Database Systems

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

One of the following:

VCE Algorithmics units 3/4

OR

Achieving 75% in the programming competency test.

None

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

SINF90001 Database Systems & Information Modelling

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

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.

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

• Three small, practical, database-related assignments (10% each) completed individually, requiring approximately 30-35 hours of work per student, equivalent 4000 words, due in the final weeks of semester. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 2 to 4 are addressed in the assignments.
• One mid-semester test (10%). ILOs 1 to 3 are addressed in the mid-semester test.
• One written 2 hour closed book end of semester examination (60%). ILOs 1, 2, 3 and 5 are addressed in the examination.

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

• at least 50% (15/30) in assignments

• at least 50% (35/70) in the mid-semester test and end of semester written examination combined.

None

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

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.

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

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.