AQA A Level · Computer Science 7517

Database design and normalisation techniques: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Database design and normalisation techniques.

10 questions25 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which of the following is the primary reason for normalising a database to Third Normal Form (3NF)?

Question 2

1 mark

A relation is in Third Normal Form (3NF) if and only if it is in 2NF and which other condition is met?

Question 3

1 mark

In a database for a hospital, a relation exists: Prescription(PrescriptionID, PatientID, DoctorID, DoctorPager).
\(PrescriptionID\) is the primary key.
\(DoctorID \rightarrow DoctorPager\).
What steps are required to move this from its current form to 3NF?

Question 4

1 mark

A database relation is in First Normal Form (1NF) if it meets which of the following criteria?

Question 5

1 mark

A relation \(R(A, B, C, D)\) has a composite primary key \((A, B)\). The following functional dependencies exist:
\(A, B \rightarrow C, D\)
\(A \rightarrow D\)
Which normal form does this relation currently satisfy?

Question 6

2 marks

What is the primary reason for applying normalization to a database design?

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Question 7

3 marks

Describe the characteristics a relation must possess to be in First Normal Form (1NF).

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Question 8

5 marks

Explain why a relation with a single-attribute primary key that is already in 1NF is automatically in 2NF.

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Question 9

4 marks

A school database uses the following table to store exam results:
ExamResults(StudentID, SubjectName, TeacherName, Score)

The primary key is (StudentID, SubjectName). The following functional dependency exists:
SubjectName \(\rightarrow\) TeacherName

a. Explain why this table is not in Second Normal Form (2NF). (2 points)
b. Redesign the table(s) so that they satisfy 2NF. (2 points)

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Question 10

6 marks

Consider the following unnormalised table for a library system:
Library(BookID, Title, AuthorID, AuthorName, Genre, PublisherName, PublisherAddress)

The primary key is BookID. Assume an author has only one name and a publisher has only one address.

Describe the steps required to transform this relation into Third Normal Form (3NF), identifying the specific dependencies that must be removed at each stage.

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