Database Systems module (AC32006)

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Credits

20

Module code

AC32006

Semester: 1

Organisation

If you want to talk about an aspect of the module or your work on it, please make an appointment to see the lecturer.

If you use email, please include "AC32006" in the heading.

About the Module

This course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various database architectures, and to teach the theory and practice of database design. We will study the relational model of databases, both from the theoretical standpoint of understanding why it has become so important, and from the more practical standpoint of how to design and build a database using this model. Practical illustration of theory is given throughout the course. The database engine that will be used will be primarily MySQL; however alternative databases will also be discussed.

Further database topics, including data warehouses, OLAP and data mining will also be covered.

The aim is to give you a sound understanding of the principles of database design and for you to develop the ability to employ this understanding in building databases which will work correctly and efficiently in a real-world context.

Credit Rating

There are 20 SCQF points available on this module.

Module Timetable

Week Subject
1 Introduction / Review - Conceptual Database Design / ER Diagrams
2 Review - Physical Database Design
3 SQL
4 Views / Transactions / Distributed Databases
5 Security / Ethics / PHP as a database interface
6 Data Warehousing
7 Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) / Data mining
8 Hypermedia and Graph Databases
9 Multimedia Databases
10 Real-time and Object-Oriented Databases
11 Revision

Assessment and Coursework

Coursework counts for 50% of the final module mark; class tests and examinations count for the other 50%.

Assignments

Marking criteria are provided on My Dundee for all assignments, so that you know what we are looking for when we are marking your coursework. Please ensure that you refer to these when completing assignments.

Title Week Given Week Due Effort Expected (hours) Value (%)
Database design  2  5  10 10
Database implementation  6  10  40 40
Class tests/examination Weekly Weekly Varies 50

Resources

All course material is available on My Dundee. This includes copies of lecture materials, practical exercises and assignments. The reading list for this module can be accessed from My Dundee, and provides recommended materials for completing the module.