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Database Systems (INFO20003)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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AIMS

Contemporary online services such as social networking and multimedia-sharing sites, massive multiplayer online games and commerce services have database management systems at their back-end. In this subject, students will obtain a deep understanding of the concepts behind database management systems. In particular, the students will become familiar with the database system architecture, and will exercise the concepts such as query processing and optimisation, database tuning and transactions, which are the foundation of any modern data processing application. 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. The subject will include Entity Relationship modelling (from conceptual design to physical modelling), normalisation, de-normalisation, relational model and relational algebra, SQL, query processing and query optimisation, transactions, storage organisation, database administration, data warehousing and big data analytics. Other topics in data management and DBMS technology with an overview of modern NoSQL systems may also be included.

Intended learning outcomes

  • 1. Demonstrate proficiency in solving practical data-modelling tasks
  • 2. Use SQL to interact with a relational database
  • 3. Understand internal mechanisms and policies behind database systems
  • 4. Understand the need for database transactions, and use them
  • 5. Profile and tune business analytics queries, and administer database systems. Through the combination of lectures, workshops and assignments, students will gain considerable hands-on experience in: i) modelling a number of diverse informational situations, useful to both organisations and individuals, ii) writing efficient SQL queries to analyse data.

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 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

Last updated: 5 December 2024