Module 2 – Database Systems (lv 5)

Executive summary

This section develops learners’ understanding of database systems, beginning with fundamental database concepts and progressing through relational database design, implementation, querying, testing and documentation.

Learners explore normalisation and normal forms, data and functional dependencies, different database management system approaches and entity relationship modelling.

They then apply these principles by designing and implementing a relational database based on business requirements. Practical activities include developing an Entity Relationship Diagram, creating related tables, implementing keys and constraints, and developing queries to meet business information needs.

The section concludes with testing, documentation and an end-to-end database mini-project bringing together design, implementation and review.

Aims

• Understand fundamental database concepts.
• Apply normalisation principles to database design.
• Analyse dependencies and relationships within data.
• Create appropriate Entity Relationship Diagrams.
• Design and implement relational databases.
• Develop queries that address business requirements.
• Apply appropriate validation and security constraints.
• Test, document and review database solutions.

Summary of learning outcomes

• LO1 — Understand fundamental database concepts, including normalisation, dependencies, database management systems and entity relationship modelling.
• LO2 — Be able to design and develop a relational database solution based on specified requirements.
• LO3 — Be able to test, document and review a database solution.

Indicative content

• Normalisation: 1NF, 2NF, 3NF and BCNF, with practical examples.
• Dependencies: data dependencies and functional dependencies.
• Database management systems: hierarchical and relational database approaches.
• Entity relationship modelling: entities, relationships and attributes.
• Relational database design: tables, primary keys, foreign keys and relationships.
• Database implementation: creation of multiple related tables and enforcement of constraints.
• Queries: multi-table queries, functions and validation checks.
• Security: database security considerations and appropriate constraints.
• Testing and documentation: test plans, business reports, technical documentation and user documentation.
• Database project: complete design, implementation, testing and review of a database solution.

Assessment approach

Learning is reinforced through quizzes, short-answer activities and practical database exercises.

Practical assessment includes creating an Entity Relationship Diagram, implementing a relational database containing multiple related tables, developing queries and capturing outputs, and producing testing and documentation evidence.

The section culminates in a database mini-project in which learners submit a complete design, implementation, testing and review bundle.