Award in Database Development – Advanced

Unit Description

This unit covers the design and creation of databases, data retrieval, optimisation of data retrieval using index, database replication, database mirroring and database clustering.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course the learner is able to

1. Understand and implement a database design

2. Retrieve data and improve database performance

3. Plan and deploy mirroring and replication solution

4. Plan and implement a clustering solution

Unit Content

A database is a collection of information stored in a structured way for convenient access by applications or data- processing systems. Databases play a key role in most organizations today. In fact, every organization, in some way shape or form, uses a database. Companies within the retail sector, the medical sector and the Government sector are all popular users of large-scale databases. Because databases often hold business critical data belonging to the organization, its employees or customers, they can grow into complex, mission critical systems. For them to perform well on a consistent basis they must be managed and maintained properly using a database management system (DBMS).

With this in mind, the role of a database administrator – the person responsible for the performance, integrity and security of the database and its related infrastructure – becomes a critical piece of the puzzle. The database administrator, or DBA, supports the wider areas of the business by managing and maintaining the database system, handling capacity planning, disaster recovery planning and ensuring availability and reliability. The DBA can also be responsible for the retrieval of data from the database using the Structured Query Language (SQL).