CSC8017 : Database Systems
CSC8017 : Database Systems
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Dan Nesbitt
- Lecturer: Dr John Colquhoun, Dr Essam Ghadafi
- Teaching Assistant: Mr Oshada Lokuhetty
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To introduce the fundamentals of database system design and use.
Outline Of Syllabus
Relational Modelling.
XML representation of data.
NoSQL.
ORMs.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
- To have knowledge and understanding of top-down and bottom-up approaches to database design.
- To have knowledge and understanding of models, processes and techniques used in database design.
Intended Skill Outcomes
- To be able to construct and critique entity-relationship and relational models.
- To be able to apply normalisation techniques.
- To be able to use SQL for data definition and manipulation.
- To be able to use standard SQL implementations (mySQL).
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Practical coursework: Database implementation activity (9 hours), Database design activity and implementation activity (9 hours). |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Lectures (in person) or recorded in advance. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 8 | 2:00 | 16:00 | Practicals (in person). |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Lecture follow-up. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 44:00 | 44:00 | Background reading. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will be recorded in advance or conducted live and be used to introduce the learning material and for demonstrating the key concepts by example. Students are expected to follow-up lectures within a few days by re-reading and annotating lecture notes to aid deep learning. This is a very practical subject and learning materials are supported by hands-on opportunities provided by practical classes. Students are expected to spend time on coursework outside timetabled drop-in sessions.
Students aiming for distinction marks are expected to widen their knowledge beyond the content of lecture notes through background reading.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 50 | 1 Database implementation activity (9 hours). |
| Design/Creative proj | 1 | M | 50 | 1 Database design activity and implementation activity (9 hours). |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Techniques and theory are presented in lectures and assessed with the aid of practical examples and case studies. Practical assignments are used to enforce the principles that are taught and are assessed directly.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC8017's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CSC8017's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.