Database Systems

Subject INFO20003 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 27-Jul-2015 to 25-Oct-2015
Assessment Period End 20-Nov-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 07-Aug-2015
Census Date 31-Aug-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 25-Sep-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 48 hours, comprising of two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour workshop per week
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites:

One of the following:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50

or achieving 75% in the programming competency test.

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects:

Students cannot enrol in and gain credit for this subject and:

Subject

SINF90001 Database Systems & Information Modelling

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Linda Stern

Contact

Email: stern@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Aims

Contemporary online services such as social networking and multimedia-sharing sites, massive multiplayer online games and commerce services are built on content management and database systems. In this subject, students will learn how to build their own domain-specific content management system, combining web technologies with database technologies. This subject is core within the Bachelor of Science for the Major of Computing and Software Systems and the Major of Informatics. Students completing the Diploma of Informatics are also required to undertake this subject.

Indicative Content

This subject serves as an introduction to data modelling and databases from a technical and data management perspective. Database design from conceptual design through to physical implementation will be covered. This will include Entity Relationship modelling, normalisation, de-normalisation, SQL, transactions, relational algebra and query optimisation. Other topics in data management and DBMS technology may also be included. A web-based database application will be developed to explore the skills learnt in this subject.

Learning Outcomes:

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

  1. Demonstrate proficiency in solving practical data-modelling tasks
  2. Design content-management systems using relational database techniques
  3. Use SQL to interact with a relational database
  4. Develop a web-based database application
  5. Use database transactions
Assessment:
  • Three small, practical, database-related assignments (10% each) completed individually, requiring approximately 30-35 hours of work in total, equivalent to 4000 words due in the final weeks of semester. Addresses Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1-5
  • A mid-semester test (10%). Addresses ILOs 1-3
  • 2-hour examination held in the examination period (60%). Addresses ILOs 1-3 and 5.

Hurdle requirement: To pass the subject, students must obtain at least:

  • 15/30 in project work
  • And 35/70 in the mid-semester test and end-of-semester written examination combined
Prescribed Texts:

None

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject students, should have developed the following generic skills:

  • The ability to analyse and solve problems involving large amounts of real-world data
  • The ability to synthesise information and communicate results effectively
  • The ability to work effectively as a member of a project team
  • The capacity for critical and independent thought and reflection
  • The ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
  • The ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
Notes:

Learning and Teaching Methods

The subject will be delivered through a combination of lectures and workshops. Students will also complete an assignment which will reinforce the material covered in class.

Indicative Key Learning Resources

Whilst there is no single text for this subject, students would be encouraged to utilize one of the many Database textbooks available, there are a number of these in the Library. Additional readings will be made available as necessary via the LMS.

Careers/Industry Links

This subject is one of the building blocks for most careers in IT. A database makes the management of information possible and is one of the most prominently used technologies within all organisations.

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Computer Science
Computer Science
Master of Engineering (Software with Business)
Master of Engineering (Software)
Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG.
Selective subjects for B-BMED
Spatial Systems
Related Breadth Track(s): Computing
Working with Information

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