Databases

Summary module description:
This module covers an introduction to databases.

Aims:
To provide students with the underlying principles and practical experience of the design and implement scalable, secure databases.

Assessable learning outcomes:
The student will be able to:
? carry out the analysis of a simple problem susceptible to solution using database technology;
? produce a well-structured design in terms of the structural elements of a relational database;
? design and implement a database application to solve the problem posed;
? use the SQL language, including DDL, an in-database procedural language such as PL/SQL, and database triggers;
? describe RDBMS features such as transaction management, locking and consistent backups;
? describe SQL optimisation issues.

Additional outcomes:
Practical experience in design and implementation of a relational database.

Outline content:
Knowledge of basic principles of the relational database model, relations, attributes, keys, Entity-Relationship and Relational Modelling, Normalisation, the SQL language.
Data storage structures
Transactions and locking
Data security
Procedural and object-oriented languages used with RDBMSs, PL/SQL

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The theoretical part of the course will be delivered via lectures. For practicals in the first half of the term, students will use the Oracle RDBMS to learn the basics of SQL. Later in the term, practicals will be used for students to undertake their own assignments. The University is a member of the Oracle Academic Initiative scheme.
A practical task will be set requiring the student to exercise the analytical, design and development skills to create a usable and useful software system.

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written exam 50%
Set exercise 50%

Other information on summative assessment:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy.
The following penalties will be applied to coursework which is submitted after the deadline for submission:
? where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark;
? where the piece of work is submitted more than one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadine. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
(Please refer to the Undergraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guideUG.aspx)

The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Length of examination:
One 90-mins examination paper in May/June.

Requirements for a pass:
40%