Database Systems module (AC52001)
20
AC52001
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 "AC52001" 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 | Topics Covered |
---|---|
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 | 35 | 35 |
Database Reading | 3 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
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.
Courses
This module is available on following courses: