2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMP1121 Databases

10 creditsClass Size: 200

Module manager: K.McEvoy@leeds.ac.uk
Email: Dr Kevin McEvoy

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Databases are a common component of many computer systems, storing and retrieving data about the state of a system. This module covers the principles of the design, architecture, implementation of database systems and the role of database management systems. In order to understand the design of database system an understanding of relational theory is required as well as the tools and techniques for decomposing systems and modelling them in an appropriate manner.This module introduces the tools for manipulating data in databases and design principles that ensure data security and integrity.

Objectives

This module provides a foundation in the design and implementation of databases with an emphases on relational database systems.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student will have demonstrated the ability to:

- describe the purpose and architecture of database management systems.
- use appropriate tools to manipulate database systems.
- design and implement a database using appropriate tools.
- apply relational modelling techniques to real world situations.
- apply normalisation and explain the advantages and disadvantages of normalisation.
- describe the ethical, legal and security related issues concerning the implementation and administration of databases and their management systems.

Syllabus

This module covers the following 3 topic areas:

- Database management systems : purpose of a database management system, architecture of a database management system, administration of a database management system, ACID principles and concurrency.
- Relational databases : relational algebra, relational calculus, table design (including identifying functional dependencies, primary keys, foreign keys, selection of appropriate data type) and normal forms.
- Querying Languages : declarative querying languages, comparison of alternative approaches, manipulating databases using querying languages.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Class tests, exams and assessment	1	2.00	2.00
Lecture	22	1.00	22.00
Practical	4	1.00	4.00
Private study hours			72.00
Total Contact hours			28.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Coursework and labs.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	4 hour assignment	10.00
Problem Sheet	Problem Sheet 1	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		20.00

This module is re-assessed by exam only.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr	80.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		80.00

This module is re-assessed by exam only.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 27/04/2017

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD