The aim of this unit is to enable learners to understand the features of relational databases and to develop the skills necessary to design, create, populate and test a relational database incorporating advanced features.
Database software is one of the most commonly used application packages in business. Many jobs involve the use of databases and for this reason employees with database skills are valued. The advantages of using a relational database are extensive, including significantly reduced data storage requirements, improved record manipulation and faster access to records. As with spreadsheets, data mining software can make use of
database files to interrogate records and look for trends or unusual events.
In this unit learners will come to understand the features and functions of database software and use advanced features to design and implement fully-functioning relational databases to specified user requirements. This unit links well with Unit 11: Systems Analysis and Design
| Course Code: | NE46 | Fee €250 |
Exam fee:€35 |
| Duration: | Six classes |
Awarding Body |  |
| Start Dates: 2 intakes/yr | January/February | Next Starts Date: January. |
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| Entry Requirement: | Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old |
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| Award |
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Learning outcomes:
On completion of this unit a learner should:
Unit Content
Understand the features of relational databases
Features: entities; attributes; relationships; benefits
Entities: key fields eg primary keys, foreign keys; referential integrity; auto incremented keys; field attributes; data redundancy
Attributes: field properties eg data types, size, validation rules
Relationships: one-to-many; one-to-one; many-to-many; normalisation
Benefits: reduced data redundancy; other eg reduced data storage, faster access, efficient updating, searching, sorting, reporting.
Be able to design, create and populate a relational database
Design: relationships; tables; queries; data entry forms; reports; design documentation eg DFds, ERDs,
data dictionaries, structured English
Creating relationships: normalisation (first, second and third normal forms); modifying; cascading updates;
cascading deletes
Query design: selection of data types; use of logical operators eg AND, NOR, NOT
Data entry forms: verification routines; validation routines eg input masking, checks for completeness, data
consistency; data redundancy; visual prompts; dropdown; combo boxes
Populate: data entry; importing data from external sources eg other databases, spreadsheets, text files
Exporting data: query results; report results; destination eg spreadsheet, database
Advanced features: creating styles for fields, tables, forms, reports; creating styles to match user need;
consistency eg using tool box; customising: menus and toolbars eg use show/hide functionality, add
buttons; automated functions eg macros, scripts, program code
Errors: reasons eg different data types, poor design, inconsistent normalisation; rectification
Be able to test a relational database
Testing: test plan; functionality; against user requirements; customer acceptance
Evaluation criteria: fit for purpose; justification of features used; suggestions for improvements
Unit Assessment
Assessment takes the form of written assignments, observations, in-class tests, verbal assessment and projects
To gain the unit learners must achieve, as a minimum, the Pass grade; the Pass grade is in effect the gaining of the credit for the unit, and this contributes to the overall qualification grade. All units must be passes within the rules of combination to achieve the overall qualification.
The table below shows the number of points scored per credit at the unit level and grade
| Level | Points per credit | ||
| Pass | Merit | Distinction | |
| 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
Learners who achieve the correct number of points within the ranges shown in the 'qualification grade' tables below will achieve the qualification Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* grades (or combinations of these grades appropriate to the qualification).
