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Databases, Normalisation and Entity Modelling

Second normal form

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 2

Overview

Rule for second normal form, partial dependency and partial dependencies in ENROLMENT(StudentID, StudentName, TutorGroup, CourseCode, CourseTitle, TeacherID, TeacherName).

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

State the rule for second normal form.

Key term

What is a partial dependency?

Key term

Why can a table with a single-attribute primary key never break second normal form?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    State the rule for second normal form.

    Model answer

    A table is in second normal form when it is in first normal form and has no partial dependencies. Every non-key attribute must depend on the whole primary key.

  2. 2

    What is a partial dependency?

    Model answer

    A partial dependency exists when a non-key attribute depends on only part of a composite primary key. StudentName depending on StudentID alone is a partial dependency.

  3. 3

    Why can a table with a single-attribute primary key never break second normal form?

    Model answer

    A single-attribute key has no parts, so no attribute can depend on only part of it. A first normal form table with a simple key is automatically in second normal form.

  4. 4

    Identify the partial dependencies in ENROLMENT(StudentID, StudentName, TutorGroup, CourseCode, CourseTitle, TeacherID, TeacherName).

    Model answer

    StudentName and TutorGroup depend on StudentID alone. CourseTitle, TeacherID and TeacherName depend on CourseCode alone.

  5. 5

    Convert that table to second normal form.

    Model answer

    STUDENT(StudentID, StudentName, TutorGroup) and COURSE(CourseCode, CourseTitle, TeacherID, TeacherName) are separated out. ENROLMENT(StudentID, CourseCode, Grade) keeps the composite key and any attribute depending on both.

  6. 6

    Which attribute in the enrolment example genuinely depends on the whole composite key?

    Model answer

    The grade a student achieved depends on both the student and the course. Grade therefore stays in the ENROLMENT table.

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