Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Database Technology
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SET09702
Module leader: Brian Davison
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Computer Science
Prerequisites

SET08701
C++ Programming
A software development course covering object-oriented techniques
Description of module content:

The module covers four main aspects of relational 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, relational algebra 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 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 the 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.
Database administration: The database administrator (DBA) is a vital role in any information technology department. Some of the main DBA responsibilities will be examined as part of this theme, and you will carry out basic administrative tasks such as backing up and restoring databases. The use of scripts to automate database management processes will also be covered. You will also consider how to secure the database, and how data integrity is ensured.
Object-Relational Databases – data modelling techniques, querying, database implementation: practical utilisation of an advanced database management system to implement a non-relational data model.
Data Warehouses – Why are data warehouses needed? Difference between data warehouses and traditional databases, data modelling techniques, implementation issues
Emerging database techniques, including NoSQL
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1: Design and implement a relational database schema using standard techniques and with reference to current standards.
LO2: Use SQL to access and manipulate relational data.
LO3: Understand and evaluate non-relational alternatives to data modelling.
LO4: Perform basic security and administrative operations on an example database platform.
LO5: Review a selection of emerging database technologies
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2022/3, Trimester 2, FACE-TO-FACE,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: UK PARTNER
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Brian Davison
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Learning & Teaching methods including their alignment to LOs
The delivery is full time, face to face, within a UK Higher Apprenticeship scheme. For a module this equates to 7 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks (although the days or weeks need not be sequential). Each week has 3 days of lectures/practicals/workshops, while the last 2 days in a week are workshop based. Thus the module runs for 20 full-time days in total, plus assessments.

Students will be expected to do self-oriented research and provide a critical analysis and evaluation of much of the theories behind these subjects (LOs 1, 3, 4, 5). Teaching will concentrate on the critical analysis of that information and on practical implementation (LOs 1-5). Students are expected to spend large portion of their time to do comprehensive reading and practising. Tutorial and practical materials are well organised and selected for enhancing students’ understanding of the theories/principles covered.
Formative Assessment:
To Support formative feedback, the Software Engineering subject group utilise a lab based teaching approach across their provision. During these lab sessions, staff will discuss and evaluate student progress and provide feedback on how well they are progressing with their work. All modules in the subject group also require students to demonstrate their coursework on submission to provide further formative feedback on how the work could be improved

Summative Assessment:
Assessment (formative or summative)
Assessment will include a formal examination and one set of practical coursework (LOs 1, 2, 5). Basically, fundamentals and theories will be tested in the exam (LOs 1, 3, 4, 5), while the practical skills will be assessed by the coursework (LOs 1, 2, 5).



Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Tutorial 140
Independent Learning Guided independent study 58
Face To Face Centrally Time Tabled Examination 2
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Practical Skills Assessment 60 1,2,5 14/15 HOURS= 40, WORDS= 0
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 40 1,3,4,5 14/15 HOURS= 2, WORDS= 0
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader
 

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