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Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Information Systems - Data Management
Module Code IS303
School DCUBS
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Morgan McKnight
Semester 2: Morgan McKnight
Autumn: Morgan McKnight
Module TeacherDes McLaughlin
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
In this module students will learn the theory and practice of building a basic database using Microsoft Access.

Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the role of databases in organizations
2. Recognise the benefits of a relational database structure
3. Define and discuss the main elements of a relational database including Tables, Forms, Queries, and Reports
4. Identify and explain issues in effective database design including definition of data entities, business rules, and relationships, as well as issues of data redundancy, data integrity, and data normalisation
5. Construct a simple Microsoft Access database to meet specified criteria
6. Contrast some basic systems development approaches



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture10Guidance on aspects of databases introduced during a lecture which typically presents the essential ideas and core concepts pointing students towards resources where they can get further information. Students are expected to prepare for each lecture by, for example, reading materials suggested by the lecturer
Lecturer-supervised learning (contact)10Assistance in the computer laboratory on aspects of databases and their development
Assignment55Individual assignment, developing databases to specified criteria
Independent learning50Students are expected to study the recommended references, and are encouraged to read further around the topics in each section of the module. Such private study will include preparation for specific classes – for example to discuss aspects of a database, and other study related to assignments or to consolidate the material from lectures
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Introduction.
Basic database concepts, the database approach, database systems and components, database management systems.

Comparing list management in Excel with a relational database.
Uses and Limitations of the data management functions in Microsoft Excel – introduction to Microsoft Access.

Relational databases, their design and development.
Setting up basic databases in Microsoft Access with tables and forms, and producing queries and reports.

Database elements.
Entities, attributes, relationships, business rules, data types, properties, input masks, data validation.

Database design and integrity.
Data redundancy, inconsistency, anomalies, normalisation.

Database Systems in organisations.
Introduction to the architecture and functionality of common business information systems such as Enterprise Resource Systems (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems, Supply Chain Management (SCM) Systems, HR systems, etc..

Some Systems Development approaches.
Systems development life cycle, joint application development, prototyping, rapid application development, etc..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment70% Examination Weight30%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
ProjectDefine the elements of a database design30%Week 6
ProjectBuild a MS Access database according to specified criteria40%Sem 1 End
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List
  • Robert T. Grauer &; Maryann Barber: 2003, Exploring Microsoft Excel 2003 Special VBA Edition ,, Prentice Hall,
  • John Viescas: 2003, Running Mirosoft Access, Microsoft Press,
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
MINTBSc Marketing, Innovation & Technology
Timetable this semester: Timetable for IS303
Date of Last Revision20-FEB-09
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