Long Title:Introduction to Databases
Language of Instruction:English
Module Code:H06ID
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:LEVEL 6
Field of Study: Software and applications development and analysis
Module Delivered in 6 programme(s)
Module Coordinator: PAUL HAYES
Module editor: PAUL HAYES
Teaching and Learning Strategy: The module uses a learner-centred interactive approach which acknowledges the variety of learning preferences in the classroom. Learners are encouraged to question all the material that is presented and participation and teamwork is encouraged during the interactive lectures and tutorial sessions. The hands-on practical work is highly engaging and students are encouraged to work in teams if they wish. Thus learners have the opportunity of working and learning on their own, with scaffolding from a tutor or by engaging in peer-learning. In addition the module makes extensive use of web-based supports. The continuous assessment can be done though online Moodle quiz with the practical work submitted on Moodle. One of the assessment involves the students working in teams to develop a database solution for a domain of their own choosing. They can then make use of their database in the Web Application Development module. While one of the projects in the Web Application Development module will make use of the database developed by the students it will not be assessed as it will already have been assessed in this module.
Learning Environment: Learning will take place in a classroom/lab environment with access IT resources. Learners will have access to library resources, both physical and electronic and to faculty outside of the classroom where required. Module materials will be placed on Moodle, the College’s virtual learning environment.
Module Description: The aim of this module is to impart to students knowledge of database management systems, as well as to provide students with the practical skills to design, implement and use these systems.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
LO1 Identify and analyse current trends in database systems
LO2 Describe and apply data model concepts
LO3 Comprehend and evaluate the relational database concept
LO4 Design, implement and administer a database system with an appropriate database package
LO5 Formulate advanced SQL commands to manipulate the structure of a database and its contents
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations 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
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Introduction to Databases (15%)
Introduction to Databases Traditional File-Based Systems The history of Database Management Systems Roles in the Database Environment Functions of a DBMS Components of a DBMS Advantages and Disadvantages of Database Management Systems DBMS Selection Data Administration and Database Administration The Web as a Database Application Platform Hierarchical, Network and Object-Oriented Data Models Relational versus Non-Relational
The Relational Model (15%)
Introduction to the Relational Model Properties of Database Tables Integrity Constraints Views When is a DBMS Relational?
Database Planning, Design, and Administration (10%)
Overview of the Information Systems Lifecycle The Database Application Lifecycle Overview of Database Design. Application Design
Data Modelling (10%)
Introduction to data modelling The Concepts of the Entity-Relationship Model Structural Constraints The Enhanced Entity-Relationship Model Guidelines for a well-formed E-R diagram Converting from conceptual data model to logical data model Deriving relations from logical data model
Normalisation (10%)
The Purpose of Normalisation Data Redundancy and Update Anomalies Functional Dependencies The Process of Normalisation First, Second and Third Normal Forms Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF) Higher Normal Forms Denormalisation impact and strategies
SQL: Structured Query Language (25%)
Introduction to SQL Evolution of SQL Writing SQL Commands Data Definition Language • Data Manipulation
Advanced SQL Features (15%)
Introduction SQL Access Control: authorisations in SQL, system and user privileges, granting and revoking privileges Views Integrity Enhancement Features of SQL Advanced Data Definition
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Assessment50.00%

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Test One n/a 1,2,3 20.00 Week 6
Assignment n/a 4 5.00 Week 8
Test Two n/a 5 25.00 Week 11
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Terminal Exam End-of-Semester Final Examination 1,2,3,4,5 50.00 End-of-Semester
No Workplace Assessment
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.
Reassessment Description
Learners who fail this module will be required to sit a repeat module assessment where all learning outcomes will be examined.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Lab No Description 1 Every Week 1.00
Independent Learning No Description 7.5 Once per semester 0.63
Total Hours 10.50
Total Weekly Learner Workload 3.63
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 24 Every Week 24.00
Lab No Description 12 Every Week 12.00
Independent Learning No Description 89 Once per semester 7.42
Total Hours 125.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 43.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 36.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg 2014, Database Systems: A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation, and Management, 6th Edition Ed., Pearson Education [ISBN: 1292061189]
  • Carlos Coronel, Stephen Morris, Peter Rob and Keeley Crocket 2013, Database Principles, 2nd Edition Ed., CENGAGE Learning [ISBN: 140806636]
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Abraham Silberschatz, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan 2010, Database System Concepts, 6th Edition Ed., McGraw Hill Higher Education [ISBN: 0071289593]
  • Ramez Elmasri and Shamkant Navathe 2013, Fundamentals of Database Systems, 6th Edition Ed., Pearson Education [ISBN: 1292025603]
  • C.J. Date 2012, Database Design and Relational Theory, O'Reilly Media [ISBN: 1449328016]
  • Larry Rockoff 2010, The Language of SQL, Course Technology PTR [ISBN: 143545751X]
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 

Module Delivered in

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
BSHTM B.Sc. (Hons) in Technology Management 3 Core Subject
BSHC BSc (Honours) in Computing 3 Core Subject
BSHBIS BSc (Hons) in Business Information Systems 3 Core Subject
CIC Certificate in Computing 2 Optional
HCBC Higher Certificate in Science in Business Computing 3 Core Subject
HCC Higher Certificate in Science in Computing Applications and Business Support 3 Core Subject