By the end of the module you will be competent with the methods for designing, developing and managing database systems and their associated forms-based applications.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

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

 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 outline the ACID properties of database systems;
2 develop and interpret database schemas and queries expressed in SQL-92;
3 develop conceptual designs and transform them into SQL-92 schemas;
4 demonstrate an understanding of relational theory and its use in database design;
5 demonstrate an understanding of the transaction concept and its use in integrity and recovery;
6 express queries in a declarative language.
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
7 interpret an informal requirement specification;
8 express designs at different levels of abstraction and map between them;
9 design with a data-centric view;
10 systematically analyse information and make appropriate design choices;
11 develop appropriate data for testing a set-orientated model.
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
12 use on-line resources to develop advanced computer languate skills;
13 write a technical report incorporating the design, implementation and testing of a database system.
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- the relational model and its expression in SQL-92;
- information modelling and mapping to SQL;
- database design theory;
- transactions and their use in integrity and recovery management;
- physical database implementation;
- dynamic modelling and user interaction via forms.

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 50 Guided Independent Study 100 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 20 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 10 Workshops
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 20 Individual assessed work
Guided independent study 100 Guided independent study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Conceptual level design 10 hours, open book 3,7,8,9,10 Written and oral
Relational algebra worksheet 6 hours, open book 4 Written and oral
SQL coding 6 hours, open book 2,3,4,6,11,12 Written and oral

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework (DB design and implementation) 40 24 hours 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Written and oral
Written exam 60 2 hours - January Exam  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11 Written and oral

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
Coursework (DB design and implementation) Coursework (DB design and implementation) 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 August Ref/Def Period
Written exam Written exam (2 hours) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 August Ref/Def period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by coursework and/or written exam in the failed or deferred element only. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 40%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Connolly, Thomas and Begg, Carolyn Database Systems: A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation and Management 6th Pearson 2015 1292061189
Set Michael J. Herrnandez Database Design for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Relational Database Design 3rd Addison Wesley 2013 0321884493
Set Elmasri, R., Navathe, S. B. Fundamentals of Database Systems 7th Pearson 2016 1292097612
Set Silberschatz, A, Korth, H F, and Sudarshan, S Database System Concepts 6th McGraw-Hill 2013 9332901384
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES ECM1413, ECM1400, ECM2415
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 19th October 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Database; design; modelling.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.