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 | 2018/9 |
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 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 logically and physically
Develop a relational database queries using SQL
How the module will be assessed
There will be three assessments for this module.
The two courseworks will allow the student to demonstrate their knowledge and practical skills and to apply the principles taught in lectures:
Coursework 1 will assess the understanding and skills of relational database normalisation. This coursework will cover logical design (mapping, functional dependency, normalisation) specified in the learning outcomes.
Coursework 2 will assess the understanding and skills of SQL programming. This coursework will cover table creation in SQL and data manipulation in SQL
specified in the learning outcomes.
Examination: A written exam (2 h) will test the student's knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes. This assessment will cover all the learning outcomes.
The potential for reassessment in this module is a 100% resit examination during the summer.
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
The relational data model:
Data representation
Relational algebra
Database 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, 4th Edition, T. Connolly, C. Begg and A. Strachan, Addison Wesley, 2004