CS2015: DATA MANAGEMENT (2015-2016)

Course Aims

The course aims at providing students with both an in-width and an in-depth understanding of disciplined approaches to the database design process. Students will develop a broad knowledge about database connectivity using PHP and Ruby. They will also learn core theoretical concepts such as relational algebra, file organisation and indexing. At the end of this course students will be able to design and build Web and cloud-based databases and have a broad awareness and understanding of how database-driven applications operate.

Main Learning Outcomes

The basic organisation and functionality of a variety of types of database system.
Able to analyse and describe some aspect of the real world in terms of a conceptual model.
Able to design and implement a complete database application.
Able to perform basic data administration tasks.
Able to build server-side support for Web-based persistent database applications.
The outcome of the course is, by its nature, widely applicable. In its broadest terms, students will learn to apply a rigorous approach to design methodology.

Course Content

The concepts of a database and database management. Database development. Illustrations. Entity-Relationship model. Database design: logical design and the relational model. Normalisation; different normal forms. Physical design; file organisation and access; indexing. Database administration. Query by Example and SQL. Query optimisation. Practical examples using MS Access.

Client-server model. Database servers. Database access from client applications. Web-based database access through server-side scripting. Practical examples using MS Access, My SQL, Php and JDBC.

A brief overview of key concepts in distributed, object -oriented, multimedia, spatial and geo-referenced database systems.

(i) Assistive technologies may be required for any student who is unable to use a standard keyboard/mouse/computer monitor. Any students wishing to discuss this further should contact the School Disability Co-ordinator.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

View CS2015 Timetable

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (75%); continuous assessment (25%). In order to pass this course, candidates must obtain a pass mark in the examination and in the overal combination of examination and continuous assessment.

Resit: Where a student fails the course overall they will be afforded the opportunity to resit those parts of the course that they failed. 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and continuous assessment mark (25%) where the mark for the passed part is carried forward.

During lectures, student interaction will be used for formative assessment. Additionally, practical sessions will provide students with practice opportunities and formative assessment.

Formative feedback for in-course assessments will be provided in written form. Additionally, formative feedback on performance will be provided informally during practical sessions.

None.