Reference no: EM134039809 , Length: Word Count:1500
Database Fundamentals
Overview
The unit covers the underlying theory and basic concepts of relational data modelling, query languages and database design. You will develop the knowledge and skills necessary for the effective design and implementation of Database Management DBMS systems that satisfy the data management requirements of an enterprise. The unit will also address the various issues and techniques of data management, including retrieval, update, integrity, privacy and security aspects associated with data access, manipulation and administration.
This unit will help you develop a sound theoretical understanding of the issues relevant to database fundamentals. Unification of multiple data sources is central to the ‘big data' paradigm likely to dominate design over the coming decades. You will be prepared to critically evaluate and understand database issues as they arise in practice over the coming years. This unit provides the foundation for such understanding.
Section - Academic Details
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:
apply cognitive skills to review, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge within the field of IT.
demonstrate a broad understanding of IT with significant depth together with managerial knowledge and teamwork skills for effective participation and leadership in industry.
adapt knowledge and skills across broad IT areas and apply these in planning, problem solving, decision making, and communicating ideas and solutions to diverse audiences in a professional IT environment.
utilise their learning experiences with a strong industry focus to deal with real world challenges.
demonstrate skills applicable for IT industry certification.
operate in different professional IT careers within various industry sectors.
manage ongoing learning and professional development which will equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for career path achievement in this competitive IT industry.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate the following understanding and skills:
methods, tools and techniques used in the planning, development, implementation and management of information products and systems.
computer hardware and software technologies.
theories and techniques in the selected field of IT study.
legal, ethical and philosophical issues relating to IT.
code of professional conduct and ethics.
application of best practices and industry standards.
Learning Outcomes
1 Explain the fundamentals of database languages, models and architecture B
2 Identify data requirements and apply relational modelling concepts and principles to develop Customer Databases. A, C
3 Investigate problem and apply normalization techniques to design a database schema. A, C
4 Critically analyse, identify data requirements, design, and implement a relational database application by applying relational database management systems concepts like data modelling concept, data definition language, data control language, data manipulation language. A, B, D
5 Critically analyse data access issues for database administration, integrity, security and privacy in the implementation and use of a database. A
ASSESSMENT ITEM 1:
In this assessment, you will be tasked with creating an entity-relationship diagram that aligns with requirements outlined in a practice-based case study. This is an individual assessment.
Introduction
In this assessment, you are required to write a report of no more than 1500 words. You will create an Entity-Relationship (ER) diagram based on the case study provided and write a detailed written specification describing the ER model. This is an individual assessment.
Case Study: Smart Hospital Management System (SHMS)
Northbridge General Hospital is developing a Smart Hospital Management System (SHMS) to enhance patient services, facility usage, and staff coordination using integrated data systems. The system will manage ward bookings, patient appointments, clinical staff schedules, and facility maintenance operations, all powered by real-time monitoring and reporting.
Database Requirements
Wards: each ward has a unique ward number, building/wing location, bed capacity, and availability status.
Patients: records patient profiles, including patient ID, name, admitting department, and care level.
Appointments: tracks each patient's attendance at a scheduled appointment session, including date and status (e.g. Attended, Missed, Rescheduled).
Staff Schedules: maintains schedules for clinical staff, including assigned clinics, ward bookings, and timing.
Maintenance Requests: logs facility issues reported by staff or patients, including location, request type, and status.
Table Descriptions
WARD represents physical care spaces, each with a unique ward number, building/wing location, bed capacity, and scheduling status.
PATIENT contains information on individual patients including patient ID, personal and clinical data.
APPOINTMENT_RECORD logs patient attendance at specific appointment sessions with timestamped entries.
STAFF_SCHEDULE stores clinic assignments and session timings for clinical staff members.
MAINTENANCE_REQUEST tracks issues reported within hospital facilities and links them to specific wards or buildings.
Activity 1: Draw a Detailed ER Diagram
Based on the case study, design a comprehensive ER diagram. You may use tools such as draw.io, Lucidchart, Visio, or any preferred software. Ensure your model includes entities, relationships, attributes, and clearly defined keys and connections between components.
Activity 2: Write Specification from the ER Diagram
Based on the ER diagram created in Activity 1, write a clear and concise description of how the system components relate to each other. Focus on describing cardinalities (e.g. one-to-many, many-to-many), participation constraints (e.g. mandatory or optional relationships), and identify strong and weak entities.
Avoid technical database jargon; write in simple English that explains the relationships and rules that govern the system.