General description
This module introduces fundamental principles of database design and implementation. It covers practical topics concerned with entity-relationship modelling and effective use of the facilities provided by Access and theoretical topics concerned with data modelling, placing particular emphasis on the relational data model, relational algebra and the realisation of the relational model in Access.

Aims
This module aims to familiarise students with the techniques used in designing and implementing database systems, and with the concepts embodied in relational database systems.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

• design and validate a database from a given enterprise description;
• implement a database design using Access;
• describe and use the facilities of a modern database system;
• explain and provide a rationale for database concepts;
• understand and use a data model, and in particular, the relational data model;
• improve and extend a database design.

Syllabus
1. Database Systems Concepts - 2 Lectures
The difference between databases and files. Databases, DBMS and applications programs. Why databases are needed. The idea of a data model. Available models.

2. Relational Algebra - 4 Lectures
Definition of a relation. Standard relational operators. Referential integrity.

3. Normalisation - 4 Lectures
Functional dependencies. Normalisation: first to fifth normal forms, domain/key normal form. Bottom up analysis.

4. Relational Modelling - 4 Lectures
Top down analysis. Enterprise modelling. Entities and relationships. Connection traps. The design of relations. Transformation of an E-R model into a relational schema.

5. Implementing a Database Using Access - 3 Practicals
Overview of the facilities provided by Access. Queries, queries as views. Built-in functions. Forms and reports. Event handling.

6. SQL - 2 Lectures
Outline of the language. The language as an implementation of the relational model. DDL as a contrast to Access facilities. Nested queries and sub-queries.

7. Missing values - 1 Lecture
The need for nulls. Theoretical and practical problems. Null values and the outer join.

8. Application programs - 2 Lectures
Procedural interfaces. SQL in applications programs. The data dictionary. General integrity constraints: DBMS facilities versus application code. Interoperability of database systems. Back up and recovery.

9. Distributed Databases, Concurrency and Transactions - 2 Lectures
Introduction to concurrency. What is a distributed database, why should one wish to use one, and what problems will it bring? Transaction processing. Backup and recovery.

10. Data Models - 1 Lecture
Hierarchical and network models: how they relate to the relational model. Introduction to object-oriented DBMS.