[The University of Leicester]

Department of Mathematics & Computer Science



Next: CO1093 Information Systems Up: Year 1 Previous: CO1017 Operating Systems and Networks

CO1092 Information Processing

CO1092 Information Processing

Credits: 10 Convenor: Dr. A. Kurz Semester: 2
Prerequisites: desirable: CO1099 or CO1098 or equivalent
Assessment: Coursework: 100% Examination: 0%
Lectures: 12 Problem Classes: none
Tutorials: none Private Study: 33
Labs: 24 Seminars: none
Project: none Other: none
Surgeries: 6 Total: 75

Subject Knowledge

Aims

The module will provide students with the opportunity to learn the basics of design and implementation of 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 software package Microsoft Access.

Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to understand the basics of data organisation, storage and data retrieval, and relational modelling. They should also be able to design, create and query a simple database in Microsoft Access.

Methods

Class and laboratory sessions together with printed slides, recommended textbooks, worksheets, model solutions, and some additional hand-outs and web support.

Assessment

The laboratory work, which is devoted to Microsoft Access, is examined by continual assessment via several weekly exercises and the end of semester project.

Subject Skills

Aims

To teach students basic IT, written communication, problem solving and information handling skills.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to design, create and query a simple database using Microsoft Access. They will be able to model the data requirements for some small information system and express it in various forms that are easily understood by appropriate audiences.

Methods

Class and laboratory sessions together with printed slides, recommended textbooks, worksheets, model solutions, and some additional hand-outs and web support.

Assessment

Continual assessment and the end of semester project.

Explanation of Pre-requisites

Some familiarity with the basics of information technology as, for example in CO1099 or CO1098, would be helpful.

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 built.

Syllabus

Relational databases. What are data, data entities and attributes, relationships, keys. Relational modelling, Entity Relationship (ER) modelling, database design.

Query-By-Example: Microsoft Access. Creating a database and tables, data updating, querying the database, simple forms and report generation.

Reading list

Essential:

T. Connolly and C. Begg, Database Solutions, Addison-Wesley 2000.

Recommended:

C. Betini, S. Ceri and S. Navathe, Conceptual Database Design, an Entity-Relationship Approach, Benjamin-Cummings 1992.

Resources

Printed slides, web page, study guide, worksheets, handouts, lecture rooms with a data projector, PC with Microsoft Access, past examination papers.

Module Evaluation

Course questionnaires, course review.

Next: CO1093 Information Systems Up: Year 1 Previous: CO1017 Operating Systems and Networks

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Last updated: 2003-09-23
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