Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Students completing this subject should be able to understand hierarchical, network, relational and object-oriented database systems and contrast the various systems' relative strengths and weaknesses; understand the special issues pertinent to multi-user database systems such as record locking, security, backup and recovery; develop a conceptual database model for a particular environment using the tools of entity relationship modelling and normalisation and, from this design, produce a schema file from which an efficient database can be generated; and use interactive SQL within a relational DBMS to carry out database creation, loading and querying and use SQL embedded in a third-generation language (COBOL, C or C++) to develop a multi-user oriented database system.
Synopsis Overview of database management systems; DBMS file structures; introduction to the relational model; relational algebra, normalisation and relational design; ER modelling, object-oriented modelling, advanced features of the relational model; Database Design Language; the hierarchical model; the CODASYL model; alternative data models; physical database design; fourth-generation environment; database administration, database recovery, distributed databases and current trends in the field. Relational query languages; SQL; embedded SQL in a third-generation language (COBOL, C or C++). Transaction management; concurrency control. Access to the university's computer systems via modem is compulsory for distance education students.
Assessment Examination (3 hours): 70% + Design/programming assignments (3): 30%