Data Systems - 2025 entry
| MODULE TITLE | Data Systems | CREDIT VALUE | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MODULE CODE | COM3025 | MODULE CONVENER | Unknown |
| DURATION: TERM | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DURATION: WEEKS | 11 |
| Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) |
|---|
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
This module will introduce you to the ways in which data is stored within a computer system. You will learn about a variety of types of database, including those based on the structured query language (SQL) and those designed to structure data differently (so-called NoSQL databases). You will develop a theoretical understanding about how data should be organised, and will learn how to access and modify the data in a database from an application.
AIMS - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to instil students with an appreciation of the different ways that data can be stored. By introducing multiple approaches (e.g. SQL-based and NoSQL) students will learn how to select the most appropriate storage for a given application, taking into account the complexities around accessing and writing data. Students will also learn how to construct software to connect an application to a database securely.
The module will also cover concurrency control, backup and recovery, user management, and web development with databases, The module will also introduce modern concepts concerning data systems, which might include big data, the cloud, data warehousing, blockchain, and decentralised systems, and governance.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge
1. Understand how to construct a database in which to store data for a given application.
2. Understand how to design applications that uses an API to access and modify data stored in a database
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge
3. Document and defend the design of a database for a given application.
4. Contrast between different types of database tools.
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge
5. Design an appropriate data storage scheme for a project within a chosen problem domain.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
The relational model and its implementation in SQL.
Information modelling.
Database design theory.
Transactions and their use in integrity and recovery management.
NoSQL databases (potential examples including document databases and graph databases).
Database APIs and their construction.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities | 42 | Guided Independent Study | 108 | Placement / Study Abroad | 0 |
|---|
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 22 | Lectures |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 20 | Workshops/tutorials |
| Guided independent study | 70 | Individual assessed work |
| Guided independent study | 38 | Lecture and assessment preparation |
ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
| Form of Assessment | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop exercises | 2 hours per week | 1-5 |
Model answers and verbal feedback
|
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
| Coursework | 20 | Written Exams | 80 | Practical Exams | 0 |
|---|
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
| Form of Assessment | % of Credit | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam | 70 | 1 hours | 1-5 | Written |
| Continuous assessment | 30 | 48 hours | 1-5 | Written |
DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original Form of Assessment | Form of Re-assessment | ILOs Re-assessed | Time Scale for Re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous assessment | Coursework | 1-5 | Completed over the Summer with a deadline in August |
| Exam | Exam | 1-5 | Referral/deferral period |
RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Reassessment will be by coursework in the failed or deferred element only.
Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Basic reading:
Connolly, Thomas and Begg, Carolyn, “Database Systems: A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation and Management”, Pearson, 2015. ISBN: 1292061189.
Reading list for this module:
| CREDIT VALUE | 15 | ECTS VALUE | 7.5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRE-REQUISITE MODULES | None |
|---|---|
| CO-REQUISITE MODULES | None |
| NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) | 6 | AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORIGIN DATE | Tuesday 11th March 2025 | LAST REVISION DATE | Wednesday 12th March 2025 |
| KEY WORDS SEARCH | Database; design; modelling |
|---|
Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.
