Computer Science, Prifysgol Cymru Aberystwyth University of Wales

CS27220 - Relational Database Systems

Brief Description

This module introduces fundamental principles of database design and implementation. It covers entity-relationship modelling and effective use the facilities provided by Oracle. It goes on to explore the fundamental concepts embodied in database systems. It covers data modelling, with particular emphasis on the relational data model, relational algebra, relational calculus, and the realisation of the relational model in Oracle.

Long module

Aims, Objectives, Syllabus, Booklist

Further Details

Number of lectures: 48
Number of seminars/tutorials: 8
Number of practicals: 0
Coordinator: Dr. Fred Long
Other staff involved: Not yet known
Pre-requisites: Pass or exemption in Computer Science at Part I or CS10310 by arrangement with the department
Co-requisites: None
Incompatibilities: None
Assessment: Assessed coursework - 40%
Written exam - 60%
Timing: This module extends over both Semester 1 and Semester 2

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.

Objectives

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 Oracle;
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;
discuss the principles underlying human-computer interface design.

Syllabus

Relational Modelling - 9 Lectures: Entities and relationships. Connection traps. The design of relations. Transformation of E-R model into Relational Schema. Data normalisation. Validating a design.
Implementing a database using Oracle - 3 Lectures
Underlying file structures - 2 Lectures
Advanced SQL - 4 Lectures: Views and Indexes. Integrity constraints in Oracle. Built-in functions. Nested Queries and subqueries. Null values and the outer join. The role of the data dictionary. The data dictionary in ORACLE.
Interfaces and Tools - 4 Lectures: The Forms environment SQL in applications programs The Report Writer
Relational Database Design Methodology - 6 Lectures: An overview of design techniques. Overview of the database design process. First level design. Second level design.
Database System Concepts - 3 Lectures
Data Models - 2 Lectures
The Relational Data Model and Oracle - 9 Lectures: Relational algebra statements in SQL EXISTS, NOT EXISTS and MINUS. If a condition is not fulfilled by all tuples in a relation, then it must be false for at least one tuple. Universal quantification in SQL Relational algebra and its extensions. Set operations. The relational calculus. Relational calculus query languages: QUEL, QBF and Prolog.
Human Computer Interfaces - 6 Lectures: Users and usability - the importance of the user interface. Introduction to issues in human-computer interaction. Interface design guidelines.

Booklist

Students are likely to need ready access to the following

: F.D. Rolland. Relational Database Management with ORACLE. Addison-Wesley, 1989.
: A manual on the software system used in the course. To be advised.
: S. Stanczyk. Theory and Practice of Relational Databases. Pitman, 1990.
: J.G. Hughes. Database Technology, A Software Engineering Approach. Prentice-Hall, 1988.
: C.J. Date. An Introduction to Database Systems. Addison-Wesley, 5th. edition, 1990.
: F. Maddix. Human-Computer Interaction -- Theory and Practice. Ellis-Horwood, 1990.

Version 2.2

Syllabus

Nigel Hardy Departmental Advisor

nwh@aber.ac.uk

Dept of Computer Science, UW Aberystwyth (disclaimer)