- An undergraduate course
in
Computing and IT.
Relational databases: theory and practice
- On this page
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | M359 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| Examination | |
| No residential school | |
This advanced computing course offers perspectives on relational databases. It introduces database management systems and the facilities required to store and access large collections of data in a shared user environment. This is followed by a theory of relations, underpinning topics such as data modelling and database architecture; the database language SQL; and the development of a practical database system. Also considered are issues surrounding the on-going development and application of relational database technologies, including the role of JAVA and XML. You should already be familiar with program construction and using files and operating systems, as taught in our Level 2 computing courses.
Modules at Level 3 assume that you are suitably prepared for study at this level. If you want to take a single module to satisfy your career development needs or pursue particular interests, you don’t need to start at Level 1 but you do need to have adequately prepared yourself for OU study in some other way. Check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service to make sure that you are sufficiently prepared.
Register for the course
What you will study
This course is about designing, building and using databases: collections of data that may be essential to the operation of large organisations, or just may be of interest to an individual. The course looks in detail at relational databases, which store data as tables and are widely used on all computer systems.
The course will benefit you if you are involved with (or interested in) the planning, design, operation and use of a database. It offers various points of view, from the broader scope of information systems, the mathematical underpinnings of relational theory and the technology of databases that use the general-purpose software known as database management systems. By the end of the course, you’ll understand the concepts underlying all relational databases, and have practical experience of applying the concepts in different situations. Knowledge of SQL is one of the most sought-after skills by employers in the IT sector.
There are lots of examples and activities, and software is provided on a CD-ROM.
As you study the course, you will be using email and online discussion forums for communication with the University, your tutor and other students. You may also have the opportunity of attending face-to-face tutorials with your tutor and other students in your tutor group.
You will learn
The main body of the course focuses on the development of a database to meet specified requirements. This development will assume requirements analysis has taken place and that a requirements document is available. The development model will make use of conceptual data modelling, relational algebra and SQL for the expression of design and implementation artefacts.
The course is organised in five blocks.
Block 1 introduces the context of databases as part of an information system, which may be used by many people for different purposes and with different requirements. You will then examine the types of software that are necessary for accessing a database, and how each database has to be specially designed to satisfy the requirements of its users.
Block 2 introduces the mathematical theory underpinning relational technologies and shows ways that the theory is used in the database environment.
Block 3 is concerned with relational database management systems, and, in particular, the use of the database language SQL, the recognised standard for defining and accessing a relational database.
Block 4 is a detailed analysis of the steps involved in developing and implementing a database system. It examines, in depth, the tasks and techniques appropriate for each step in the development process and makes detailed comparisons between implementation alternatives and data representations.
Block 5 focuses on the on-going development and application of relational database technologies in the context of JAVA and XML.
Entry
This is a challenging Level 3 course. Level 3 courses build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from studies at Levels 1 and 2. They are intended only for students who have recent experience of higher education in a related subject, preferably with the OU.
You must be familiar with the use of computers – particularly the construction of programs – using files, and operating systems. You could get the necessary knowledge from a Level 2 computing course. We would recommend prior completion of Object-oriented Java programming (M250) or other recent experience of higher education in a related subject. This course is not suitable if you are unfamiliar with study at the OU.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Module Regulations and the Student Regulations which are available on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
The study materials are available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Components may not be fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical, scientific, and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Descriptions will be available for the diagrams that are used throughout the text. The books are available in a comb-bound format. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Services for disabled students website for more information, including:
- help to determine your study requirements and how to request the support that you need
- Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)
- using a computer for OU study
- equipment and other support services that we offer
- examination arrangements
- how to contact us for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Course books, CD-ROM.
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study this course. It includes online activities – you can access using a web browser – and some course software provided on disk.
- If you have purchased a new desktop or laptop computer running Windows since 2007 you should have no problems completing the computer-based activities.
- A netbook, tablet or other mobile computing device is not suitable for this course – check our Technical requirements section.
- If you have an Apple Mac or Linux computer – please note that you can only use it for this course by running Windows on it using Boot Camp or a similar dual-boot system.
You can also visit the Technical requirements section for further computing information including the details of the support we provide.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. We may also be able to offer group tutorials or day schools that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Where your tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the course.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Professional recognition
This course may help you to gain recognition from a professional body. You can view and download our Recognition leaflets 3.3 Professional Engineering Institutions and 3.7 Computing for further information.
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in February 2014 when it will be available for the last time.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Student Reviews
“I found M359 a frustrating, irritating and challenging experience. So much so that I was compelled to review it. Although, ...”
Read more
“I found this module tough but rewarding. There's an awful lot of information packed in for 30 credits, although it ...”
Read more
Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information read Distance learning explained.
Undergraduate
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | M359 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| Examination | |
| No residential school | |
Your questions
Try our frequently asked questions.
Come and meet us at an event near you.
Or contact an adviser by Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90 +44(0) 845 366 60 35
Get a prospectus
Download ororder
Share
This PageThe University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to regularly update this site, the material on it is subject to alteration or amendment in the light of changes in regulations or in policy or of financial or other necessity.