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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2015 - 2016

Module Title Database Theory and Practice
Module Code CA
School Open Education

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorMr Seamus FoxOffice NumberD114
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 20
Pre-requisite C2, CT1, HS1, MS001
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

A module which provides students with an understanding of the theory and practice of the construction and use of databases.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe systems and databases that exist within a variety of organisations.
2. Demonstrate the stages of the database life cycle.
3. Translate data requirements into a database design using a data modelling technique. (Assignment 1)
4. Strengthen the structure of a database through normalisation and testing. (Assignment 3)
5. Construct a physical database using a database package. (Assignment 2)
6. Use the data from a physical database to produce reports relevant to varying contexts using the structured query language (SQL). (Assignment 2 & 3)
7. Summarise the various storage structures available to a database along with their associated characteristics.
8. Describe the methods for managing a database, including concurrency control and recovery. (Assignment 3)
9. Analyse the challenges that Big Data poses to the tradition RDBMS.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Tutorial21Face-to-face tutorials are held in DCU on Saturdays and Virtual Classroom tutorials on weekday evenings according to the timetable
Online activity16Interaction with tutor and fellow students
Independent Study469Reading, study, research and problem solving
Total Workload: 506

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

DATABASES (CA)
Database concepts and DBMS architecture / Storing information and the database function / Entity-relationship modelling / Database components and relational mapping / SQL - the Structured Query Language / Normalisation / The database design process / Logical & physical / Managing a RDMBS / Distributed DBMS / Data Warehousing / Object DBMS / Big Data

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment50% Examination Weight50%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
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

    Other Resources

    None
    Programme or List of Programmes
    CSSECert in Software Sys & Entrepreneurship
    ISBSc in Management of Info Tech/Info Syst
    ITBSc in Information Technology
    ITDIPDiploma in Information Technology
    ITSDiploma/BSc in Information Technology
    Archives: