Database Systems & Information Modelling (INFO90002)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
The subject introduces key topics in modern information organization, particularly with regard to structured databases. The well-founded relational theory behind modern structured query language (SQL) engines, has given them as much a place behind the web site of an organization and on the desktop, as they traditionally enjoyed on corporate mainframes. Topics covered may include: the managerial view of data, information and knowledge; conceptual, logical and physical data modelling; normalization and de-normalization; the SQL language; data integrity; transaction processing, data warehousing, web services and organizational memory technologies. This is a core foundation subject for both the Master of Information Systems and Master of Information Technology.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This subject serves as an introduction to databases and data modelling from a data management perspective. Database design, from conceptual design through to physical implementation will be covered. This will include Entity Relationship modelling, normalisation and de-normalisation and SQL. Additionally the use of databases in various contexts will be explored (web based databases, connecting programs to databases, data warehousing, health contexts, geospatial databases).
Intended learning outcomes
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)
Having completed this unit the student is expected to:
Through the combination of seminars, labs and assignments, students gain expertise and confidence to make informed decisions about database systems and appropriate modelling techniques for the structured informational needs of modern organisations. They will gain considerable hands-on experience in modelling a number of diverse informational situations, drawing upon the first principles and techniques taught, useful to both organisations and individuals.
- Understand the different technologies available to manage structured data, and the evolutionary process that led to them
- Be able to construct data models at the conceptual, logical and physical level from real-world, natural language requirements documents and apply data normalisation to these models
- Be able to competently use a CASE tool (computer-aided software engineering)
- Be competent in basic SQL and familiar with the usage of advanced SQL commands
- Understand the need and mechanism for database transactions, including the so-called ACID properties
- Be familiar with how databases work within a larger application architecture
- Understand the relationship of database systems to a variety of fields such as data warehousing, health informatics and Geospatial applications
Generic skills
The student will acquire skills in Information Modelling - a generic skill that will serve the student well throughout a career in Information Systems. Scoping within analysis is also a valuable cross-discipline skill honed during this subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| INFO20003 | Database Systems |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- One team based database design project (20%) with 2-3 team members, comprising of a database design and a data dictionary equivalent to approximately 3000 words, due mid semester, requiring approximately 26-30 hours of work per student. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 3 are addressed in the database design and data dictionary.
- One set of SQL answers to a series of questions run against a known database with fixed data content (10%) of approximately 1000 words due in week 10, requiring approximately 13-15 hours of work. ILO 4 is addressed in the assignment.
- One written 3 hour closed book end of semester examination (70%). ILOs 1 to 2 and 4 to 7 are addressed in the examination. The examination is a hurdle and must be passed to passed the subject.
Hurdle Requirement: To pass the subject, students must obtain:
- at least 50% of the marks available in the non-examination based assessment
- at least 50% of the marks available in the examination
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Greg Wadley Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours, comprising of 28 hours of seminars (3 hours in weeks 1 and 9-12; 2 hours in weeks 2-8) and 7 hours of labs (1 hour in weeks 2-8) Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 Semester 1 contact information
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Greg Wadley Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours, comprising of 28 hours of seminars (3 hours in weeks 1 and 9-12; 2 hours in weeks 2-8) and 7 hours of labs (1 hour in weeks 2-8) Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 23 July 2018 to 21 October 2018 Last self-enrol date 3 August 2018 Census date 31 August 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 21 September 2018 Assessment period ends 16 November 2018 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
200 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject is delivered in 3 hour classes. Each class will be made up of a combination of lectures, discussions and computer laboratory based learning. Outside class, students will study the practice of database implementation and usage and are encouraged to install and use a DBMS on their own computer as part of the course.
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 Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Course Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics Course Master of Biostatistics Course Master of Data Science Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Master of Information Systems Course Ph.D.- Engineering Specialisation (formal) Distributed Computing Specialisation (formal) Spatial Major MIS Professional Specialisation Major MIS Health Specialisation Specialisation (formal) Health Specialisation (formal) Computing - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 3 November 2022