IMAT1408 Database Design Concepts
Module Guide 2010-11
Database Theory
We cover some underlying database theory about the features databases offer to users in order
to make systems as helpful as possible. We will consider how many users can use the database
at the same time without putting the data at risk, how the data can be secured from malicious or
accidental damage and how the database can shield the user from the complexity of the system.
Database Design
We will look at some of the techniques used to design database applications. We will build on
some of the ideas drawn from Systems Analysis and Design in order to determine what data is
required in a database.
We will use the database modelling technique, Entity Relationship Modelling, to design tables that
meet the user requirements. This is an important skill that requires practice, and for this reason it
will be taught in tutorials over the year in two parts. We will introduce the technique in the first
term. At the end of the second term we will revisit the topic to build up the complexity of the
situations you can deal with.
The second part of database design is to design the interface. The interface is what allows the
user to communicate with the computer. We will be looking at designing forms (screens), reports
and switchboards/menus. We will be introducing the idea of making such interfaces user-friendly
and meeting user requirements. This topic will be further developed during year 2.
Database Implementation
This will be predominantly taught in the labs and you will get the opportunity to develop your
practical skills as well as turn your designs into reality. Database implementation can be divided
into three main areas:
1. Structured Query Language (SQL)
We will start the year looking at SQL. This is an industry standard language used with
databases. It gives a mechanism for manipulating data within a database. We will learn how
to interrogate a database (eg How many customers placed an order last week? How many
customers owe us money? Which items are selling well?). We will be using Microsoft Access,
but SQL is used in most commercial databases so you will have learnt something required in
a lot of organisations.
2. Creating Database Applications
We will develop database applications to meet the requirements of users, by considering the
process of converting a design into a working system. If you have covered some of this
previously we will be extending your knowledge.
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We will also consider how to test a system adequately to ensure it works as intended. It will
be important to make it easy for users to work with your systems, even if they have little
computing experience or knowledge of Access.
3. Visual Basic For Applications (VBA)
We will introduce VBA. This is a programming language which allows you to automate Access
applications so that users only need to click on buttons to do what they need. It removes
totally the need for users to know Access. We will only introduce you to some basic VBA but
this will give you some ideas for using it to gain marks in your project work in future years.
Teaching Staff
All DMU modules have a module leader. This person is responsible for producing the module
materials and assessments but is usually part of a team. You may be taught by another member
of the module team, your module tutor.
For this IMAT1409 the Module Leader is Chris Wood (Mr.) cgw@dmu.ac.uk
If you have any problems relating to the is module should contact your module tutor in the first
instance .
It is also polite to let them know if you are going to miss a lesson, and to do this before the
event. Attendance is monitored so it is important to show up to lessons and keep staff informed
about absences.
If you are uncomfortable discussing a problem with your module tutor you can always discuss it
with your personal tutor.
Timetabled contact consists of Lectures, Labs and Tutorials
As the teaching schedule is not the same every week it is a good idea to use the MLE to check
your timetable ahead for each week. Times of classes may change and rooms may change.
BE SURE TO CHECK FOR ANY TIMETABLE CHANGES ... you can view your timetable week by
week by using your my.dmu.ac.uk portal.
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Week
No
1
W/C
Lecture
Tutorial
Labs
4/10/10
Introduction
to the
Module
Premiere products-Why use a
database
SQL Select
statement
2
3
11/10/10
18/10/10
SQL- Select Statements
SQL- Conditions
SQL
SQL
4
25/10/10
SQL Multiple Tables
SQL Multiple
Tables
SQL
5
6
1/11/10
8/11/10
7
15/11/10
8
9
10
11
SQL test
SQL More Multiple Tables
ER modeling part 1
ER modeling part 1
(2 Hours)
ER modeling part 1
(2 Hours)
ER modeling part 1
(2 Hours)
ER modeling part 1
(2 Hours)
Assessment
SQL TEST
22/11/10
29/11/10
6/12/10
13/12/10
ER Modeling
Viva
ER modeling Vivas
15
10/1/11
16
17/1/11
17
Database
Function
Database
functions
Data Design
Form Design
Setting up a
database
Forms
24/1/11
Report design
Reports
18
31/1/11
ER Modeling part 2
Menus
19
7/2/11
ER modeling Part 2
VBA
20
14/2/11
ER modeling part 2
VBA
21
21/2/11
ER Modeling Part 2
VBA
22
28/2/11
ER Modeling Part 2
23
7/3/11
24
14/3/11
25
21/3/11
26
28/3/11
ER Modeling Part 2
(2 Hours)
ER Modeling Part 2
(2 Hours)
ER Modeling Part 2
(2 Hours)
Revision
27
4/4/11
Revision
Assignment
work
Assignment
work
Assignment
work
Assignment
work
Implementation
demonstrations
Implementation
demonstrations
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Implementation
Assignment Issued
ER Modeling
Assignment Hand in
Microsoft Access
We will use Microsoft Access in the labs. It is important to keep up to date with your lab work, so
you should expect to spend time working on Access outside your classes. How you do this is up
to you – what your module tutor is interested in is whether you have completed your work. You
can choose to do your personal study at university or at home, but you should note the following
points about Access:





