Course image CSC 2164: Database Management System
Trimester 1
CSC 2164: Database Management System

1.COURSE SUMMARY

The task of organizing large volumes of information of potentially different kinds is a daunting one. Typically, resolution of the associated problems depends on the use of an underlying database technology, often involving networking. This course addresses both the technical and social issues involved.

2. LEARNING OUTCOMES :

A. KNOWLEDGE &UNDERSTANDING :

Students who complete this course should be able to perform the following tasks:

1. Describe the different business and other imperatives (including legal and ethical) that influence the development of information systems, and this includes the requirements of remote access.
2. Apply the basic principles of database technology

B. COGNITIVE/ INTELLECTUAL SKILLS/ APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE :

1. Explain the potential of distributed information management systems and the problems such systems entail.
2.Identify common security and control mechanisms associated with information management and be able to apply these mechanisms effectively.
3. Justify the need for codes of conduct and a legal framework for computer use.
4. Give examples of several computing applications that raise sensitive legal and ethical concerns
5. Compare and contrast information with data and knowledge

C. COMMUNICATION/ ICT/ NUMERACY/ ANALYTIC TECHNIQUES/ PRACTICAL SKILLS :

1. Summarize the evolution of information systems from early visions up through modern offerings, distinguishing their respective capabilities and future potential.
2. Critique/defend a small- to medium-size information application with regard to its satisfying real user information needs.
3. Describe several technical solutions to the problems related to information privacy, integrity, security, and preservation.
4. Explain measures of efficiency (throughput, response time) and effectiveness (recall, precision).
5. Describe approaches to ensure that information systems can scale from the individual to the global.
6. Explain the characteristics that distinguish the database approach from the traditional approach of programming with data files.
7. Cite the basic goals, functions, models, components, applications, and social impact of database systems

D. GENERAL TRANSFERABLE SKILLS :

1. Describe the components of a database system and give examples of their use.
2. Identify major DBMS functions and describe their role in a database system.
3. Explain the concept of data independence and its importance in a database system

3. INDICATIVE CONTENT :

  • Overview of information management: History and motivation for information systems; common problems of information management; the business perspective
  • Introduction to database systems: History and motivation for database systems; components of database systems; DBMS functions; database architecture and data independence; use of a database query language; the relational model
  •  Database systems: History and motivation for database systems; components of database systems; DBMS functions; database architecture and data independence
  • Security and control issues: Overview of problems and standard solutions; database integrity; transactions; the role of encryption
  •  Information models and systems: History and motivation for information systems; information storage and retrieval; information management applications; information capture and representation; analysis and indexing; search, retrieval, linking, navigation; information privacy, integrity, security, and preservation; scalability, efficiency, and effectiveness
  • ·Data modeling: Data modeling; conceptual models; object-oriented model; relational data model
  • Relational databases: Mapping conceptual schema to a relational schema; entity and referential integrity; relational algebra and relational calculus
  •  Transaction processing: Transactions; failure and recovery; concurrency control
  • Distributed databases: Distributed data storage; distributed query processing; distributed transaction model; concurrency control; homogeneous and heterogeneous solutions; client-server
  • Physical database design: Storage and file structure; indexed files; hashed files; signature files; b-trees; files with dense index; files with variable length records; database efficiency and tuning

4. LEARNING &TEACHING STRATEGY :

Theory: Formal lectures will be presented to cover the material of the course, with tutorials.
Practical: Practical exercises, examples and seminar practices will be given to workout individually/groups.
Self-study: Students are also expected to undertake at least 100 hours private study including preparation of worked solutions for tutorial classes

5. ASSESSMENT STRATEGY :

Formative assessment is by means of regular tutorial exercises. Feedback to students on their solutions and their progress towards learning outcomes is provided during lectures and tutorial classes. The major component of summative assessment is the written examination at the end of the module. This gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their overall achievement of learning outcomes. It also allows them to give evidence of the higher levels of knowledge and understanding required for above average marks.

6. STRATEGY FOR FEEDBACK AND STUDENT SUPPORT DURING MODULE :

  •  Consultation hours to see the students in the office.
  • ·Two meeting with the students during the semester to discuss their problems (if any).

Analyzing the results of the tests and seminars to reach possible problems and take measures to solve them

7. INDICATIVE RESOURCES :

  • Patrick O'Neil and Elizabeth O'Neil. (2010). Database: Principles, Programming, and Performance, Second Edition (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Data Management...
  • Michael J. Hernandez. (2013). Database Design for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Relational Database Design (3rd Edition)
  •  Andy Oppel. (2010). Databases DeMYSTiFieD, 2nd Edition
  •  Martin Holzke and Tom Stachowitz. (2014). SQL Database for Beginners
  • Online materials uploaded on the Learning Portal
  • Background Texts (include number in library or URL)
  • Journals
  •  Key websites and on-line resources
  •  Teaching/Technical Assistance
  •  Laboratory space and equipment
  •  Computer requirements
  • Others

8. TEACHING TEAM :

MRS.ALPHONSINE MUKABUNANI