2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMP1121 Databases

10 creditsClass Size: 500

Module manager: Dr Hui Lau
Email: h.k.lau@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

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 emphasis 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.
- Ethical issues regarding the use of databases in society.
- 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
In-course Assessment	Coursework - Ethics	10.00
In-course Assessment	Coursework -SQL Coursework	20.00
In-course Assessment	Coursework - ER Modelling Coursework	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		60.00

This module will be reassessed by an online time-constrained assessment.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment	48 hr	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		40.00

This module will be reassessed by an online time-constrained assessment.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 07/12/2020

Disclaimer

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