Next: MC116 Computer Systems
Up: Year 1
Previous: MC111 Logic and Discrete
MC115 Information Systems
| Credits: 20 |
Convenor: Dr. I. Ulidowski |
Semester: 2 |
| Prerequisites: |
|
|
| Assessment: |
Continuous assessment: 40% |
Three hour exam in May/June: 60% |
| Lectures: |
34 |
Classes: |
none |
| Tutorials: |
4 |
Private Study: |
96 |
| Labs: |
16 |
Seminars: |
none |
| Project: |
none |
Other: |
none |
| Total: |
150 |
|
|
Explanation of Pre-requisites
There are no formal prerequisites, but some familiarity with
computers and mathematics 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 design, create and query a simple database in Access.
- To know the basics of 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;
attributes; values and domains; keys.
Relational databases.
Relational modelling, database design, normal
forms and normalization, functional dependency, entity and relationship
modelling, extended relational modelling.
Access.
Creating a database and table, data updating, querying and filtering your data,
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.
L. R. Newcomer,
SELECT_SQL: the Relational database language,
MacMillan 1992.
Details of Assessment
Further details will be given in January 1999.
Next: MC116 Computer Systems
Up: Year 1
Previous: MC111 Logic and Discrete
Roy L. Crole
10/22/1998