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Department of Mathematics & Computer Science



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CO1015 Information Systems


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

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