Download UNIT TITLE: Databases CREDIT POINTS: 15 UNIT CODE: COM711

UNIT TITLE: Databases
CREDIT POINTS: 15
UNIT CODE: COM711
FHEQ LEVEL: 7
DELIVERING SCHOOL: School of Media Arts
and Technology
UNIT DESIGNATION: Traditional
School: Media Arts and Technology
Date validated: September 2016
Date last modified: N/A
Unit delivery model: CD
Max & Min Student No: N/A
TOTAL STUDENT WORKLOAD
Students are required to attend and participate in all the formal scheduled sessions for the
unit. Students are also expected to manage their directed learning and independent study
in support of the unit.
PRE-REQUISITES AND CO-REQUISITES: None
UNIT DESCRIPTION
Databases are at the heart of IT systems that we use all the time, for example mobile, social
media and cash machine networks. Furthermore, virtually all enterprises deploy databases
to underpin their business processes. In this unit students are introduced to the skills and
concepts required for developing relational, SQL-based database application solutions and
will apply them by using web-based, enterprise-level database software tools. The unit also
provides a solid foundation to those students who may wish to pursue optional professional
certification to “SQL Certified Expert” level alongside their course, an opportunity to
significantly enhance employability.
As this is a Level 7 unit students will be required to supplement the material learnt in class
with their own research in to advanced techniques and security issues, and demonstrate the
application of this research in the practical assessment.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of the unit, students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
K1
Research and apply and evaluate appropriate techniques for developing a database
application.
Cognitive Skills
C1
Analyse and critically evaluate elements of a database application within the context
provided by defined user requirements.
Practical and Professional Skills
P1
Apply appropriate enterprise-level database software tools in the design,
development implementation and testing of a SQL-based database application
solution.
Transferable and Key Skills
T1
Write a structured, concise and referenced report informed by research.
AREAS OF STUDY
Retrieving Data
Basic concepts of relational model
Interpretation of relational database models, entities and relationships
Database access in 2/3 tier architectures
Authenticated access to database tools and applications
SQL for queries including joins and grouping
Implementing Integrity
SQL to create tables including inserting/updating/deleting records
Primary and referential integrity for single column keys
Check constraints
Developing the Application
Implementation and deployment of an SQL-based application
Report and form development
Monitoring and Administering Databases
Overview of the DBMS and DBA
Monitoring of database usage
Deploying the Application
Deployment in a “production” from a “development” environment
LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY
Teaching sessions are organised around ‘stages’ in the development of database application
reflecting the main areas of study above. This ensures that the areas of study introduced in
the unit are situated in a relevant context that reflects the practical application of the
concepts learned. It allows the learning outcomes to be achieved within a “prepare – do –
improve” iterative cycle for each stage which establishes independent and activity-based
learning at the heart of the student experience.
Preparation for each class involves reference to online digitised chapters, presentations and
other resources. Practical sessions then focus on practice activities designed to establish
key database concepts and design/implementation skills. These incorporate an opportunity
to discuss the key conceptual challenges and to identify the principle practical outcomes of
the exercise in whole-class discussion (using online presentations, models and other
resources). However, the sessions are run flexibly and allow differentiation as both the
discursive and activity-based elements of the session are adaptive to the specific needs and
requirements of ‘sub-groups’ of students. This is designed to accommodate the diverse
range of prior database skills, aspirations and learning styles of students on the wide range
of courses that this unit is delivered to.
The use of enterprise-level database software with user authentication also facilitates the
promotion and monitoring of engagement and the provision of formative feedback. This is
achieved primarily through an online, class-based “workspace” of “developer” students and
their applications. The environment also provides virtually limitless potential for the
aspirational student to further develop their skills. The tools and underlying databases are
also accessible off-campus.
Students will be required to undertake independent research around a range of topics
discussed in the classes.
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
The areas of study in this unit are delivered within the context of an overarching database
application development scenario. Students submit work based on the preparation,
activities and reflection that they have undertaken for the given topic, which include code,
diagrams and written pieces. These are used as the basis for regular formative feedback.
The final assessment consists of a research report across the whole application development
scenario. Within this report the final versions of the development artefacts serve as
supporting documents.
ASSESSMENT
AE1
weighting:
assessment type:
length/duration:
online submission:
grade marking:
anonymous marking:
100%
Report with underpinning artefacts
2000 words
Yes
Yes
No
Aggregation of marks
No departure from standard University regulations.
Re-assessment Arrangements
In case of referral students will be required to revise their original report in the light of
tutor feedback and resubmit.
Unit Author: J Muskett
Date of version: September 2016