DIPLOMA IN
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
MODULE LEARNING GUIDE
INTRODUCTION TO DATABASE
Version 1: May 2007
1.
INTRODUCTION
The history of database research over the past 30 years is one of exceptional productivity that has led to the
database system becoming arguably the most important development in the field of software engineering. The
database is now the underlying framework of the information system, and has fundamentally changed the way
many organizations operate. In particular, the developments in this technology over the last few years have
produced systems that are more powerful and more intuitive to use. This has resulted in database systems
becoming increasingly available to a wider variety of users.
Barely 20 years old as a basic science research field, database research has fuelled an information services
industry with startling economic impact. Achievements in database research underpin fundamental advances in
communication systems, transportation and logistics, financial management, knowledge-based systems,
accessibility to scientific literature, and a host of other civilian and defense applications. They also serve as the
foundation for considerable progress in the basic science fields ranging from computing to biology.
Database technology has been an exciting area to work in and, since its emergence, has been the catalyst for
many important developments in software engineering.
2. AIMS
This module aims to help the students understand about the database system. The focus of this subject is to
implement the concept of Structured Query Language (SQL) with the most popular commercial DBMSs:
Microsoft Office Access.
The database system is now the underlying framework of the information system, and has fundamentally
changed the way that many organizations operate. Database technology has been an exciting area to work in
and, since its emergence, has been the catalyst for many important developments in software engineering.
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop SQL commands using
Microsoft Office Access 2003. You will learn how to use the reserved words and user-defined words to write an
SQL statement. A database language allows user to create the database and relation structures, perform basic
data management tasks, such as the insertion, modification, and deletion of data from the relations, perform both
simple and complex queries.
3.
4.
OVERVIEW OF THE SYLLABUS:
The module is organised into four major learning sections as outlined below:
3.1. SECTION 1: Background
This section starts with a basic introduction of the field of database systems and database design, the
filed based system, examines the database environment and three-level ANSI-SPARC architecture.
3.2. SECTION 2: The Relational Model and Languages
This section introduces the relational model and relational languages, namely the relational algebra and
relational calculus, QBE (Query-By-Example), and SQL (Structured Query Language). This part also
examines two highly popular commercial systems: Microsoft Access and Oracle.
3.3. SECTION 3: Database Analysis and Design Techniques
This section discusses the main techniques for database analysis and design and how they can be
applied in a practical way. The students will learn how to draw Entity-Relationship (ER) diagram and
examine the concept behind normalization, which is another important technique used in the logical
database design methodology.
3.4. SECTION 4: Methodology
This section covers a methodology for database design. The methodology is divided into three parts
covering conceptual, logical and physical database design. Each part of the methodology is illustrated
using the DreamHome case study. In this syllabus, we are going to cover the methodology for
conceptual database design only.
3.5. SECTION 5: Selected Database Issues
This section examines the database security, not just in the context of DBMS security but also in the
context of the security if the DBMS environment.
3.6. SECTION 6: Current Trends
This section examines distributed DBMSs and object-based DBMSs. Ditributed database management
system (DDBMS) technology is one of the current major developments in the database systems area.
The previous section concentrate on centralized database systems: that is, systems with a single logical
database located at one site under the control of a single DBMS
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this module, students will be able to:

Understand the conceptual, logical and physical database design.

Understand the database environment
Olympia College
5.
6.
Diploma in Information Technology

Write SQL commands

Draw ER diagram

Undertake the process of normalization
AUDIENCE AND PRE-REQUISITES
This module is for students who are in the advance stages of the Diploma program. This is care subject and
no prerequisite required to undertake this module.
LEARNING MATERIALS:

Main reference text:
a. Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to Design,
th

Implementation, and Management, 4 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-321-21025-5
b. Power Point Slide: http://www.booksites.net/connbegg
Indicative/Supplementary Readings:
th
7.
a. C. J. Date, An Introduction to Database Systems, 7 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-68419-5
ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS:
The following is an outline of the various assessment instruments for this module:
7.1. ASSIGNMENT (20%)
An individual assignment will be given to the student on the first week and will have to be returned no
later than week 10.
Should the student fail to submit his/her assignment on week 10, the result will automatically be Zero.
7.2. PRESENTATION (20%)
The students need to present their assignment on week 10 in the form of a PowerPoint presentation or
any other presentation tools. Marks will be awarded based on the quality of the presentation, language
etc
7.3. FINAL EXAMINATION (60%)
Final Examination is included in this module. It seeks to determine participants’ individual effectiveness in
responding to specific questions under time-constrained invigilated conditions. The examination is a
closed book examination, requesting participants to demonstrate their knowledge and critical analysis
skills in responding to questions covering the module syllabus.
7.4. ASSESSMENT TIMELINES
The coursework project is to be distributed to students by the end of Week 1 and its submission
deadline is no later than week 10. Presentation will be held no later than week 10. Final examinations
will be held at the end of the semester, which is on week 15
7.5. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Refer to assignment and final examination marking guide.
7.6. ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTOR
The following general principles should be used when marking and awarding grade:
Grade
Characteristics


