Introductory description

This module studies Data Base Management Systems (DBMSs): the science and technology for organising and retrieving large amounts of structures data efficiently. It presents in depth the Relational Model and the declarative language SQL and explains how it can be used to define and interrogate databases. It also shows how to access databases from procedural programs (in Java and C). It discusses the formal underpinnings of Relational Databases, and Relational Algebra and Relational Calculus and how to optimally define the Database using relations/tables. Finally, it also discusses issues pertaining to security and physical data storage.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

• Overview of databases and database management systems
• The Relational Model and Relational DBMSs
• The SQL declarative Programming Language
• Programming DBs - using SQL from C and Java programs
• Theoretical underpinnings: Normalisation theory, Relational Algebra and Relational Calculus
• Security
• Physical DB storage

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• - Create appropriate efficient database designs for a range of applications.
• - Use notations such as SQL to implement a database design.
• - Translate between informal queries and their expression in more formal notations.
• - Construct appropriate queries in standard notations for a range of typical queries needed in common applications.
• - Identify and express relevant integrity constraints for a given database design.
• - Recognise the main security threats to databases, and identify appropriate control measures.

Indicative reading list

Please see Talis Aspire link for the most up to date list.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Understanding of:

• data modelling within the relational model/DBs environment – schema definition, logical DB design and the process of normalization for this goal;
• declarative programming languages (SQL) as a data manipulation and data definition language and how to use SQL from procedural programming languages (C, Java);
• formal languages for the relational model: Relational Calculus and Relational Algebra;
• data security within the DBMS context, and
• data storage

Transferable skills

Include:

• data management for large-scale analytics
• association of declarative and procedural languages and 2-/3-tier architectures for information systems
• security issues at large