Database Fundamentals

UTS

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Database Fundamentals

  • Host University

    UTS

  • Location

    Sydney, Australia

  • Area of Study

    Computer Engineering, Computer Info Systems, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Information Sciences, Information Technologies

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Prerequisites

    31267 Programming Fundamentals OR 48023 Programming Fundamentals
    These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
    Recommended studies: it is assumed that students are familiar with basic system analysis concepts and have basic software skills

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Upper

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • Credit Points

    6
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    4
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    6

  • Overview

    Description
    This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of effective database systems. Students are taught how data is structured and managed in an organisation in a way that can be used effectively by applications and users. They also learn to use the language SQL for effective data retrieval and modification. This subject teaches students to appreciate the significance and challenges of good database design and management, which underpin the development of functional software applications.
    Subject objectives
    Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
    1. Explain the main issues related to the design and use of structured data.
    2. Construct conceptual and logical data models applying database design principles.
    3. Evaluate data redundancy levels and their impact on database integrity and maintainability.
    4. Construct conceptual data models applying data modeling principles.
    5. Construct logical data models adhering to data normalisation principles.
    6. Distinguish between good and bad database design.
    7. Construct efficient SQL queries to retrieve and manipulate data as required.
    This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes:
    Identify and apply relevant problem solving methodologies (B.1)
    Design components, systems and/or processes to meet required specifications (B.2)
    Synthesise alternative/innovative solutions, concepts and procedures (B.3)
    Implement and test solutions (B.5)
    Apply abstraction, mathematics and/or discipline fundamentals to analysis, design and operation (C.1)
    Develop models using appropriate tools such as computer software, laboratory equipment and other devices (C.2)
    Evaluate model applicability, accuracy and limitations (C.3)
    Communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the discipline, audience and purpose. (E.1)
    Be able to conduct critical self-review and performance evaluation against appropriate criteria as a primary means of tracking personal development needs and achievements (F.1)
    Teaching and learning strategies
    Lectures and tutorial sessions totaling 3 hours per week, plus some optional, drop-in laboratory sessions during the semester.
    Content
    The Role of Databases in Information Systems
    The Relational Data Model
    SQL: simple queries, aggregate functions, data modification statements, simple joins, complex joins, subqueries and set operators
    Conceptual database design (ER modeling)
    Logical design: ER conversion to a relational model
    Normalisation
    Assessment
    Assessment task 1: SQL Online Test
    Intent: The online test assesses the student's practical ability to construct appropriate SQL statements to retrieve particular information from the database.
    Objective(s):
    This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives:
    1 and 7
    This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes:
    B.1, B.2, B.3 and B.5
    Type: Quiz/test
    Groupwork: Individual
    Weight: 20%
    Criteria linkages:
    Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
    Functionality of design 20 7 B.5
    Correction of ?interpretation? of the problem 20 7 B.1, B.2
    Validity of solution 20 1, 7 B.5
    Application of analysis and construct 20 7 B.3
    Appropriate choice of construct 20 7 B.2
    SLOs: subject learning objectives
    CILOs: course intended learning outcomes
    Assessment task 2: Data Modeling and Database Design Assignment
    Intent:
    The assignment assesses the student's ability to analyse and interpret data requirements, and to create conceptual and logical designs for a suitable database by applying the principles of data modeling and data normalisation.
    Objective(s):
    This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives:
    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
    This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes:
    B.1, B.2, B.3, B.5, C.1, C.2, C.3, E.1 and F.1
    Type: Design/drawing/plan/sketch
    Groupwork: Group, group assessed
    Weight: 20%
    Criteria linkages:
    Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
    Correctness of notation and design drawing 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 B.2, E.1
    Correctness of application 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 B.2, E.1
    Appropriateness of design solution in relation to the context 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 B.5
    Functionality of design 7 7 B.5
    Correction of ?interpretation? of the problem 7 7 B.1, B.2
    Validity of solution 7 1, 7 B.5
    Application of analysis and construct 7 7 B.3
    Appropriate choice of construct 7 7 B.2
    Active participation in self-assessment 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 F.1
    Accuracy of self-review in self-assessment 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 F.1
    Justification of self-assessment 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 F.1
    Identification of appropriate data elements and their relationship between them 7 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 C.1
    Application of analysis and modelling construct 7 2, 3, 4, 5 B.3, C.2
    Validity of solution 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 B.5, C.3
    Validity of justification for the design 2 1, 6 B.5, C.3
    SLOs: subject learning objectives
    CILOs: course intended learning outcomes
    Assessment task 3: Final Examination
    Intent: The final exam assesses the student's level of attainment of all of the subject objectives. The student's appreciation of good database design and management principles and the effects of poorly designed database on database integrity and maintainability will be assessed, as well as their understanding and practical application of the relational database model, conceptual and logical database design principles and SQL for effective data retrieval, management and modification.
    Objective(s):
    This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives:
    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
    This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes:
    B.1, B.2, B.3, B.5, C.1, C.2, C.3, E.1 and F.1
    Type: Examination
    Groupwork: Individual
    Weight: 50%
    Criteria linkages:
    Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
    Correctness of notation and design drawing 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 B.2, E.1
    Correctness of application 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 B.2, E.1
    Appropriateness of design solution in relation to the context 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 B.5
    Functionality of design 7 7 B.5
    Correction of ?interpretation? of the problem 7 7 B.1, B.2
    Validity of solution 7 1, 7 B.5
    Application of analysis and construct 7 7 B.3
    Appropriate choice of construct 7 7 B.2
    Active participation in self-assessment 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 F.1
    Accuracy of self-review in self-assessment 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 F.1
    Justification of self-assessment 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 F.1
    Identification of appropriate data elements and their relationship between them 7 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 C.1
    Application of analysis and modelling construct 7 2, 3, 4, 5 B.3, C.2
    Validity of solution 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 B.5, C.3
    Validity of justification for the design 2 1, 6 B.5, C.3
    SLOs: subject learning objectives
    CILOs: course intended learning outcomes
    Assessment task 4: Weekly Tutorial Quiz
    Intent:
    To assess the individual student's understanding of one to two specified concepts covered in the previous week's lecture topic.
    Objective(s):
    This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives:
    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
    Type: Quiz/test
    Groupwork: Individual
    Weight: 10%
    Criteria linkages:
    Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
    Correct recall, identification or brief definition of one piece of specific information in the current topic 50 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
    Correct explanation of a specific concept in the current topic 50 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
    SLOs: subject learning objectives
    CILOs: course intended learning outcomes
    Minimum requirements
    It is compulsory to pass the examination in order to pass the subject, i.e. you must gain a minimum of 40% of the total possible exam mark
    The Faculty?s policy is to award an X grade as the final result, or the student?s actual mark, whichever is the lower, for failure of compulsory assessment items.
    NB: Under the University's Assessment Policy no supplementary examination is required in this subject, and none is offered.

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

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