Above 70%
60-69%
Excellent work which demonstrates that the student:
Possesses an authoritative grasp of the concepts, methodology and content
appropriate to the subject and to the assessment

Selects and organises material with consistent success at an exceptionally high
stage

Is able to display originality and personal insight and is capable of expressing
their argument clearly, concisely and accurately.
The student demonstrates:

An above average stage of understanding, organising, interpretation and a clear
grasp of methodology suitable focused on the topic

An ability to synthesise material and to construct responses which reveal insight
and may offer originality

A grasp of material that enables a coherent response to the assessment task to
emerge

An ability to generate work that is accurate and appropriately organised.
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to Database
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50-59%
40-49%
< 40%
8.
9.
Diploma in Information Technology
The student is able to cover basic subject matter but in a relatively unimaginative and
pedestrian manner. Organisation and presentation of material is acceptable but may
display some weakness. Limitations in understanding and interpretation and difficulty in
linking to relevant material may be evident.
The student’s performance is only just acceptable in most respects revealing some
inadequacies in the grasp of material, weak organising ability and limited communication
skills.
The student’s performance is deficient revealing inadequate grasp of material, poor
organising ability and poorly developed communication skills.
TOTAL HOURS:

40 hours of direct lecture-tutorial sessions

9 hours of lab sessions

158 hours of self and independent study
INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN AND RESOURCES
The base source of material to be used in the design of the teaching-learning schedule will be the print
based module material provided to both staff and students. Other resources will be included to supplement
and fill in gaps especially latest development or recent changes which are obviously not found in the module
material.
CLASS LEARNING SCHEDULE
WEEK
LECTURE
TUTORIALS / ACTIVITIES
1
Introduction to Database
a.
Chapter 1 Review Questions (text book): pg 32
a.
b.
e.
f.
Draw a diagram of the database system architecture
Explain the sequence of steps involved in retrieving a
particular external record occurrence.
Distinguish between the internal, external, and the
conceptual level.
What is the difference between tightly and loosely
coupled?
List the various types of mappings that are available.
Chapter 2 Review Questions (text book): pg 65
c.
2
Database System Architecture
d.
3
The Relational Model (I)
a.
Chapter 3 Review Questions (text book): pg 87
4
The Relational Model (II)
a.
b.
Chapter 4 Review Questions (text book): pg 109
Chapter 4 Exercises (text book): pg 110
a.
b.
c.
d.
What are the objectives of SQL?
Give the four SQL DML statements.
Chapter 5 Review Questions (text book): pg 154
Chapter 5 Exercises (text book): pg 154 – 155
Lab practice (text book):
create a DreamHome rental database (Chapter 3, pg 80)
create SQL to retrieve certain information from the
DreamHome rental database (Chapter 5, pg 117-152)
Describe the eight base data type in SQL.
Discuss each of the CREATE TABLE statement.
Describe the difference between discretionary and
mandatory access control. What type of control
mechanism does SQL support?
Chapter 6 Review Questions (text book): pg 194
Chapter 6 Exercises (text book): pg 194 – 195
5
SQL: Data Manipulation
a.
b.
c.
6
SQL: Data Definition
d.
e.
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Olympia College
7
Entity Relationship Modelling (I)
Diploma in Information Technology
a.
b.
Chapter 11 Review Questions (text book): pg 356
Chapter 11 Exercises (text book): pg 357
a.
Chapter 12 Review Questions (text book): pg 374
Lab practice (text book):
- create an ER diagram in Microsoft Office Access (pg 198
- 231)
8
Entity Relationship Modelling (II)
9
Normalization
a.
b.
Chapter 13 Review Questions (text book): pg 412
Chapter 13 Exercises Question 13.16 (text book): pg 357
10
Database Model: Object DBMS
a.
Chapter 24 Review Questions (text book): pg 810
11
Database Model: Distributed DBMS
a.
Chapter 22 Review Questions (text book): pg 729
12
Methodology – Conceptual Database
Design
a.
Chapter 15 Review Questions (text book): pg 458
a.
Chapter 19 Review Questions (text book): pg 541
Lab practice (text book):
- setting a password for opening a database in Microsoft
Office Access (Chapter 19, pg 541-544)
a.
Past year examination questions
13
Security
14
Subject Review and Revision
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to Database
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Olympia College
Diploma in Information Technology
LEARNING SUGGESTIONS AND GUIDELINES
WEEK 1
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

