Module Database Search



MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Database construction and use
Reference CBM053 Version 1
Created January 2020 SCQF Level SCQF 11
Approved March 2015 SCQF Points 15
Amended August 2017 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide the student with the ability to explain the key concepts of database design and manipulation, using the relational model. To develop the student's skill in the practical implementation of database applications in a relational database management system (RDBMS). To enable the student to explore the main features of a DBMS and different models of database architecture (hierarchical, network, relational, object-oriented).

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Design a normalised database in relational form.
2 Demonstrate database table creation and analyse effective database querying in SQL.
3 Implement, test and evaluate a relational database application using a DBMS.
4 Explain the main features of a DBMS and analyse the principles used in DBMS design.
5 Evaluate critically the different forms of DBMS architecture.

Indicative Module Content
Introduction to database programming. Conceptual modelling: an introduction to simple entity-relationship modelling. The relational database model: tables, relationships, keys, joins and normalisation; creating tables using SQL. Database queries: an introduction to SQL queries, including the use of sub-queries. DBMS principles and structure: advanced transaction management and recovery systems; use of SQL in transaction management and security. Database architectures: centralised systems; client-server configuration; basic principles of distributed systems. Application generation: use of relational DBMS to create an application with forms, reports, and an interactive menu interface.

Module Delivery
Key concepts are introduced and illustrated through lectures and directed reading. Understanding is tested and further enhanced through laboratory work and tutorials.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 66 17
Non-Contact Hours 84 133
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 150
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 4, 5
Description: Individual Portfolio Assessment
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 2, 3
Description: Individual Practical Assessment

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The calculation of the overall grade for this module is based on 50% weighting of C1 and 50% weighting of C2 components. An overall minimum grade D is required to pass the module.
Coursework:
Coursework: A B C D E F NS
A A A B B C E
B A B B C C E
C B B C C D E
D B C C D D E
E C C D D E E
F E E E E E F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 CONNOLLY, T.M. and BEGG, C.E., 2010. Database systems: a practical approach to design, implementation and management. 5th ed. Boston, MA: Addison-Wesley.
2 DATE, C. J., 2004. An introduction to database systems. 8th ed. Boston, MA: Addison-Wesley.
3 ELMASRI, R. and NAVATHE, S.B., 2010 Fundamentals of database systems. 6th ed. Sacramento: Pearson/Addison Wesley.
4 CORONEL, C. and MORRIS, S., 2017. Database systems: design, implementation and management. 12th ed. Andover: Cengage.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781