Modules

Module title: Database Systems
SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SET08420
Module leader: Taoxin Peng
School School of Computing
Subject area group: Software Engineering
Prerequisites

n/a
2018/9, Trimester 1, Blended,
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Blended
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Taoxin Peng
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
The student is required to be employed as a Graduate Apprentice based in and around Edinburgh to be eligible to
complete this module, in this format. This module is offered in day release (GA) study mode and will be delivered during the
period that students are attending classes from 9 am to 5 pm, one day per week. The delivery of the module is in line with
normal university delivery models. The traditional lecture materials will be delivered in a blended form using online materials,
while in-class time is devoted to practical exercises, projects, or discussions. The module is designed around online and
student-centred learning in practice with an emphasis on building a learning community. The module is introduced by an
induction workshop which introduces students to the online resources and explains the assessment process.
Theoretical concepts will be delivered early in the module through standard lectures (LO1, 2, 4, 5). These concepts will then be
used throughout the remainder of the module to describe other practical aspects of database design and use, thus reinforcing
the terminology and underlying principles. Practical concepts will also be introduced via lectures (LO2, 3, 4) and then followed
up in practical sessions. The practical sessions will be the primary vehicle for developing students’ knowledge of SQL (LO3).
Online screencasts will be used to provide examples of the use of practical techniques for database design and use and for
administrative procedures (LO2, 3, 4, 5).
Formative Assessment:
Tutorial/practical sessions are used to provide formative feedback for students on the module. During these sessions, module
tutors assess and evaluate student performance on tasks relevant to the summative assessment, providing timely feedback
which supports the development of students’ capabilities.
Summative Assessment:
Early practicals will be supported by online tutorial material which gives useful automated formative feedback to students.
Assessment component 1 will be focussed on the students’ practical skills (LO2, 3, 4) and will involve the students developing
answers to problems throughout the first seven weeks of teaching.
Assessment component 2 will be an exam which tests the students’ grasp of the theoretical aspects of the material (LO1, 2, 4,5).
Where a learning outcome is assessed in both components, the focus will be different. Thus the students’ full range of understanding will be covered.
Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 24
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 24
Face To Face Centrally Time Tabled Examination 2
Face To Face Guided independent study 150
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Project - Practical 050.00 2,3,4 10 HOURS= 12, WORDS= 0
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 050.00 1,2,4 14/15 HOURS= 2, WORDS= 0
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:

The module covers these aspects of databases:
Database theory: The relational model is a mathematical construct, and some of the basic concepts can be very useful in
understanding the way the technology behaves. This is particularly true for the more technical students who go on to study data
warehouses and data mining. Basic set theory and the ANSI-SPARC three level architectural model are covered in this part.
Database design: A key skill for software engineers and for business analysts is to be able to create an efficient relational
model of an application context. The design methods specific to relational databases including entity-relationship diagrams
and normalisation are covered here.
Database use: The most fundamental database skill is to be able to retrieve required data using well-designed queries. The
main vehicle for this is SQL, and this theme is developed over all teaching weeks. As well as learning SQL in isolation using
online teaching materials, you will also have access to a stand-alone database application where you can construct your own
schema and design and perform your own SQL queries. As part of this theme, other uses of SQL will be introduced which
demonstrate its relationship with programming and Web application design.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1: Describe database architecture with reference to current standards.
LO2: Design and implement a relational database schema using standard techniques.
LO3: Use standard languages to access and manipulate data.
LO4: Perform basic administrative operations on an example database platform.
LO5: Secure database systems against unauthorised access.
Indicative References and Reading List - URL:

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