1. To provide a critical understanding of the design and realisation of database systems.
2. To provide in-depth understanding of operation and usage of databases systems.
3. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the administration and maintenance of database systems.
4. To provide comprehensive insight into a range of database paradigms.

(M1) A deep and critical insight into database systems and computer information systems.

(M2) A comprehensive ability to implement a functioning database using current tools and structures, and employing current design practices.

(M3) Demonstrate a critical understanding of database querying via analysis of results.

(M4) Integrate appropriate security and backup in planning database maintenance and administration.

(S1) Communication skills in electronic and written form.

(S2) Self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.

(S3) An ability to act autonomously and professionally when planning and implementing solutions to computer science problems.

(S4) Experience of working in development teams, respecting others, co-operating, negotiating/persuading, awareness of independence with others.

Week 1: Evolution and Fundamentals of Database Systems
Types of database model, Database Management Systems (DBMS). Legal, Social, Ethical and Professional considerations. Risk factors.

Week 2: The Relational model
The well established relational database model, relational algebra, use of operators.

Week 3: Analysis and Design of Database Systems
Theory and practice of analysing database requirements and designing database systems covering both logical and physical considerations. Security and maintenance of database systems.

Week 4: Transaction Management
Data base transaction properties. Atomicity, Consistency Isolation and Durability (the ACID test). Transaction states, concurrency and deadlock.

Week 5: Query Languages
Examination of popular query languages, their advantages and disadvantages and their usage. Presentation of results, data visualisation.

Week 6: Database connectivity
Client-server issues, connection pooling, da tabase connectivity using bespoke Application Programmer interfaces (APIs).

Week 7: Web technology and DBs
Web-enabled systems, web-like databases, the semantic web, the concept of ontology.

Week 8: Alternative Database Paradigms
NoSqL databases, graph databases.

The mode of delivery is by online learning, facilitated by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This mode of study enables students to pursue modules via home study while continuing in employment. Module delivery involves the establishment of a virtual classroom in which a relatively small group of students (usually 10-25) work under the direction of a faculty member. Module delivery proceeds via a series of eight one-week online sessions, each of which comprises an online lecture, supported by other eLearning activities, posted electronically to a public folder in the virtual classroom. The eLearning activities will include lecture casts, live seminar sessions, self-assessment activities, reading materials and other multimedia resources. Communication within the virtual classroom is asynchronous, preserving the requirement that students are able to pursue the course in their own time, within the weekly time-frame of each seminar. An important element of the module provision is act ive learning through collaborative, cohort-based, learning using discussion fora where the students engage in assessed discussions facilitated by the faculty member responsible for the module. This in turn encourages both confidence and global citizenship (given the international nature of the online student body).