1. Unit 4: Computer Systems Design 4.1 Relational database system

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Key Skills Problem Solving System Analysis Design Research and gathering data Data validation Team Work Testing and evaluation Redundancy Documentation

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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