Students please first form groups of 2-3 people (3 is more ideal) in
class for the tutorial discussions (these are not for the group
assignments though). Students are expected to remain in the same group
for the whole semester. However, individual tutors may ask memebers of
existing incomplete groups to form a new group for the presentation
for a particular tutorial class. Each week, approximately 2 such
groups will be randomly selected to present in class some
tutorial questions picked by the individual tutor, and each
presentation carries 2 marks for each member of the group.
The presentations will definitely start on the 2nd tutorial (week 3),
if not earlier, and students should prepare their answers to the
tutorial questions before the start of the relevant
tut/practical class, if they are to gain good marks for
their presentations. The presentations will be evaluated according to
the correctness and thoroughness of their explanations, the proper
participation of all the group members, as well as the overall
communication quality.
List 4 examples of databases other than
those in Chapter 1, Section 1.1 and the lecture notes.
Describe each of the following terms:
data
database
database management system
database application program
data independence
What are the advantages of using a database system instead of simply
storing data in operating system files?
Practical Questions
The aim of this week's practical session is to ensure that you can
gain access to the SQL Server DBMS environment and to begin the
Microsoft Access activities.
Read through the document titled SQL Server
Instructions. If there is a problem with your SQL Server login
send an email to the SQL Server Administrator (DBA) and ask for his
assistance. All such relevant details are contained in the document.
It is each student's individual responsibility to ensure that they
have access to SQL Server. You may also download a
free version from
Microsoft web site. If you have been unsuccessful at logging in today you
will need to return to the computer lab well ahead of your next
Database Design and Development practical to check that your access is
setup. In the past students have quickly fallen behind in their
Practical work due to issues surrounding their SQL Server access.
Complete the Activity 1, and part of Activity 2, as
specified in the Introduction to
MS ACCESS. The remaining activities need to be completed during
the next week.
Attendance Marks
There are 8 marks associated with the student attendance of the
weekly tutorial/practical sessions. These marks are for attending the
1st - 10th tut/prac (P1-P10) in which you are not presenting, 1
mark each time. When presenting, however, a maximum of 2 marks will
be given instead of the 1 attendance mark. A student will not be
given the full attendance mark if he or she is 10 minutes late or
leaves earlier unless approved by the respective tutor.
Exercise Marks
Some questions from the tutorial/practicals are selected for the
students to submit formally. They are in the form of addtional
exercises, see also the link at the main schedule page. They are
composed of two parts due at two different dates.