Advanced Databases and the Web

Course Content:

This module will consolidate and build on previously acquired knowledge of databases by
analysing and evaluating important issues in the database area. In addition it will provide
a sound understanding of the dynamic content within World Wide Web pages.

Autumn Semester content summary:
To develop knowledge of database design in order to critically analyse and evaluate
database modelling and development methods. Gain a detailed insight into the
practical and theoretical aspects of advanced topics in databases, such as objectrelational
databases, data warehouses and distributed databases. Create, implement
and critically test and evaluate an advanced database design.

Spring Semester content summary:
Study server-side technology (e.g. PHP) and at least one client-side technology (e.g.
JavaScript) to create dynamic web content. To use a database server in conjunction
with a web-based application.
Whole module topics in more detail may include:
? Database Analysis and Design: Data analysis, conceptual data models, logical
data models, design decisions
? Use of SQL to create databases and manipulate the data held in a database
? Physical database design: Optimising database performance (reorganising
physical storage and optimising queries), file organizations and indexes,
denormalisation and controlled redundancy
? Object-relational and object-oriented databases.
? Data warehousing concepts: design, architectures, the extract, transform, load
cycle, data mining
? Distributed database management systems
? Semistructured data and XML: namespaces and schemas, XML schema, XSL and
XSLT documents, Document Object Model (DOM), XHTML, Resource Description
Framework (RDF), XML databases
? The significance of the World Wide Web in modern commerce.
? Client and server-side technologies currently available, including XML, ASP.NET,
Java, Ruby on Rails and Ajax.
? Web databases: use of static and dynamic web pages, approaches to integrating
the web and DBMSs

Teaching: Lectures, tutorials, workshops, case studies, exercises, discussion groups, and practice
work

Assessment:
STUDY OPTION 1:
? Exam (50%)
? Coursework: Portfolio of written reports and practical exercises (50%)
STUDY OPTION 2 or 3: portfolio of coursework (100%).

Study Option 1 = Whole Year
Study Option 2 = Autumn
Study Option 3 = Spring/summer