Module Details

Module Code: COMP6041
Title: Introduction to Databases
Long Title: Introduction to Databases
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 7 programme(s)
Module Description: Databases are used to store, manipulate and retrieve data in nearly every type of organisation, including business, health care, education, libraries and even our mobile phones. In this module students will learn the fundamentals of database systems, the relational model and Structured Query Language (SQL).
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Outline the purpose of databases and the various types of database models used to store data.
LO2 Discuss database management systems (DBMS) and outline its objectives.
LO3 Design a relational database composed of tables and define keys and relationship among tables.
LO4 Create, populate and manipulate a simple relational database and its tables.
LO5 Define SQL queries to select, insert, update, query and delete data from a database.
LO6 Use tools to create and manage databases.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to databases
Definition of database. Database purpose and categories. Database models - relational, dimensional, noSQL etc. Database purpose. Database Management Systems (DBMS). DBMS architecture. Data independence.
Database Design
Requirements analysis. Table organisation. Specification of primary keys. Relationships - one-to-many, many-to-many, one-to-one. Basics of database optimisation and normalisation. Entity Relationship (ER) modelling.
Structured Query Language (SQL)
Basics of SQL. SQL Syntax. Statements to manipulate data - select, where, and, or, insert, delete, update, like, order by. Statements to manipulate databases and tables -SQL Joins, SQL Create DB, Create table, SQL drop.
Tools
Using graphical User Interface (GUI) client and command line populate a database, insert tuples, delete tuples, update tuples.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
This assessment will examine the students fundamental knowledge of database systems its purpose, concepts and models.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
In this lab exam students SQL skills will be assessed where they will be expected to demonstrate how to manipulate data stored in database tables.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
In this project the student will design a simple database using an appropriate modelling tool. Once designed they will create, populate and manipulate the tables using appropriate tools.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting content delivered in class. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting content delivered in class. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Thomas M. Connolly, Carolyn E. Begg. (2014), Database Systems: A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation and Management, 6. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780132943260].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Jonathan Gennick. (2010), SQL Pocket Book, 3. O'Reilly Media, p.2016, [ISBN: 9781449394097].
  • Pedro Nuno Furtado. (2015), Modeling, Designing and Programming Database Applications: Relational, Entity-Relationship, SQL, DB and UI Programming, 2. Pedro Furtado, [ISBN: 9789892059570].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KSDEV_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development 2 Mandatory
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 2 Mandatory
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management 2 Mandatory
CR_KWEBD_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Web Development 2 Mandatory
CR_KITSP_7 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 2 Mandatory
CR_KCOMP_7 Bachelor of Science in Software Development 2 Mandatory
CR_KCOME_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Software Development 2 Mandatory