Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
1. Module Title Database and Information Systems
2. Module Code COMP518
3. Year Session 2023-24
4. Originating Department Computer Science
5. Faculty Fac of Science & Engineering
6. Semester First Semester
7. CATS Level Level 7 FHEQ
8. CATS Value 15
9. Member of staff with responsibility for the module
Dr M Wardeh Livestock & One Health Maya.Wardeh@liverpool.ac.uk
10. Module Moderator
11. Other Contributing Departments  
12. Other Staff Teaching on this Module
Mrs J Birtall School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science Judith.Birtall@liverpool.ac.uk
13. Board of Studies
14. Mode of Delivery
15. Location Main Liverpool City Campus
    Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
16. Study Hours 22

   20

       42
17.

Private Study

 108
18.

TOTAL HOURS

 150
 
    Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other
19. Timetable (if known)            
 
20. Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 
21. Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 
22. Co-requisite modules:

 
23. Linked Modules:

 
24. Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a mandatory basis:
25. Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:
26. Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:
27. Aims
 

To provide a deep, systematic and critical understanding of the nature of information systems, with a focus on database systems and their operation.
 
28. Learning Outcomes
 

(LO1) Design and implement relational databases with multiple tables.
 

(LO2) Understand the mathematical foundations of relational databases through the use of relational algebra.
 

(LO3) Use SQL effectively and efficiently as a data definition and data manipulation language in a modern DBMS.
 

(LO4) Demonstrate a systematic understanding of transaction management and concurrency control in database systems.
 

(S1) Skills in using technology - Using common applications (work processing, databases, spreadsheets etc.)
 

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking
 

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis
 

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis
 

(S5) Skills in using technology - Information accessing
 

(S6) Numeracy/computational skills - Confidence/competence in measuring and using numbers
 

(S7) Problem solving
 

(S8) Business and customer awareness
 

(S9) Information Technology (IT) skills
 

(S10) Computer science principles
 
29. Teaching and Learning Strategies
 

Lectures (22 hours)
Tutorials (20 hours)
Coursework (87 hours)
Private Study (21 hours)

Standard on-campus delivery
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Mix of on-campus/on-line synchronous/asynchronous sessions
Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: On-campus synchronous sessions
 
30. Syllabus
   

Fundamental concepts in information systems
The relational database model and its advantages over file-based storage
Relational algebra operations and compound expressions
Conceptual database design (entity-relationship modelling)
Logical database design
Functional dependencies and normalisation
SQL syntax and its role in a modern DBMS
Using SQL for data definition and efficient queries
Transaction management, atomicity and serialisability
Concurrency control mechanisms
 
31. Recommended Texts
  Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
 

Assessment
32. EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
  (518) Final Exam MCQ 20 Questions There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1 1 25
33. CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
  (518.1) CA1 SQL and Transactions 27 25
  (518.2) CA2 Logical Database Modelling and Normalisation 27 25
  (518.3) CA3 Relational Algebra and Entity-Relationship Modelling 27 25