Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2012 - 2013

Module Title	Introduction to Databases
Module Code	CA218
School	School of Computing
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr Martin Crane	Office Number	L2.51
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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	25%	Examination Weight	75%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Elmasri and Navathe: 2000, Fundamentals of Database Systems, Third Edition, Pearson Education, 9780201542639
R. Plew and R. Stephens: 2003, SAMS Teach Yourself: Beginning Databases, First Edition, SAMS Publishing, 9780672324925

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

BSSA	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAO	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
CASE	BSc in Computer Applications (Sft.Eng.)
DME	B.Eng. in Digital Media Engineering
ECSA	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAO	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
HMSA	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAO	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
ICE	BEng Info and Communications Engineering
SHSA	Study Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

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