NCHNAL590 Database Design and Management II Course Descriptor

Course Summary

This course studies the design of a database for use in a relational database management system (DBMS). The entity-relationship model and normalisation are used in problems. Relational algebra and then the SQL (structured query language) are presented. Advanced topics include triggers, stored procedures, indexing, elementary query optimization, and fundamentals of concurrency and recovery. Students implement a database schema and short application programs on one or more commercial relational database management systems. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of databases using industry-standard cloud-based technology e.g. using ServiceNow training.

Course Aims

• Train students in advanced SQL and be introduced to NoSQL databases.
• For students to compare and contrast SQL and NoSQL.
• For students to work on a project that includes the design and implementation of a database as well as an application for interacting with the database.
• For students to implement schema and short application programs.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

Teaching and Learning

This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year.

This course can be offered as a standalone short course.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include: 

• On-line learning
• On-line discussion groups
• On-line assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Students are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Students are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

• Learning and teaching (6 days x 8 hours) = 48 hours 
• Independent study = 102 hours 

Indicative total learning hours for this course: 150 hours 

Assignments (see below) will be completed as part of private study.

Assessment

Formative

Students will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide students with developmental feedback. 

Summative

Assessment will be in two forms:

Feedback

Students will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Students will also attend a formal meeting with their Academic Mentor (and for apprentices, including their Line Manager). These bi- or tri-partite reviews will monitor and evaluate the student’s progress.

Feedback is provided on summatively assessed assignments and through generic internal examiners’ reports, both of which are posted on the VLE.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to students; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books 

• Connolly, T. and Begg, C., (2015), Database Systems. A practical approach to design, implementation and management, Harlow, Essex, England
• Benyon-Davis, P., (2000), Database Systems, Basingstoke: Macmillan
• Fowler, A., (2015), NoSQL for Dummies, Hoboken, NJ: For Dummies, a Wiley brand
• Casteel, J., (2015), Oracle 12C: SQL, Course Technology

Journals

Students are encouraged to consult relevant journals on database design and management. 

Electronic Resources

Students are encouraged to consult relevant electronic resources on database design and management.

Indicative Topics

• Transactions and the ACID properties
• NoSQL databases and the CAP theorem
• File storage and Indexes