Relational databases: theory and practice
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| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| Examination | No residential school |
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Summary
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.
Course content
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.
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, conferencing and the World Wide Web 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 programming with Java (M255) (or M206) 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.
Qualifications
M359 is an optional course in our
- Diploma in Computing (D12)
- BSc (Honours) Information Technology and Computing (B13)
- BA/BSc (Honours) Computing and Mathematical Sciences (B14)
- BSc (Honours) Computing (B29)
- BSc (Honours) Computing and Systems Practice (B33)
- BA/BSc (Honours) Computing and Statistics (B34)
- BSc (Honours) Computing with Business (B35)
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it is equally appropriate to a BA or BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a course towards a qualification if you have already taken another course with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this course, visit our excluded combination finder or check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service before registering.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
The course 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 are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklet Meeting Your Needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
What's included
Course books, CD-ROM.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave. Some of your course software will be provided on disk.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new Windows computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual. Please note that you can use an Apple Mac or Linux computer if you can run Windows using Boot Camp or similar.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the course 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 download our Recognition leaflets 3.3 Professional Engineering Institutions and 3.7 Computing or ask our Student Registration & Enquiry Service for a copy.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in February 2010. We expect it to be available once a year.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
About this page
An undergraduate course in Computing and ICT.
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Student Reviews
This course provided quite a challenge but was worthwhile. I found the content elaborated on my existing database experience and ...
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No problems with the exam paper on my (2nd) presentation. This course gives a good introduction to the subject of ...
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