Module Catalogue 2023/24

CSC8017 : Database Systems

  • Offered for Year: 2023/24
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Dan Nesbitt
  • Lecturer: Dr John Colquhoun
  • Owning School: Computing
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
Pre Requisites
Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisites
Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To introduce the fundamentals of database system design and use.

Outline Of Syllabus

Relational Modelling.
XML representation of data.
NoSQL.
ORMs.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

- To have knowledge and understanding of top-down and bottom-up approaches to database design.
- To have knowledge and understanding of models, processes and techniques used in database design.

Intended Skill Outcomes

- To be able to construct and critique entity-relationship and relational models.
- To be able to apply normalisation techniques.
- To be able to use SQL for data definition and manipulation.
- To be able to use standard SQL implementations (mySQL).

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion221:0022:00practical coursework: Database implementation activity (9 hours), Database design activity and implementation activity (9 hours).
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture102:0020:00lectures will either be live or recorded in advance.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical201:0020:00Practicals (PIP or online)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery101:0010:00Optional drop-in/clinic (PiP or Online)
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study101:0010:00Lecture follow-up
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study118:0018:00Background reading
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will be recorded in advance or conducted live and be used to introduce the learning material and for demonstrating the key concepts by example. Students are expected to follow-up lectures within a few days by re-reading and annotating lecture notes to aid deep learning. This is a very practical subject and learning materials are supported by hands-on opportunities provided by practical classes. Students are expected to spend time on coursework outside timetabled drop-in sessions.
Students aiming for distinction marks are expected to widen their knowledge beyond the content of lecture notes through background reading.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Practical/lab report1M501 Database implementation activity (9 hours)
Design/Creative proj1M501 Database design activity and implementation activity (9 hours)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Techniques and theory are presented in lectures and assessed with the aid of practical examples and case studies. Practical assignments are used to enforce the principles that are taught and are assessed directly.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2023/24 academic year. In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described. Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2024/25 entry will be published here in early-April 2024. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.