CE205-5-AU-CO:
Databases and Information Retrieval

The details
2024/25
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
07 November 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

BSC I1G3 Data Science and Analytics,
BSC I1GB Data Science and Analytics (Including Placement Year),
BSC I1GC Data Science and Analytics (Including Year Abroad),
BSC I1GF Data Science and Analytics (Including Foundation Year),
BSC L310 Sociology with Data Science,
BSC L311 Sociology with Data Science (including Year Abroad),
BSC L312 Sociology with Data Science (including Placement Year),
BSC L313 Sociology with Data Science (Including foundation Year)

Module description

This module extends the principles of SQL database modelling laid down in the first year. It introduces the concept of NoSQL databases and compares the strengths and weaknesses of all three approaches (SQL, IR and NoSQL paradigms)

Module aims

The aims of this module are to extend the principles of SQL database modelling and normalisation laid down in the first year, to describe the field of Information Retrieval, to introduce the concept of NoSQL databases and hence to compare the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches.

Module learning outcomes

After completing this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Understand SQL database modelling and normalisation;
2. Appreciate the principles of Information Retrieval;
3. Apply and evaluate IR in a practical context;
4. Discuss differences between models such as SQL, IR and NoSQL.

Module information

Outline Syllabus

SQL Database Design Principles

Entity Relationship Modelling

Normalisation

Modelling in a Realistic Scenario

Principles of Information Retrieval

Term Weighting Models

Word Frequency, Stemming and Stoplists

Inverted Indexing, TF*IDF and OKAPI

Implementation of Phrase and Wildcard Searches

Performance Evaluation in a Practical Task

Introduction to NoSQL Databases

Comparison of SQL, IR and NoSQL paradigms

Learning and teaching methods

Lectures, Labs and Classes

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Progress Test (In person, MCQ Moodle Test, Closed Book)    33.33% 
Coursework   Assignment 1: Scenario Modelling and Database Implementation  01/11/2024  33.33% 
Coursework   Assignment 2: Implementation and Evaluation of an IR System  13/01/2025  33.34% 
Exam  Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period) 
Exam  Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period) 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
30% 70%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
30% 70%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Zulfiqar Ali, email: z.ali@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Zulfiqar Ali
School Office, email: csee-schooloffice (non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address), Telephone 01206 872770(non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address), Telephone 01206 872770

 

Availability
Yes
No
Yes

External examiner

Dr Pramod Gaur
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 38 hours, 30 (78.9%) hours available to students:
6 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
2 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)

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