It is available on nearly all University PCs in Gateway House until 9pm in the evenings during
term time.
You can use your H: drive from DMU library and learning zone.
You may be able to link to your H: drive from home
You can download a copy of Access free from https://msdnaa.cse.dmu.ac.uk
We are currently using Access 2007. If you have a different version at home you will need to
save work done in class in that version’s format and you will find that Access 2007 does look
a little different to previous versions. You will need to decide if you find this confusing or not.
Assessment
In this module your overall grade is made up of coursework, which provides 70% of the overall
module mark and a 2 hour exam, which provides 30% of the overall module mark:
Coursework assessment consists of:

Tests are used to encourage you to learn the material given to you. They are not written to
stress you out. If you have attended the classes and done the work set you should have no
problems. If you are allowed extra time or need a writer for tests let your tutor know as soon
as possible and remind them before the test and they will make the arrangements. Tests will
be used to check that you have completed the tutorial work yourself. If you miss a test you
will normally receive a mark of zero. If you have a genuine reason for missing a test then tell
your tutor (before the test, if possible). If you have a good reason for your absence and you
bring evidence of this (such as a doctor’s note) then your tutor will see what can be done.

Assignments are exercises for you to complete. These are handed in to your tutor, marked
and returned to you. Your tutor will tell you how to hand work in. The module schedule gives
dates when assignments are handed out and when they are due in. You must hand in before
the deadline, but there is nothing stopping you from handing in before the deadline. Some
coursework assignments may be group work in which case you will have to work with other
students. Other assignments are individual (therefore you should not be working with other
students). Although you will all be working on the same assignment you should not be
tempted to copy, as there are severe penalties for copying. Don’t be tempted - copied work
is usually obvious to tutors.
Vivas, where you will be in direct conversation with your tutor about the work you have been
engaged with.

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Term 1

SQL test in week 6 ... 20% of the coursework marks

During tutorials in week 11 you will have a “viva” test with your tutor, talking about
the work you have completed in the tutorials. Your tutor will tell you more about this
nearer the time... 20% of the coursework marks.


ER Modelling Assignment ... 30% of the coursework marks
Assignment on Database Implementation - started in lab sessions in week 24 ...
30% of the coursework marks.
Term 2
(The remaining 30% of the module marks come from the exam (in May).
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
This module is supported on the University VLE, Blackboard.
Everyone is registered on Blackboard when they enrol at DMU. If you have problems logging into
Blackboard contact the Student Advice Centre. Course materials will be added to Blackboard
after the event so you can get a copy if you have missed a session or lost your notes. However,
reading the notes on Blackboard is not a substitute for attending classes.
Check Blackboard regularly for announcements, messages and additional materials. You may find
practice tests, messages from staff, corrections, details of lesson changes, reminders, answers to
exercises, in fact anything we want you to know about.
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