Module: Introduction to Databases

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Introduction to Databases
Module Code	CA218 (ITS) / CSC1022 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Computing
Module Co-ordinator	Yalemisew Abgaz
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Array

Description

To provide students with an introduction to and an overview of database systems including database design, Entity Relationship data modelling, the relational model of data and SQL, as well as an overview of some database products.

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognise the various roles of users of databases in the context of the three level architecture model,
2. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of various file access structures,
3. Translate informal problem specifications into a well-formed ER Schema, and to map these to appropriate relational schema,
4. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of common data models and schemas for abstracting the details of data from users of the database,
5. Demonstrate a proficiency in writing Structured Query Language code to query and alter simple databases.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Laboratory	12	No Description
Tutorial	12	No Description
Directed learning	2	End of Year
Directed learning	1	Lab Exam
Independent Study	26	No Description
Online activity	24	No Description
Independent Study	24	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Chapter 1. Information Systems

Chapter 2. Database Overview

Chapter 3. Storage Structures

Chapter 4. Entity-Relationship Data Modelling

Chapter 5. Relational Model of Data

Chapter 6. SQL

Chapter 7. Overview of Database Products

Chapter 8. The System Catalog

Chapter 9. Views

Chapter 10. Database Design & Normalisation

Chapter 11. Web Databases and JDBC

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
In Class Test	Lab Exam. 1-hour SQL exam taken in the lab.	20%	Week 8

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Thomas Connolly & Carolyn Begg: 0, Database Systems: A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation, and Management, 6, Pearson,

Other Resources

None