Module Code: H8INDB
Long Title Introduction to Databases
Title Introduction to Databases
Module Level: LEVEL 8
EQF Level: 6
EHEA Level: First Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: PAUL HAYES
Module Author: Paul Stynes
Departments: School of Computing
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff


Lecturer preferably with Master’s degree or PHD in a computing or cognate discipline. May have industry experience also.

Proposed Lecturer: Mr. David Hamill, Dr. Paul Hayes

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse and evaluate current and future trends in database technologies
LO2 Construct and evalaute data models based on analysis of data requirements
LO3 Comprehend and describe the relational database model
LO4 Design, implement and evaluate a relational database system with an appropriate database package
LO5 Formulate and assess advanced SQL queries to manipulate databases and provide value-added reporting
Dependencies
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
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements  
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Introduction to Databases
Databases Database approach History of Databases Advantages of DBMSs Career Opportunities Introduction to SQL
Database Environment
Logical data independence Physical data independence Types of Data Models Functions of a DBMS Client-Server Architectures
The Relational Model
Terminology Relations & data Properties of Relations Identifying keys Entity & Referential Integrity
Conceptual Data Modelling
Importance of Conceptual Model Object-based data models Entity-Relationship modelling Enhanced ER Modelling Identifying Entities and Attributes Types of Relationships Structural Constraints
Logical and Physical Data Modelling
Logical Relational Data Model Logical Database Design Process of Conversion of Conceptual Model Identifying Parent and Child Entities Implementation of base tables Implementation of constraints
Normalisation
Introduction Functional Dependencies Data Redundancy Update Anomalies Process of Normalisation Normal Forms Denormalisation
Advanced SQL
Complex DML statements with Multiple Commands Update of Views (Vertical and Horizontal)Integrity Enhancement Features
Non-Related Databases
Types of non-relational databases Integrity Enhancement Features Storing and retrieving information Algorithmic based queries Distributed data storage Cloud-based data storage
Data Warehousing
Data Warehouse Concepts Types of data warehouse Designing a Data Warehouse Building a Data Warehouse Online Analytical Processing Administering a data WarehouseChallenges facing a data 211Warehouse
Security and Other Considerations
Security and Administration Threats and Countermeasures Web security RAID technology Legal, Ethical and Intellectual Properties Rights issues
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Assessment60.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Formative Assessment % of total: Non-Marked
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: Yes
Assessment Description:
Ongoing independent and group class activities and feedback.
Assessment Type: Project % of total: 40
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 4,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Students to collaborate in teams to design, build, administer and operate a relational database management system based on user requirements. Including proctored tests on Database theory and SQL to access intermediary progress on learning outcomes.
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type: Terminal Exam % of total: 60
Assessment Date: End-of-Semester Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
End-of-Semester Proctored Final Examination
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
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.

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

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 24 Per Semester 2.00
Tutorial No Description 12 Per Semester 1.00
Independent Learning No Description 89 Per Semester 7.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Online
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 12 Per Semester 1.00
Tutorial No Description 12 Per Semester 1.00
Directed Learning No Description 12 Per Semester 1.00
Independent Learning No Description 89 Per Semester 7.42
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
Laboratories No Description 12 Every Week 12.00
Independent Learning Time No Description 89 Every Week 89.00
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, 6. Pearson Education, [ISBN: 1292061189].
  • Coronel, C. & Rob, P.. (2014), Database Principles: Fundamentals of Design, Implementation, and Management, Cengage Learning, Boston.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Elmasri, R. & Navathe, S.. (2015), Fundamentals of Database Systems (7th ed), Pearson Education, Boston.
  • Kriev, O.. (2017), SQL: The Comprehensive Beginner's Guide to Learn SQL with Practical Examples, New York: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: Approved on behalf of SoC to allow for approval of parent programmes.