Module Details

Module Code: SOFT7022
Title: Database Design
Long Title: Database Design
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 7 programme(s)
Module Description: In this module students will learn about Database design which is the process of producing a detailed data model of a database. In this module students will be introduced to the database design process, its implementation and usage. The topics of conceptual, logical and physical database design are covered along with advanced database programming concepts to support the design process.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Develop conceptual data models for databases based on the information given by an enterprise, using an industry standard data modelling notation.
LO2 Devise and validate logical design solutions using normalization.
LO3 Discuss the main issues that should be considered during the physical database design and implementation.
LO4 Devise and implement efficient physical database design solutions.
LO5 Develop database programming solutions using an appropriate interface or driver.
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).
12704 COMP6041 Introduction to Databases
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
Database Design
Understand and use best design practice for developing databases from concept to implementation.
Conceptual Database Design
Develop conceptual design solutions for databases using design notation such as Chen notation, crows feet or unified modelling language (UML).
Logical Database Deisgn
Use of normalisation to help produce relations that are well structured, i.e. are in third normal form (3NF) or Boyce-Codd normal form (BCNF) where appropriate. Higher normal norms.
Physical Database Design
Issues to consider when designing - attribute format and group, record organisation, structures, query handling. Choosing storage formats for attributes from a logical data model; Designing physical records and denormalization; Designing physical files and selecting an appropriate file organization by balancing important design factors; Using and selecting indexes.
Database Connectivity
Open database connectivity (ODBC) & Java database connectivity (JDBC)
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Create a conceptual database design for a particular problem such as a banking system or insurance system.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Logical and physical design & implementation of database for a particular problem such as a banking system or insurance system.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End of Semester Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

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. (2015), Database Systems: A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation and Management, 6. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780132943260].
  • C.J.Date. (2003), An Introduction to Database Systems, 8. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780321197849].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Ramez Elmasri, Shamkant B. Navathe. (2016), Fundamentals of Database Systems, 7. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780133970777].
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 3 Mandatory
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 3 Elective
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management 3 Mandatory
CR_KWEBD_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Web Development 3 Mandatory
CR_KITSP_7 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 3 Mandatory
CR_KCOMP_7 Bachelor of Science in Software Development 3 Mandatory
CR_KCOME_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Software Development 3 Mandatory