Module overview
This module aims to:
• Introduce students to the UNIX operating system, to the UNIX command line, and to standard UNIX tools (e.g., vi editor, ed, sed and awk)
• Introduce students to version management systems
• Provide a grounding in the use of database management systems and SQL
• Introduce students to Unix tools for document preparation, software development and system administration
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Structure data and documents using markup languages
- Define, normalise and query databases
- Use the UNIX command line effectively and construct shell scripts using data manipulation tools
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The relational model of data
- The structure and facilities of the Unix system and its application to system tasks
- The concept of data modelling
- The role of database systems in information management
Syllabus
The Unix family of operating systems (Linux, BSD, macOS)
• 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
Database systems
• The Relational Model: Relations, domains, attributes, keys, dependencies and normalisation
• Database Modelling using the Entity-Relationship Model
• Practical SQL
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The content of this module is delivered through lectures, the module website, directed reading and pre-recorded materials.
Students work on their understanding through a combination of independent study and preparation for timetabled activities, along with formative assessments in the form of coursework assignments.
Students work on their practical skills and technical understanding in technical laboratories and assessed laboratories.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Revision | 8 |
| Wider reading or practice | 20 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Specialist Laboratory | 20 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
| Completion of assessment task | 38 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
H.J. Garcia-Molina et al (2009). Database systems : the complete book. Pearson Prentice Hall.
Mike Joy, Stephen Jarvis and Michael Luck (2002). Introducing Unix and Linux. Palgrave Macmillan.
C.J. Date (2004). An Introduction to Database Systems. Addison-Wesley.
R. Elmasri and S. Navathe (2007). Fundamentals of database systems. Pearson/Addison Wesley.
T.M. Connolly and C.E. Begg. Database systems. Addison-Wesley.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
This module is assessed by a combination of coursework, assessed laboratories and a final assessment in the form of a computer aided examination.Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 40% |
| Laboratory | 20% |
| Coursework | 40% |