Aims and Fit of Module

This module provides a comprehensive and systematic study of the nature of information systems and particularly database systems, including current web technology for databases, aiming to achieve a critical and in-depth understanding of these systems.


The knowledge and techniques covered are essential to MSc Business Analytics and MSc Financial Computing.

Learning outcomes

A	Gain a critical understanding of the nature of relational databases;

B	Critically evaluate, design and implement database systems;

C	Show expertise in the use of state-of-the-art web technologies for databases and database connectivity.

Method of teaching and learning

Students are expected to attend a 2-hour formal lecture and a 1-hour tutorial or lab session in a typical week. Examples will be provided to illustrate the effective use and design of databases. Students are expected to devote 7-8 hours per week of unsupervised learning for reflection and consideration of lecture material and background reading. 

Two assessments in the form of class tests will be used to test the students’ engagement of the weekly lectures and labs. At the end of the semester, students are required to complete a project, focusing mostly on the critical understanding and practical skills acquired, e.g. write SQL queries and SQL algebras, normalise tables, draw E-R diagrams, analyse transactions and functional dependencies, etc.