Databases module (GA31014)
SCQF Level 9 module providing a comprehensive overview of database architectures, relational models, SQL, data warehousing, and NoSQL alternatives for IT Graduate Apprentices
Databases covers the theory and practice of database design and development at SCQF Level 9.
The module begins with relational database models and database design principles, before covering transaction management, Structured Query Language (SQL) including stored procedure queries with parameters and control flow, and the concepts of data warehousing and data mining.
You will also explore alternative database models including NoSQL, developing an understanding of when different approaches are appropriate.
Teaching combines tutorial sessions with practical database development sessions, giving you the opportunity to apply skills by solving database design and query problems with academic support. Assessment is through work-based, work-related, or standard coursework.
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- Specify, design, implement, and evaluate a relational database solution
- Compare different database architectures including relational and NoSQL models
- Write SQL queries including stored procedures with parameters and control flow logic
- Understand transaction management and its role in maintaining data integrity
- Apply data warehousing and data mining concepts to support organisational decision-making
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Specify, design, implement, and evaluate a relational database solution
- Compare different database architectures and write stored procedure queries with parameters and control flow
- Develop and apply problem-solving, team working, communication, time-management, self-assessment, and independent study skills
Assignments / assessments
Database Development - Coursework (70%)
- Assessment is entirely by coursework, which may be work-based, work-related, or standard project work.
- Tasks cover database design, SQL, and the practical application of database concepts studied throughout the module.
Database Report - Coursework (30%)
- Assessment is entirely by coursework, which may be work-based, work-related, or standard project work.
- Tasks cover writing a report comparing relational and non-relational database models for the database development assignment (the context).
This module does not have a final exam.
Teaching methods / timetable
- Lectures on a range of database-related concepts through demonstrations and examples:
- SQL Concepts
- Entities and Relationships
- Normalisation
- Datatypes in detail
- Stored Procedures/Procedural SQL
- Transactions and Concurrency
- Data warehousing and mining
- NoSQL Database Models
- Practical database development sessions where students build skills by solving design and query problems with academic support