To get started with database

Characteristic and problems with file-based approach

To understand about database management system
Learning outcomes to attain:

Introduction

Traditional file-based systems

Database approach

Roles in the database environment

Advantages and disadvantages of DBMS
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the student:
a. Chapter 1 from the main reference text, page number 3 – 32.
b. Main reference text namely:

Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to Design,
Implementation, and Management, 4th Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-321-21025-5

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575757/ppt/0321210255_ch01.ppt
c. Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids
Topical references:

http://databases.about.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database

http://www.answers.com/database
WEEK 2
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

To understand the database environment
Learning outcomes to attain:

The three levels of architecture

The external level

The conceptual level

The internal level

Mappings

The database administrator
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the student:
a. Chapter 2 from the main reference text, page number 33 – 66.
b. Main reference text namely:

Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to Design,
th
Implementation, and Management, 4 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-321-21025-5
c.
 http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575757/ppt/0321210255_ch02.ppt
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids Topical references:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ANSI-SPARC_Architecture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_Definition_Language

http://databases.about.com/od/sql/a/sqlfundamentals_2.htm?terms=sql+alter+table

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_Manipulation_Language

http://databases.about.com/od/sql/a/sqlfundamentals_3.htm
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to Database
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Olympia College
Diploma in Information Technology
WEEK 3
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

To understand the concept of relational model
Learning outcomes to attain:

A brief history

Terminology

Integrity constraints

Views
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the student:
a. Chapter 3 from the main reference text, page number 69 – 85.
b. Main reference text namely:

Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to Design,
th
c.
Implementation, and Management, 4 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-321-21025-5

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575757/ppt/0321210255_ch03.ppt
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids
Topical references:

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575733/tutorial/tutorial_ch03.doc

http://c2.com/cgi/wiki?RelationalModel

http://www.utexas.edu/its/windows/database/datamodeling/rm/overview.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relational_model
WEEK 4
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

To understand the concept of relational algebra and relational calculus.
Learning outcomes to attain:

The relational algebra

Relational calculus

Other languages
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the student:
a. Chapter 4 from the main reference text, page number 88 – 109
b. Main reference text namely:

Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to
th
c.
Design, Implementation, and Management, 4 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-32121025-5

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575757/ppt/0321210255_ch04.
ppt
Visit
the
following
websites
for
better
understanding
and
study
aids
Topical references:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relational_algebra

http://www.answers.com/topic/relational-algebra

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuple_relational_calculus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_relational_calculus
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to Database
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Olympia College
Diploma in Information Technology
WEEK 5
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

To learn how to write an SQL command for data manipulation
Learning outcomes to attain:

Introduction to SQL

Writing SQL commands

Data manipulation
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the student:
a. Chapter 5 from the main reference text, page number 157 – 195
b. Main reference text namely:

Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to Design,
th
c.
Implementation, and Management, 4 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-321-21025-5

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575757/ppt/0321210255_ch05.ppt
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids
Topical references:

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575733/dreamhome/dreamhome.zip

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575733/access_lab_manual.zip

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575733/tutorial/tutorial_ch05.doc

http://sqlzoo.net

http://www.sqlcourse.com

http://www.sql.org

http://www.w3schools.com/sql
WEEK 6
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

To understand the concept of data definition in SQL
Learning outcomes to attain:

The ISO SQL data types

Integrity enhancement feature

Views

Transactions

Discretionary access control
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the student:
a. Chapter 6 from the main reference text, page number 157 – 195.
b. Main reference text namely:

Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to Design,
th
Implementation, and Management, 4 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-321-21025-5
c.
 http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575757/ppt/0321210255_ch06.ppt
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids
Topical references:

http://sqlzoo.net

http://www.sqlcourse.com

http://www.sql.org

http://www.w3schools.com/sql

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/View_%28database%29
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to Database
8
Olympia College
Diploma in Information Technology
WEEK 7
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

To understand the Entity-Relationship Modelling in database design
Learning outcomes to attain:

Entity types

Relationship types

Attributes

Strong and weak entity types

Attributes on relationship

Structural constraints

Problems with ER Models
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the student:
a. Chapter 11 from the main reference text, page number 342 – 368.
b. Main reference text namely:

Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to Design,
th
c.
Implementation, and Management, 4 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-321-21025-5

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575757/ppt/0321210255_ch11.ppt
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids
Topical references:

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575733/tutorial/tutorial_ch11.doc

