Database Concepts and Modelling
Duration
1 Study Period
Contact hours
- Recommended 8 hours of study per week
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning. For Online unit delivery, learning is conducted exclusively online.
Prerequisites
Aims and objectives
This unit extends the basic information technology skills gained in LAI100 (CIS13) OR LEB111 to the development of a simple automated personal database update and retrieval system to solve a problem. This unit provides an understanding of the development and management of relational databases with emphasis on data modeling and conceptual database knowledge. The student acquires the foundation knowledge necessary to evaluating database management systems. Within this framework data information and corporate knowledge are distinguished. Highlighted are the importance of database security and recovery and the integral role of the Database Administrator (DBA). Advanced database concepts are explored, covering Distributed Database Management Systems (DDBMS), Object-Oriented DBMS and databases in electronic commerce.
After you have successfully completed this unit you should be able to:
1. Analyse and explain the basic goals and functions of databases, their applications and social impact.
2. Explain the significance of each stage of the database life cycle (DBLC).
3. Apply relational database modelling techniques and principles for conversion and application into physical designs.
4. Develop a working relational database prototype using a specified DBMS tool.
5. Explain the role of database administration and the importance of database security, backup and recovery.
6. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of contemporary and evolving trends such as distributed database management systems (DDBMS), data warehouses and object-oriented DBMS.
Courses with unit
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
Assessment
Assignment Two: Database Implementation report 20-30%
Test 10-20%
Examination 40-50%
General skills outcomes
• Teamwork skills: will be developed with student collaboration through participation in tutorials and/or online forums such as discussion boards and online chats. Feedback will be given to individual students via discussion threads or in the tutorials
• Analysis skills: will be assessed through the assignment reports requiring a critique of each case study. Feedback will be given to individual students through assignment submission feedback
• Problem solving skills: will be assessed through students finding practical, technical solutions to supplied problems as part of ongoing work and assessments. Feedback is provided on assessment and ongoing work regarding effectiveness of the solutions presented
• Communications skills: will be assessed formally through the written assignment reports with feedback on report clarity, structure and demonstration of understanding for the task requirements. Written skills will be assessed and feedback provided to each student
• The ability to work independently: will be developed in the writing and reading requirements of the unit and assessed through the test which demonstrates individual knowledge and ability to find solutions
Content
• Abstraction and Modelling
• Entity-Relationship Modelling: entity types, relationship types and attribute types
• The Relational Data Model
• Structured Query Language
• Concurrency Control
• Database Recovery and Transaction Management
• Database Design, Implementation, Management
• Developments in Database Management Systems
Study resources
- References.
References
Mannino, M (2007), Database design, application development & administration, 3rd edn, McGraw Hill/Irwin, Boston.