Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title DESIGNING AND MANAGING DATABASES
Code CKIT504
Coordinator Prof FP Coenen
Computer Science
Coenen@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims
  1. To provide students with a critical understanding of the design and realisation of relational database systems.
  2. To provide students with an in depth understanding of the operation (storage, manipulation, querying) of relational databases. 
  3. To provide students with an understanding of alternative database paradign (parallel, distributed, object-oriented).
  4. Provide students with an understanding of the administration and maintenance of database systems.

Learning Outcomes
An in depth understanding of the design and implement relational databases systems.
An ability to use database design techniques such as Entity-Relation diagrams and "normal forms".
A critical understanding of client-server architectures.

A critical understanding of the operation of database query systems.
A critical understanding of database administration issues including security, integrity issues, and backup procedures.
An understanding of the operation of multi-user systems.

A critical understanding of alternative database system paradigms.

 

Syllabus
1 

Week 1: Database Concepts

The fundamentals of database system. The evolution of database systems from computer file systems. The idea of database design as a crucial first step in the development and proper use of database systems. The use of Database Management Systems (DBMS) and their functionality. Different types of database systems.

 

Week 2: The Relational Database Model

The basic idea of relational database systems. Relational table components and characteristics. The concept of “keys” and their usage in relational database environments. Relational database operators. The concept of the data dictionary. Basic entity relationships.

 

Week 3: Structured Query Language

The basics of the Structured Query Language (SQL). Creating database and table structures, perform various types of data manipulation and data administration using SQL. Relational set operators in SQL and how those operators are used to merge the results of multiple queries. Extracting information from multiple tables.

 

Week 4: Entity-Relationship Modelling

The data modelling aspect of database design using Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs). Database modelling tools. Conflicting goals in database design, and design compromises.

 

Week 5: Normalisation of Database Tables< /p>

The design and evaluation of good table structures to control data redundancies and avoid data anomalies. The process of “normalisation”. Normalisation techniques.

 

Week 6: Advanced Database Concepts

The main database transaction properties and how SQL can be used to represent transactions. The use of transaction logs to ensure a DBMS’s ability to recover transactions. Concurrency control and DBMS scheduling to enforces concurrency control. The fundamentals of distributed database systems.

 

Week 7: Client/Server Systems

The components of client/server computing and how their interaction effects database design, implementation, and management.

 

Week 8: The Data Warehouse

The idea of data warehousing. The concepts and components, and the various architectures, involved in data warehousing.The tools available to support data warehousing. Advanced data analysis using OnLine Analytical Processing (OLAP). The potential of data mining.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Virtual classroom hours (for online modules) -

Number of hours per week, per student expected in the virtual classroom in discussion, dedicated to group work and individual assessment is 8.75.

Non-classroom hours (for online modules) -

Number of hours per week, per student expected for reading, research and other individual work to support engagement in the classroom is 10.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           70

80

 150
Timetable (if known)           Number of hours per week, per student expected in the virtual classroom in discussion, dedicated to group work and individual assessment is 8.75.
Number of hours per week, per student expected for reading, research and other individual work to support engagement in the classroom is 10.
  		 
Private Study 0
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  Weekly Discussion Qu  Whole Session  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 
Coursework  Weekly Hand In Assig  Whole Session  70  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) 1) Due to nature of the on-line mode of instruction this work is not marked anonymously. 2) Students who fail the module have the opportunity to repeat the entire module, thus all failed assessments. 3) The "Standard UoL Penalty" for late submission that applies is the "Standard UoL Penalty" agreed with respect to online programmes offered in collaboration with Laureate Online Education.  

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: