CS1DB: Databases

Module code: CS1DB

Module provider: Computer Science; School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Double Presentation: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Luis Patino, email: j.l.patinovilchis@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module is designed to introduce students how to design a database through applying specific data models, implement a database in a relational environment, and manage a database system to effectively structure, store, access and retrieve data. A database development takes the methodological steps of identify the entities and their attributes, create entity table and define relationships between the tables, set constraints for ensuring data integrity and consistency, populate the tables with data, create virtual views of the data to users, and create indexes for frequent queries in the data table.

Students will also be able to demonstrate their abilities in:

• creative problem-solving and critical thinking;
• end-user needs awareness and testing; and
• teamworking in developing solutions.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Create data schema for relational database and describe relational algebra for operating data;
2. Implement a relational database as back-end of software applications based on requirements of a domain context;
3. Use a suite of Structured Query Language (SQL), including DDL, DML, DCL and TCL sub-languages, to perform data manipulation and data retrieval in relational databases; and
4. Apply data security measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data stored in the database.

Module content

The module covers the following topics:

• Introduction to databases and a role of databases played in software applications
• Relational databases modelling using Entity-Relationship (E-R) design technique
• Normalization in relational database, i.e. 1NF, 2NF, 3NF, for optimal database performance
• Relational database programming, e.g., algebraic and logical query language, SQL suite, constraints and triggers
• Validation of databases for accuracy, consistency, and completeness
• Other popular types of databases, e.g. NoSQL and Object-Oriented DB

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

This module will take a problem-based learning approach. The lectures will introduce students the theories, concepts and underpinning principles specified in the module content. Students will be supervised in the practical sessions to apply the concepts and principles to a given problem context and develop a database solution. The lectures and practical sessions will enable students to inquiry innovative solutions, and critically apply the database design and implementation methods and techniques.

There will also be learning materials in digital forms when they are required to support learning.

There are two types of assessment (i.e., formative assessment and summative assessment) which will support and reinforce students’ learning. A formative assessment is carried out through weekly learning activities. Summative assessment consists of one piece of written coursework assignment which requires students to demonstrate both individual and group achievements. Appropriate feedback will be timely communicated with students for enhancing learning.

This module is taught twice to two different cohorts of students - first in Semester 1 and then repeated in Semester 2. The 200 study hours are listed for the first iteration of teaching in Semester 1, and these same study hours are repeated for the second iteration of teaching in Semester 2. 

Study hours

At least 44 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

The weekly practical sessions are used for conducting the formative assessment where feedback is provided to help develop understanding and enhance database development skills throughout the term. In lectures and practical sessions, interactive discussions and exercises will be employed alongside peer assessment.

Reassessment

Additional costs