KC7013 - Database Modelling

What will I learn on this module?

You will understand the conceptual basis for current database technology and will be able to apply such knowledge in implementing database applications.
You will be able to understand data modelling through the example of the relational model; be able to design and manipulate relational databases with relational algebra and SQL; normalise relational data structures. You will appreciate limitations of data models and the need for database programming to achieve complete solutions, write transactions and procedures for relational databases, specify security for operations, and apply business rules.

You will gain knowledge of advanced object models, their rationale, advantages and disadvantages, construct object-relational databases with nested capability, write user-defined types as ADTs and subtypes for inheritance, use object features in Oracle database system.

You will be able to learn and employ data warehousing techniques to integrate and consolidate data from different sources, which can then be used for business reporting and exploratory data analysis. In addition, you will realise the responsibilities of database designers with respect to professional, legal, security and ethical issues.

How will I learn on this module?

You will attend weekly lectures and lab-based seminars to learn a range of topics. The lectures will provide key concepts and ideas which are then followed by hands-on lab sessions whereby you will develop key skills in database analysis, design and implementation using Oracle database system and a range of useful tools and methods.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be given advice and feedback on your formative assessment (e.g., lab exercises) during the timetabled classes. In addition, the eLP module instance will be used to provide extensive supporting material. Constructive and written feedback on first summative assessment will provide you focused guidance on how to improve your work in the following summative assessment. Specific sessions will provide you with further directed guidance on successful completion of your summative assessments.

What will I be expected to read on this module?


What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Key data modelling concepts, application of database theory, principles for supporting business and information systems.

2. Key concepts of data warehousing.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. Conceptual data modelling, relational database design and implementation in SQL & PL/SQL, and object-based databases.

4. Design and Implementation of a data warehouse using Oracle database system.


5. Realise the responsibilities of database designers with respect to professional, legal, security and ethical issues.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment: lab exercises carried out within seminars will build up to form a basis of the two summative assessments. Feedback will be given during lab sessions.

Summative assessment: two written assignments.

• The 1st coursework assessment will comprise analysis, design and implementation of a relational database (50%) and will test MLOs 1, 3 and 5.

• The 2nd coursework assessment will comprise design and implementation of an object-relational database and a data warehouse (50%), which will test MLOs 2, 3 and 4.

Feedback: You will be given detailed feedback on the 1st group assignment clearly identifying both the weaknesses and strong points of the work. As this will be set approximately half-way through the module it will enable the students to identify those areas where they need to focus their efforts on in their 2nd assignment.


KC7020 Information Organization and Access



Module abstract


Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year full-time

Department Computer and Information Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2022

Fee Information

Module Information





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