FI1BDDB05 Databases

FI1BDDB05 Databases

  • Course description
    • Course code
      FI1BDDB05
    • Level of study
      5.1
    • Program of study
      Back-End Development 1
    • Credits
      5
    • Course coordinator
      Frederick Johannes Botha, Joshua Wiggill
Teaching term(s)
2025 Spring
About the Course

The course provides knowledge of techniques, principles and tools used to build, maintain and utilise a relational database. Candidates will learn the basic operations to interact with a relational database (create, read, update, and delete). They will also be taught how to use normalization to improve their database designs. The candidates will be taught the principles and skills to include these databases in their server-based solutions.

In previous courses, candidates have used external data sources. By learning to use databases effectively, they can create and manage their own data storage. The most common means of doing so is using a relational SQL database, which is covered in this course.

SQL is a separate language from JavaScript, but it is a simple language by comparison, and developers learning it will find many uses for it throughout their careers.

Course Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes - Knowledge

The candidate:

  • has knowledge of the concepts of relational databases and non-relational databases
  • has knowledge of standard SQL and the elements that make up SQL statements
  • has knowledge of the principles of CRUD (create, read, update, and delete)
  • has insight into the impact of normalization on database efficiency
  • has knowledge of the process of normalization up to 3rd normal form
  • has knowledge of the steps necessary to integrate a database into a server-based solution
  • has knowledge of the techniques, principles and tools used to provide basic security to a database
Learning outcomes - Skills

The candidate:

  • can apply vocational knowledge of normalization (up to 3rd normal form) to create or improve the design of a relational database
  • masters writing simple SQL statements for use with a relational database
  • can apply SQL language knowledge to create and maintain SQL statements that can create, read, update, and delete data
  • can find information and material needed to integrate SQL database access into a server-based solution
  • can apply vocational knowledge of database security to design or asses databases access systems
General Competence

The candidate:

  • can carry our work as an SQL programmer and maintainer
Teaching and Learning

In this course, the following teaching and learning methods can be applied, but are not limited to:

  • Lecture: Educator-led presentations or activities providing knowledge, skills, or general competencies in the subject area.
  • Group work: Collaborative activities where students work together to solve problems or complete tasks.
  • Tutoring: One-on-one or small group sessions with an instructor for personalized guidance and support.
  • Student presentations: Opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding of course material by presenting to peers.
  • Online lessons: Digital content delivered via an online learning platform.
  • Guidance: Individualized advice and direction from instructors to support students in their learning journey.
  • Workshops: Practical sessions focused on hands-on application of theoretical concepts or skills.
  • Self-study: Independent study where students engage with course material on their own without any teacher support.
Assessments
Form of assessmentGrading scaleGroupingDuration of assessment
Course Assignment
Pass / Fail
Individual
1 Week(s)
Reading list

Teaching materials, reading lists, and essential resources will be shared in the learning platform and software user manuals where applicable.