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
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The role of database systems in information management
- The concept of data modelling
- The structure and facilities of the Unix system and its application to system tasks
- The relational model of data
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Construct new tools using shell scripts, pipes and filters
- Make effective use of data manipulation tools
- Use SQL to create, update and query a database
- Make effective use of markup languages
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Normalise data
- Support the design and develop software making effective use of Unix based tools and facilities
- Apply entity-relationship modeling
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 |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 11 |
| Wider reading or practice | 45 |
| Revision | 10 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Connolly, T. M. and C. E. Begg. Database systems : a practical approach to design, implementation, and management. Boston ; London: Addison-Wesley..
Mike Joy, Stephen Jarvis and Michael Luck (2002). Introducing Unix and Linux. Palgrave Macmillan.
Date CJ (2004). An Introduction to Database Systems. Addison Wesley.
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..
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