Transcript Unit 4: Computer Systems Design

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
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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%20
Reports/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