Module Details

Module Code: COMP8017
Title: Database Administration
Long Title: Database Administration
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2021/22 ( January 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will provide students with a broad insight into the administration of a database management system. Every Database Management System (DBMS) requires database administration to ensure efficient and effective use of databases by users and applications.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss database systems architecture and configuration concepts.
LO2 Describe and explain database management, data management, user management, optimisation concepts and server side processing (triggers and stored procedures).
LO3 Specify appropriate transaction controls for recovery and concurrency in a multi-user database management system.
LO4 Apply concepts of recovery, concurrency, security and data management in a multi-user environment.
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
17453 COMP8017 Database Administration
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 Architecture
The architecture of a multi-user transaction based relational database systems. Alternatives to relational systems.
Data Management
Data integration and migration; Data fragmentation, clustering, compression techniques. System performance and monitoring. System catalogs. Query optimisation. Stored procedures, triggers. User management.
Concurrency
Transactions. Problems with interleaved transaction management in a database envirnoment. Locking. Serializability. Locking and protocols to effect serializability. Isolation levels. Intent Locking. SQL implementation(Cursors). Timestamping concurrency control, Optimistic concurrency
Recovery
Types of failure: Volatile and non volatile memory failure. Logs. Write ahead log strategy. Log implementations (dual and circular) and log management. Checkpoints (Transaction, Action and Fuzzy). Recovery procedures(Undo/Redo). Link between buffer management and recovery schemes (No Undo/redo etc). Non volatile failure and archival Databases/logs.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 50
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
A combination of practical/skills evaluation and written report relating to the application of database recovery, concurrency, security and database administration in a multi-user database environment.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
This assessment will examine the theoretical content delivered in class.
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
  • Connolly & Begg. (2015), Database Systems, 6th. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780132943260].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Elmasri & Navathe. (2016), Fundamentals of Database Systems, 7th. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780133970777].
  • Craig S. Mullins. (2013), Database Administration: The Complete Guide to Practices and Procedures, 2nd. Addison-Wesley, [ISBN: 9780321822949].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management 4 Mandatory
CR_KITSP_7 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 4 Elective