MODULE SPECIFICATION

Name of Module Database Systems

Parent School/Dept Computer Science/Information Systems

BSc Computer Science with Electrical Engineering;

BSc Computer Science with Economics;
BSc Computer Science with Business;
BSc Computer Science with International Relations;
Programme(s) where BSc Computer Science with Political Science;
module is offered BSc Information Systems with Electrical Engineering;
BSc Information Systems with Economics;
BSc Information Systems with Business;
BSc Information Systems with International Relations;
BSc Information Systems with Political Science;

Status (core, option, free Pre-Requisite Modules or

Core None
choice) Qualifications

FHEQ 5 Unit 6 ECTS Module Code CS240 Module Amer

Level Value coordinator Hadžikadić

Term taught Spring Applicable From 2016

Educational Aims of the Module

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and principles of databases, particularly
relational databases. It leads students through the process and techniques of database modelling, design,
implementation and management. It also provides students with hands-on practice and skills in developing a database
system using a commercial DBMS software, specifically Oracle. This module also serves as a good foundation for the
data warehousing and data mining module that follow.

Module Outline/Syllabus

• Introductory knowledge of the underlying concepts associated with databases: data, file and database concepts;
database management system (DBMS); types of databases; database life-cycle;
• Relational database: tables; keys; relationships; basic relational algebra;
• Data modelling: basic data abstraction; introductory conceptual data models; entity; attribute; relationship; entity-
relationship (E-R) modelling technique; E-R diagram;
• Database design: basic design problems; first, second and third normal forms; normalisation process;
• Database implementation: introduction to structured query language (SQL), data definition and manipulation
commands; queries and reports;
• Database management: policies and strategies;
• Basic database trends: object-orientated databases, data warehouses, web databases, distributed databases.

Student Engagement Hours

Type Number per Term Duration Total Time

Lectures 30 2 hours 60 hours

Laboratory sessions 15 2 hours 30 hours

Total Guided/Independent Learning Hours 60

 Total Contact Hours 90

Total Engagement Hours 150

Assessment Method Summary

Number Timing/Submission
Type Duration / Length Weighting
Required Deadline

Final exam 1 180 minutes 50% End of semester

Mid-term exam 1 90 minutes 15% Week 10

Project (group) 1 2,500 words 15% Week 15

Test 2 90 minutes 20% Weeks 4 and 13

Module Outcomes

Intended Learning Outcomes: Teaching and Learning Strategy:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic 1. Lectures provide core information on specific

database concepts and principles topics (ILO: 1, 2, 5)
2. Build conceptual data models for a variety of 2. Laboratory sessions use examples and
business scenarios solutions to illustrate the theory (ILO: 2, 3, 4)
3. Data modelling using ERD with Crow Foot 3. Laboratory sessions provide a series of
Notation → development exercises to apply the theory
4. Develop a working database application using (ILO: 4)
a commercial DBMS software 4. Independent study is based on the
5. Produce basic SQL based reports and recommended text (ILO: 1-5)
visualizations on the selected database 5. Group project enables students to develop
communication skills and apply what they
have learnt in the module to a practical
problem (ILO 3, 4)

Assessment Strategy

1. Test (ILO: 1-3)

→
2. Mid-term exam (ILO:1-3)
3. Final exam (ILO:1-5)
4. Project (group) (ILO: 1-5)

Practical Skills Teaching and Learning Strategy:

1. Create database from scratch including ERD → 1. Laboratory sessions (PS: 1, 2)

and SQL 2. Project (PS: 1, 2)
2. Use one major DBMS
3. Utilise specialist resources for Database
Systems Research Assessment Strategy
→
1. Test (PS: 1-3)
2. Project (PS: 1-3)

Transferable Skills Teaching and Learning Strategy:

1. Abstract thinking → 1. Laboratory sessions with hands-on

2. Ability to work in teams experience with Oracle (TS: 1, 3)
3. Critical thinking skills 2. Projects (TS: 1, 2, 3)

→ Assessment Strategy
 1. Final exam (TS: 1, 3)
2. Project (TS: 1-3)

Key Texts and/or other learning materials

Set Text

• Morris, S., Coronel, C., (2014), Database Systems: Design, Implementation and Management, 11th Edition,
Course technology Inc.

Supplementary Materials

• Connolly, T., Begg, C., (2014), Database Systems: A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation and
Management, Global Edition, Pearson Education
• Garcia-Molina, H., et al., (2013), Database Systems: The Complete Book, Pearson
• Further material to be advised

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the module and the learning
outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full
advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module and programme can be found in the
departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed
annually by the University of Buckingham and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.

Date of Production Spring 2019

Date approved by School Learning 28th September 2016

and Teaching Committee

Date approved by School Board of 12th October 2016

Study

Date approved by University 2nd November 2016

Learning and Teaching Committee

Date of Annual Review December 2017