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UNIT TITLE: Introduction to Databases CREDIT POINTS: 20 FHEQ LEVEL: 4 UNIT DESIGNATION: Traditional UNIT CODE: SWD401 ACADEMIC SCHOOL: Media Arts and Technology Delivering School: Media Arts and Technology Date validated: March 2013 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 a basic relational, SQL-based database application solution and will apply them by using web-based, enterprise-level database software tools. This provides a solid foundation for those progressing to the next unit in the databases theme and/or those taking units involving web, internet or software development elsewhere on their courses. 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. LEARNING OUTCOMES On successful completion of the unit, students should be able to: Knowledge and Understanding K1 Explain key elements of a basic database application and its development. Cognitive Skills C1 Analyse and evaluate elements of a database application within the context provided by defined user requirements. Practical and Professional Skills P1 Apply 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 of the process and product of the database application development. AREAS OF STUDY Retrieving Data Basic concepts of relational model Interpretation of basic 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 a basic 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 Demonstration to peer student users 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. ASSESSMENT STRATEGY As described above, the areas of study in this unit are delivered within the context of an overarching database application development scenario. At the conclusion of each ‘stage’ students submit work based on the preparation, activities and reflection that they have undertaken for the related classes. Called ‘draft development artefacts’, these diverse types of work - which include code, diagrams and written pieces - are used as the basis for regular formative feedback. This in turn informs the creation of the final assessment, which consists of a report on the student’s experience and achievements across the whole application development scenario. Within this report the final versions of the development artefacts serve as supporting documents. This offers the potential for the student to show coherent and substantive evidence to an employer of application development skills acquired. ASSESSMENT AE1 weighting: assessment type: length/duration: online submission: grade marking: anonymous marking: 100% Report 1500 words artefacts) Yes Yes No (excluding evidence of developed 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: Alastair Monger Date of version: March 2013