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Unit 4: Computer Systems Design. 4.1 Relational database system. Description of topic. Students should be able to describe the nature of relational databases and the reasons for their use and applications.
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Unit 4:Computer Systems Design 4.1 Relational database system
Description of topic • Students should be able to describe the nature of relational databases and the reasons for their use and applications. • They should be able to demonstrate a general understanding of the need for and purpose of relational database management systems. • Students should be able to design relational database structures.
Key Concepts • Logical structure of data within a database: the physical organisation of a database as a set of files related through links and/or common fields. • The purpose of a database management system. • Entity-relationship modelling; data dictionary; first, second and third normal forms; entities, attributes.
Key Concepts cont... • Primary keys are indicated by underlining, and repeating groups have a line over them. • Relational database structures can be represented by the notation in which the name of each table is followed by a list of all the columns in brackets.
Key Skills • Problem Solving • System Analysis • Design • Research and gathering data • Data validation • Team Work • Testing and evaluation • Redundancy • Documentation
Teaching Ideas AQA quoted “It should be noted that set assignments do restrict the candidate’s ability to carry out independent analysis and design work………” • Teachers may suggest a range of possible scenarios around which to build their database. • School tuck-shop • Club membership • Newspaper delivery system • Stock control system • Mail order service
Resources - Websites • http://www.databaseanswers.com/site_map.htm • links to database design, tutorials and online databases • http://www.histman.demon.co.uk/alevel_ict/ • general information and resources on databases • http://www.thekjs.essex.sch.uk/yates/a_level_links.htm • useful project ideas and resources
Resources - Websites • http://www.ocr.org.uk/develop/gnvq/ict/advanced/vceict.pdf • teachers guidance document produced by OCR with a unit on database design with resources • http://www.payne-gallway.co.uk/sipa_cat_3.html • a publishers website with recommended books and material to support books online. • http://www.greenwood.notts.sch.uk/ICT/Papers/Examiners%20Reports/1999%20Examiners%20Report.pdf • Feedback from AQA examinations in 1999 including analysis of areas of student weakness e.g. testing databases.
Resources - Books Successful ICT projects in Access 3rd Edition Further Access 2000 Teacher’s Resource Pack Author: PM Heathcote Theory and Practice of Relational Databases Author: SK Stanczyk Inside Relational Databases Author: M Whitehorn Essential IT Skills: Access Books 1 and 2 Author: Sunderland University