Next: MC116 Computer Systems
Up: Year 1
Previous: MC111 Logic and Discrete
MC115 Information Systems
| Credits: 20 |
Convenor: Dr. I. Ulidowski |
Semester: 2 |
| Prerequisites: |
essential: MC111 or MC144 |
|
| Assessment: |
Continuous assessment: 40% |
Three hour exam in May/June: 60% |
| Lectures: |
34 |
Classes: |
none |
| Tutorials: |
4 |
Private Study: |
94 |
| Labs: |
16 |
Seminars: |
none |
| Project: |
none |
Other: |
none |
| Total: |
150 |
|
|
Explanation of Pre-requisites
It is essential that students have studied the
discrete mathematics and logic. Also, some familiarity
with computers 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.
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 package Microsoft Access and with core SQL.
By the end of the module, students will have gained proficiency in the design and
implementation of a small academic or business database application.
Objectives
- To understand the basic notions involved in data organisation, storage and retrieval.
- To have an elementary knowledge of the main features of relational modelling.
- To be able to create and query a simple database in Access and SQL.
Transferable Skills
- The ability to design and implement a small database application.
- Intermediate knowledge of Access: creating a database, updating,
querying, forms and reports.
- Elementary knowledge of SQL.
Syllabus
Databases, an introduction.
What are data, the need for databases, data entities and
attributes, relationships between entities, values and domains, keys.
Relational databases.
Relational modelling, relational algebra,
Entity Relationship (ER) modelling, Enhanced ER modelling,
functional dependency, normal forms and normalization, database design.
Query-By-Example: Microsoft Access.
Creating a database and tables, data updating, querying the database,
simple forms and report generation.
Other database languages.
SQL: tables, simple queries, selection,
projection and join; views; other database query
languages.
Reading list
Essential:
T. Connolly, C. Begg and A. Strachan,
Database Systems,
Addison-Wesley 1998.
A detailed reference text on Microsoft Access
will be recommended during the module,
Recommended:
C. Betini, S. Ceri and S. Navathe,
Conceptual Database Design, an Entity-Relationship Approach,
Benjamin-Cummings 1992.
R. McFadyen and V. Kanabar,
An Introduction to Structured Query Language,
Wm. C. Brown.
R. F. van der Lans,
Introduction to SQL,
Addison-Wesley 1993.
Details of Assessment
The laboratory work is examined by continual assessment
via several weekly exercises and the end of semester project.
The written examination covers the rest of the material.
Next: MC116 Computer Systems
Up: Year 1
Previous: MC111 Logic and Discrete
S. J. Ambler
11/20/1999