MC115 Information Systems

	Department of Mathematics & Computer Science

Next: MC116 Computer Systems Up: Year 1 Previous: MC111 Logic and Discrete Structures

MC115 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

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.

Aims

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 packages Microsoft Access and mySQL.

Objectives

To understand the basic notions involved in data organisation, storage and retrieval.
To have a knowledge of database design methodology based on the relational model.
To be able to create and query a simple database in Microsoft Access and in mySQL.

Transferable Skills

The ability to design, implement and document a small database application.
Good knowledge of Access: creating a database, updating, querying, forms and reports, GUI.
Knowledge of basics of 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: Entity Relationship (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, 1999.

D.S. Ray and E.J. Ray, Access for Windows 2000, Peachpit Press, 1999.

P. DuBois, MySQL, New Riders, 1999.

Details of Assessment

The laboratory work is examined by continuous assessment via several exercises and the mini-project. The supervised test and the written examination assess the rest of the material.

Next: MC116 Computer Systems Up: Year 1 Previous: MC111 Logic and Discrete Structures

Author: S. J. Ambler, tel: +44 (0)116 252 3884
Last updated: 2001-09-20
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This document has been approved by the Head of Department.
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Department of Mathematics & Computer Science

MC115 Information Systems

MC115 Information Systems

Course Description

Aims

Objectives

Transferable Skills

Syllabus

Reading list

Essential:

Recommended:

Details of Assessment