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.
• Apply normalisation techniques.
• Use SQL for data definition and manipulation.
• Use standard SQL implementations (mySQL).
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Lectures (in person). |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Practical activities and formative assessment. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Practicals (in person). |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Lecture follow-up. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Revision for end of semester exam and exam duration. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 18:00 | 18:00 | Background reading. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures (in person) will 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 practical exercises in their own time and in practicals and can ask module staff questions. The exam is based on the course material and subjects covered in practical 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
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 100 | Examination (open book). |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | Database design and implementation exercise. Informal feedback provided in practical classes. |
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.