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entity_relationship_diagram

http://www.umsl.edu/~sauter/analysis/er/er_intro.html

http://www.jin.wa.gov/standards/justiceCommonArchitecture/entity.htm
WEEK 8
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

To understand the basic concept of Enhanced Entity-Relationship Modelling
Learning outcomes to attain:

Specialisation/generalisation

Aggregation

Composition
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the student:
a. Chapter 12 from the main reference text, page number 371 – 386.
b. Main reference text namely:

Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to Design,
th
c.
Implementation, and Management, 4 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-321-21025-5

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575757/ppt/0321210255_ch12.ppt
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids
Topical references:

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575733/access_lab_manual.zip

http://elearning.tvm.tcs.co.in/re/re/3_3_ERD.htm

http://www.cs.sfu.ca/CC/354/zaiane/material/notes/Chapter2/node15.html#SECTION0011
10000000000000000

http://www.cs.sfu.ca/CC/354/zaiane/material/notes/Chapter2/node14.html#SECTION0011
00000000000000000
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to Database
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Olympia College
Diploma in Information Technology
WEEK 9
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

To understand the concept of normalization.
Learning outcomes to attain:

The purpose of normalization

How normalization supports database design

Data redundancy and update anomalies

Functional dependencies

The process of normalization

General definitions of 2NF and 3NF
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the student:
a. Chapter 13 from the main reference text, page number 375 – 414.
b. Main reference text namely:

Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to
th
c.
Design, Implementation, and Management, 4 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0321-21025-5

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575757/ppt/0321210255_ch1
3.ppt
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids
Topical references:

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575733/tutorial/tutorial_ch13.
doc

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database_normalization

http://www.utexas.edu/its/windows/database/datamodeling/rm/rm7.html

http://www.troubleshooters.com/littstip/ltnorm.html
WEEK 10
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

To understand the concepts and design of object-oriented DBMSs
Learning outcomes to attain:

Advanced database application

Weakness of RDBMS

Object-oriented concepts

Storing objects in relational database

Next generation database system
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the student:
a. Chapter 25 from the main reference text, page number 804 – 829.
b. Main reference text namely:

Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to Design,
th
c.
Implementation, and Management, 4 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-321-21025-5

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575757/ppt/0321210255_ch25.ppt
Visit
the
following
websites
for
better
understanding
and
study
aids
Topical references:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RDBMS

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/R/RDBMS.html
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to Database
10
Olympia College
Diploma in Information Technology
WEEK 11
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

To understand the concepts and design of distributed DBMSs.
Learning outcomes to attain:

Introduction

Overview of networking

Functions and architectures of a DDBMS
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the student:
a. Chapter 22 from the main reference text, page number 687 – 708.
b. Main reference text namely:

Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to Design,
th
c.
Implementation, and Management, 4 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-321-21025-5

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575757/ppt/0321210255_ch22.ppt
Visit
the
following
websites
for
better
understanding
and
study
aids
Topical references:

http://www.answers.com/topic/distributed-database
WEEK 12
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

To understand the logical database design methodology for the relational model.
Learning outcomes to attain:

Introduction to the database design methodology

Overview of the database design methodology

Conceptual database design methodology
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the student:
a. Chapter 15 from the main reference text, page number 437 – 458.
b. Main reference text namely:

Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to Design,
th
c.
d.
e.
Implementation, and Management, 4 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-321-21025-5

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575757/ppt/0321210255_ch15.ppt
Conduct all activities as found in the module materials. Conduct the chapter test on the completion
of the classes.
Assign further readings and activities to students based on the main reference text or activities from
the module materials.
Visit
the
following
websites
for
better
understanding
and
study
aids
Topical references

http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575733/tutorial/tutorial_ch15.doc
WEEK 13
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

To understand the concept of database security.
Learning outcomes to attain:

Database security

Counter measures
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to Database
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Olympia College
Diploma in Information Technology
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the student:
a. Chapter 19 from the main reference text, page number 541 – 552.
b. Main reference text namely:

Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to
th

Design, Implementation, and Management, 4 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0321-21025-5
http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1538/1575757/ppt/0321210255_ch1
9.ppt
WEEK 14
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

Summarize the entire module, highlighting key learning outcomes and measuring of ability of
students in attaining such outcomes.
Main reference text namely:

Main reference text:
i. Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg, Database Systems, A Practical Approach to
th

Design, Implementation, and Management, 4 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-32121025-5
Indicative/Supplementary Readings:
th
ii. C. J. Date, An Introduction to Database Systems, 7 Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN
0-201-68419-5Conduct past year exam questions and revision with students to help
achieve the above statement in (1)
WEEK 15
FINAL EXAMINATION
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