Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title: IT in Business  Advanced Databases
Unit code: DE1W 35
Unit purpose: This Unit is designed to develop an understanding of complex database design. The Unit is primarily intended for candidates moving into managerial positions where the storage and analysis of information is becoming increasingly important.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1.
2.
3.

Analyse and evaluate an existing database and apply advanced design principles to improve performance of database.
Import data from an external source and design and use complex forms to aid the inputting of new data.
Create and use complex queries to manipulate data to aid decision making.

Credit value: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 8: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 8*)
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF points at an SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.

Recommended prior knowledge and skills: Candidates will have achieved the HN
Unit IT in Business: Databases. Centres should ensure that candidates attempting this advanced Unit have met the knowledge and/or skills contained in IT in Business: Databases
(DE1N 34).

Core skills: There may be opportunities to gather evidence towards core skills in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of core skills or core skills components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is to be delivered as part of a group award, it is recommended that it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the group award to which it contributes. This Unit is included as mandatory in the framework of the HND
Administration and Information Technology (AIT). Access to industry standard software and a separate workstation for each candidate must be provided for this Unit.

HN Unit (DE1W 35): IT in Business  Advanced Databases

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General information for centres (cont)
Assessment: Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken using open book conditions. There must be arrangements in place to be satisfied of the authenticity of the work produced. This Unit lends itself to one holistic assessment.
Please refer to Knowledge and/or skills for the Unit and Evidence Requirements for the Unit after the Outcomes.
An assessment exemplar has been produced to indicate the national standard of achievement required at SCQF level 8.

HN Unit (DE1W 35): IT in Business  Advanced Databases

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Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: IT in Business  Advanced Databases
Unit code: DE1W 35
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and evidence requirements are mandatory.
Please refer to Knowledge and/or skills for the Unit and Evidence requirements for the Unit after the Outcomes.

Outcome 1
Analyse and evaluate an existing database and apply advanced design principles to improve performance of database.
Knowledge and/or skills
•
•
•
•
•

Analyse and evaluate the problems of a flat-file database using the database provided
Analyse and evaluate how a relational database will remove the identified problems
Redesign existing flat structure database into a relational structure
Use complex design principles to enhance data integrity and security of the database
Explain how and why the database management system provides facilities for the repair, conversion and compacting of existing databases

Outcome 2
Import data from an external source and design and use complex forms to aid the inputting of new data.
Knowledge and/or skills
•
•
•

Import data from an external source including from another application and use hyperlinks Design and use switchboards to ease movement through the database
Design and use a multi-table form for the inputting of data

HN Unit (DE1W 35): IT in Business  Advanced