Module specific:

• To introduce to concepts of databases, database manipulation and database management systems.
• To consider the relational model of data, relational algebra and their relevance to practical database management.
• To consider the process of designing a database including an appreciation of entity relationship modelling, enhanced ER modelling and the nature and role of relational normalisation.
• To introduce physical database design, file organisation and indexing techniques, and appreciate the query planning and optimisation.
• To consider need for database query languages, the role and structure of SQL and the use of SQL in a host language (Java).
• To introduce the concept distributed databases including the need to modify the database design process and to extended the functionality of DBMS implementations.

Transferable skills:

• To study appropriate written and electronic resources and extract relevant information.
• To gain further experience in a broad range of IT skills, including client-server database systems, interactive query languages and program development.
• To develop a methodical approach to design problems through top-down and bottom-up design techniques.
• To develop a methodical approach to problem solving, program design and testing using step-wise refinement and object oriented techniques
• Improved research skills.
• Further knowledge of methodical approaches to problem solving, program design and testing.

On completion of this module students should have achieved the following:

Module specific:

• Knowledge and understanding of the main characteristics of the database approach to data management, a database, data manipulation tasks and database management systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of the process of database design using enhanced entity relationship (EER) modelling and relational normalisation.
• Competence in designing simple databases using EER techniques and to check designs using normalisation rules.
• Competence in using interactive SQL queries for defining and manipulating databases..
• Competence in writing Java programs for simple database applications using the JDBC API to implement SQL queries.
• Knowledge of the differences distributed database issues and architectures.
• Knowledge of non-relational approaches to database manipulation.

Example programs and course notes are distributed via the Blackboard site for this module

Laboratory work will take place during timetabled laboratory periods using MS Windows-based networked personal computers and an PostgresSQL database server.  The School's teaching laboratories are also available to its students during term time outside timetabled teaching hours.  Other computing resources are also available (e.g. the Library, MSc lab).

The main library catalogue currently lists approximately 300 database texts by various authors, shelved at XD 1351.

Recommended reading:

Main course text to be advised.

• Connolly, T.M. and Begg, C.E.,(2009) Database Systems (5e) Addison-Wesley .

Additional reading:

• Melton, J., Simon, A. (2007) SQL, Morgan Kaufmann
• Garcia-Molina, H., Ullman, J.D., Widom, J. (2008) Database Systems: The Complete Book, Pearson
• Teorey, T.J., (1998) Database Modelling and Design (3e),  Morgan Kaufmann

Web-based material:

The Blackboard site for this module contains PostgresSQL manuals, Java API documentation, and other links to important papers and other resources.

This module is delivered as a programme of lectures (22 hours), supported by workshops (10 hours), and laboratory classes (18 hours). Reading, workshop preparation and laboratory preparation time is required in addition to formal contact hours.

Total hours: 50

Lectures: 22 hours (with provisional weekly schedule)

1. Introduction, database environment
2. Relational model, relational algebra
3. Enhanced entity relationship modelling
4. Simple SQL
5. Advanced SQL
6. SQL embedding and JDBC API
7. Normalisation
8. Transactions
9. File organisations in DBMSs
10. Query planning and processing
11. Distributed design and DBMSs.

Workshops: 10 hours (with provisional weekly schedule)

1. Introduction
2. Relations
3. Relational algebra
4. ER design part 1
5. ER design part 2
6. Normalisation
7. Transactions
8. File processing
9. Physical design
10. Query processing

Laboratory work: 18 hours (with provisional weekly schedule)

1. Introduction
2. Relational algebra
3. Simple SQL
4. More SQL
5. Simple use of JDBC
6. Further use of JDBC
7. Advanced use of JDBC
8. Application testing clinic
9. Application demonstrations.

Submission

Written coursework should be submitted by following the School's guideline. Students are advised to refer to the Guidelines and Hints on Written Work in CMP.

Deadlines

Coursework should be submitted before 23:59 on the deadline day. Paper copies can be submitted via the Hub drop boxes up to 22.00  in the LTS Hub, and there will be a ‘late box’ in the Library for submissions between 22.00 and midnight.

If coursework is handed in after the deadline day or an agreed extension:
 

All extension requests will be managed through the LTS Hub. A request for an extension to a deadline for the submission of work for assessment should be submitted by the student to the appropriate Learning and Teaching Service Hub, prior to the deadline, on a University Extension Request Form accompanied by appropriate evidence. Extension requests will be considered by the appropriate Learning and Teaching Service Manager in those instances where (a) acceptable extenuating circumstances exist and (b) the request is submitted before the deadline. All other cases will be considered by a Coursework Coordinator in CMP.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the copying or close paraphrasing of published or unpublished work, including the work of another student; withoutdue acknowledgement. Plagiarism is regarded a serious offence by the University, and all cases will be investigated. Possible consequences of plagiarism include deduction of marks anddisciplinary action, as detailed by UEA's Policy on Plagiarism and Collusion.