Introduction to Programming and Databases

We are not currently accepting applications for this course.

This new short course is part of an Office for Students (OfS) funded pilot project to explore flexible courses that expand digital skillsets in data science and analysis.

This course will provide an introduction to i) the basic principles and concepts that underpin procedural programming, and ii) data modelling and the design and implementation of relational databases, exemplified using SQL.

It will make use of a high-level programming language (that is, Python) supporting control, data and procedural abstraction.

Through this course you will learn to analyse simple programs, incorporate standard control structures, write functions, arrays structures and I/O, as well as debugging simple programmes.

You will prepare a relational database schema from a conceptual model using the entity-relationship model, and will understand the notions of relation, key and normal forms in database design.

You will also demonstrate data definition in SQL and retrieve information using SQL SELECT, leading to a relational database management system to build a database.

Learning outcomes

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

1. demonstrate basic understanding of the principles and concepts that underlie the procedural programming model.
2. explain and make use of high-level programming language features that support control, data and procedural abstraction.
3. analyse and explain the behaviour of simple programs that incorporate standard control structures, parameterised functions, arrays, structures and I/O.
4. implement, test and debug simple programs that use the features listed above.
5. prepare a relational schema from a conceptual model developed using the entity-relationship model.
6. employ the notions of relation, key and normal forms in a relational database design.
7. create a relational database schema in SQL that incorporates key, entity integrity, and referential integrity constraints.
8. demonstrate data definition in SQL and retrieve information from a database using the SQL SELECT statement.
9. use a relational database management system to build a database.

We are not currently accepting applications for this course.

Our short courses are designed to be accessible to all. There are no specific entry requirements you need to meet, and you do not need a background in mathematics or computer science to be eligible for this course.

Module Outline

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts of computer programming, exemplified using Python from the command line and IDEs, as well as to data modelling and the design and implementation of relational databases.

The syllabus will cover:

• Underlying principles of procedural programming
• Programming in a high-level procedural language
• Underlying principles of databases
• Fundamentals of relational database systems
• Relational database design
• Structured query language

The module will be delivered as a mix of face-to-face and online activities consisting of lectures and laboratories.

Participants will also need to carry out independent work such as practicing skills and reading in advance of lectures and labs.

Teaching schedule

Applications are now open for our January intake. See below for the planned teaching schedule (please note dates and times may be subject to change). Teaching will take place at our Colchester campus but lectures will be dual delivery so there is the opportunity to attend over zoom if this is more convenient. All lab sessions must be attended in person.

Assessment strategy

Assessment will be carried out in 2 parts:

• An assignment in programming of no more than 1000 words, worth 50% of your final mark.
• An assignment in databases of no more than 1000 words, worth 50% of your final mark.

The course costs £2,310. This includes all lectures, labs and assessment costs, and access to university facilities such as the library, the Silberrad Student Centre and student support services.

Funding for this course can be applied for through Student Finance Higher Education Short Course Loans.

All applications for this course can be made online.
For further help or information, please contact ofs-shortcourses@essex.ac.uk