CM2102: Database Systems

School Cardiff School of Computer Science and Informatics
Department Code COMSC
Module Code CM2102
External Subject Code 100754
Number of Credits 10
Level L5
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Jianhua Shao
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2017/8

Outline Description of Module

This module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of database system technology in general, and a theoretical and practical knowledge of relational database systems in particular. It seeks to equip the students with the skills to design and implement a database system.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  1. Illustrate basic database concepts and systems architecture
  2. Understand the representational and processing power of the relational DBMS
  3. Explain the process of and the issues involved in database design and implementation
  4. Show a basic understanding of database transaction management
  5. Design a relational database system conceptually, logically and physically
  6. Develop relational database queries using Structured Query Language (SQL)

How the module will be delivered

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, supervised lab sessions, example classes and tutorials as appropriate.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Design a relational database system conceptually, logically and physically

Develop a relational database queries using SQL

How the module will be assessed

Coursework: The coursework will allow the student to demonstrate their knowledge and practical skills and to apply the principles taught in lectures.

Exam: A written exam (2 h) will test the student's knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes.

 

 

 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 15 Assessment Of Database Design And Development Skills N/A
Written Assessment 15 Assessment Of Database Programming Skills N/A
Exam - Autumn Semester 70 Database Systems 2

Syllabus content

Introduction to database systems:

  • Basic database concepts and architecture

  • Different types of database system

    The relational data model:

  • Data representation

  • Relational algebra

    Database design:

  • Conceptual design

  • Logical design (mapping, functional dependency, normalisation)

  • Physical design (data types and constraints, index, performance issues)

    Database implementation using SQL:

  • Table creation in SQL

  • Data manipulation in SQL

    Introduction to database transaction management:

  • Database recovery
  • Concurrency control
  • Deadlock and resolutions

Essential Reading and Resource List

Please see Background Reading List for an indicative list.

Background Reading and Resource List

An Introduction to Database Systems, 8th Edition, C.J. Date, Addison-Wesley, 2004

Database Systems: the complete book, 2nd Edition, H. Garcia-Molina, J.D. Ullman and J. Widom, Prentice Hall, 2009

Database Systems, models, languages, design, and application programming, 6th Edition, R. El Masri and S.B. Navathe, Pearson, 2011

Database Systems: A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation and Management, 5th Edition, T. Connolly, C. Begg and A. Strachan, Addison Wesley, 2010


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