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Next: CO1016 Computer Systems
Up: Year 1
Previous: CO1011 Logic and Discrete Structures
CO1015 Information Systems
| Credits: 20 |
Convenor: Dr. I. Ulidowski |
Semester: 1 |
| Prerequisites: |
|
|
| Assessment: |
Coursework: 40% |
Three hour exam in January: 60% |
| Lectures: |
36 |
Problem Classes: |
none |
| Tutorials: |
none |
Private Study: |
84 |
| Labs: |
24 |
Seminars: |
none |
| Project: |
none |
Other: |
none |
| Surgeries: |
6 |
Total: |
150 |
Subject Knowledge
Aims
This module teaches how to design, implement, maintain and query relational
databases, which constitute the main component of modern information systems.
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to: understand the basic techniques involved in
data organisation, storage and retrieval; have a knowledge of database
design methodology based on the relational model, using both the
Entity Relationship (ER) and the Functional Dependencies approaches;
implement, maintain, and query databases using two different database management
system software tools, namely Microsoft Access and MySQL.
Methods
Class and laboratory sessions together with course notes (available
on the Web and in the printed form), recommended textbooks and software manuals,
class and laboratory worksheets, printed solutions, and web support.
Assessment
Marked coursework, one class test, one oral laboratory assessment, database
mini-project: written report on database design plus database implementation
software, traditional written examination.
Subject Skills
Aims
To teach students scientific writing, problem solving and information
handling skills.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to: write short summaries of technical material
as well as short reports describing database design process;
solve abstract and concrete problems (both routine seen, and simple unseen);
and locate, access, organise and evaluate, and build upon existing information
regarding database solutions.
Methods
Class and laboratory sessions, course notes,
software manuals,
class and laboratory worksheets, printed solutions, and web support.
Assessment
Marked coursework, one class test, one oral laboratory assessment, database
mini-project: written report and database
software, traditional written examination.
Explanation of Pre-requisites
No specific knowledge is required.
Course Description
A common use of computers is the storage, retrieval, and organisation
of all kinds of information. A program which performs these tasks is
known as a database, and this module teaches both the use of
databases, and how they can be designed and built.
The module will provide students with the opportunity to learn how to design
and implement small databases. It will give experience in the use of a
computer as a tool for managing and processing information. Students will
become familiar with the database software tools Microsoft Access and MySQL.
Syllabus
Information Systems.
What is information and data, the need for information systems and
databases. Data modelling: entities and
attributes, relationships between entities, values and domains, keys.
Relational databases.
Basic mathematics: sets, relations and classical logic.
Relational modelling, relational algebra, views.
Database design methodology: ER modelling,
Enhanced ER modelling, connection traps, functional dependency, normal forms
and normalization. Database implementation.
Microsoft Access.
Creating a database and tables, data updating, querying the database,
using forms, producing reports, and generating a simple GUI.
MySQL.
Creating a database and tables, simple queries (selection,
projection and joins), reports.
Reading list
Essential:
T. Connolly, C. Begg and A. Strachan,
Database Systems,
Addison-Wesley, 2002.
MySQL Reference Manual,
http://www.mysql.com/documentation/.
Recommended:
T. Connolly and C. Begg,
Database Solutions,
Addison-Wesley, 2000.
A. Silberschatz, H.F. Korth and S. Sudarshan,
Database System Concepts,
McGraw Hill, 2002.
D.S. Ray and E.J. Ray,
Access for Windows 2000,
Peachpit Press, 1999.
P. DuBois,
MySQL,
New Riders, 1999.
Resources
Course notes, text books in library, study guide, worksheets, handouts,
past examination papers, module web pages, lecture
rooms with fixed computer, data projector and OHPs, laboratories with PCs
and demonstrators, Microsoft Access and MySQL software tools, electronic
coursework submission facility, surgeries with assistants, Internet.
Module Evaluation
Course questionnaires, course review.
Next: CO1016 Computer Systems
Up: Year 1
Previous: CO1011 Logic and Discrete Structures
Author: N. Rahman, tel: +44 (0)116 252 3902
Last updated: 2003-09-23
MCS Web Maintainer
This document has been approved by the Head of Department.
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