Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2009 - 2010
This information is provisional and subject to change.

Module Title	Database 1: Relational Theory and Multidatabase Systems
Module Code	CA419
School	Computing
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Mr Renaat Verbruggen	Office Number	L2.43
Level	4	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None

Module Aims

· To build on the knowledge acquired in the database course in
year 3. Conceptual data modelling and the principles of building and
designing database schemas are explored and studied across three important
data models: the Entity relationship Model, The enhanced-entity relationship
model and the functional data model. These models provide the student with
an firm grounding in advanced schema design methods. The second part of the
course introduces and formalises important aspects of data normalisation and
keys through the theory of functional dependencies. Axiom systems (Armstrong
etc) are introduced and methods of reducing the size of a set of FDs are
studied. Normalisation by synthesis, the minimise algorithm, is used to
produce a a database schema in normal form. Query optimisation using
algebraic and cost based approaches are investigated. Interoperable
multi-database systems, canonical models (linked to conceptual modelling
component), their languages, architectures (schema and system) make up the
final part of the course.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the module, the student will have
developed an advanced understanding of the issues, architectures, query
models and solutions available for relational and interoperable
multidatabase systems · a fundamental learning outcome is that they will
have a sound grasp of the conceptual data modelling principles behind such
systems · an understanding of the formal aspects of relational database
systems and the theory of functional dependencies.

Indicative Time Allowances
	Hours
Lectures	24
Tutorials	0
Laboratories	0
Seminars	0
Independent Learning Time	51

Total	75
Placements
Assignments

NOTE

Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

· Conceptual Data Modelling. Functional,
Entity-Relationship, Enhanced-Entity Relationship models. Behavioural and
structural aspects of conceptual data models. · Architectures for Federated
Systems. The Sheth and Larson 5 Layer Architecture. · Multidatabase Systems,
Languages and Models. Language issues for multidatabase systems. Schematic
and semantic heterogeneity - partial solutions. · Canonical Model Properties
for Federated Systems. Issues relating to the power of model and their
suitability as canonical models. · Classical Models. · Functional
Dependencies (Key Theory), Functional Dependencies as application
constraints. Armstong''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s Inference axioms. The extended set of Inference
axioms.The B axioms. Completeness of axioms. Closure of a set of Functional
Dependencies,closure of an attribute(s). Finding the closure of a set of
FDs. Testing membership/The closure and linclosure algorithms. Normalisation
by Synthesis. Cost based and algebraic query optimisation.

Assessment
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Indicative Reading List

Essential Introduction to Database Systems , ElMasri and Navathe, Supplementary Database and Knowledge Base Systems Volume I , Ullman, Computer Science Press An introduction to database systems , , Addison-Wesley

Programme or List of Programmes

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

ECSA

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

ECSAO

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

HMSA

Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)

HMSAO