Module overview
This module aims to:
- Explain the role of database systems in information management
- Introduce students to standard UNIX tools and techniques (e.g., vi editor, ed, sed and awk)
- Develop the student's skills in the effective use of Unix tools for document preparation, software development and system administration
- Introduce students to command line working and to help develop their appreciation of its strengths/weaknesses relative to GUIs
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply entity-relationship modeling
- Normalise data
- Support the design and develop software making effective use of Unix based tools and facilities
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Make effective use of data manipulation tools
- Make effective use of markup languages
- Construct new tools using shell scripts, pipes and filters
- Use SQL to create, update and query a database
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The concept of data modelling
- The role of database systems in information management
- The relational model of data
- The structure and facilities of the Unix system and its application to system tasks
Syllabus
The Unix family of operating systems (Linux, BSD, OS X)
- The Unix philosophy and environment; files, processes, pipes, filters and basic utilities
- Data manipulation tools; editors, grep and other utilities
- Scripting
- Shells and shell programming
- Program development tools
Structured documents and markup languages
- LaTeX
- XML-based languages (HTML, DocBook)
Database systems
- Rationale behind Database Systems
- Database Modelling using the Entity-Relationship Model
- Data Models and Data Sublanguages
- Practical SQL
The Relational Model
- Relations, domains, attributes, keys, dependencies
- Normalisation
Learning and Teaching
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 36 |
| Revision | 10 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Completion of assessment task | 11 |
| Wider reading or practice | 45 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Garcia-Molina, H., J. D. Ullman, et al. (2009). Database systems : the complete book. Upper Saddle River, N.J., Pearson Prentice Hall.
Elmasri, R. and S. Navathe (2007). Fundamentals of database systems. Boston: Pearson/Addison Wesley..
Date CJ (2004). An Introduction to Database Systems. Addison Wesley.
Mike Joy, Stephen Jarvis and Michael Luck (2002). Introducing Unix and Linux. Palgrave Macmillan.
Connolly, T. M. and C. E. Begg. Database systems : a practical approach to design, implementation, and management. Boston ; London: Addison-Wesley..
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 50% |
| Coursework | 20% |
| Coursework | 30% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External