Database Systems (INFO20003)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Online and Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Renata Borovica-Gajic
Semester 2
Renata Borovica-Gajic
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 - Online Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in solving practical data-modelling tasks
- Design SQL queries to interact with a relational database
- Understand internal mechanisms and policies behind database systems
- Apply database transactions and argue their use in the database systems
- 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: 4 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMP10001 | Foundations of Computing |
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Summer Term (Online)
|
12.5 |
| COMP20005 | Engineering Computation |
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| COMP10002 | Foundations of Algorithms |
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| COMP10003 | Media Computation | Semester 1 (Online) |
12.5 |
OR
VCE Algorithmics Units 3/4*
OR
Achieving 75% in the programming competency test
OR
Admission into or selection of one of the following:
- Software specialisation (formal) in the MC-ENG Master of Engineering
- Software with Business specialisation (formal) in the MC-ENG Master of Engineering
- GD-CS Graduate Diploma in Computer Science
*Please note that VCE Algorithmics Units 3/4 will cease to be a pre-requisite for this subject from 2023. Students who have completed VCE Algorithmics Units 3/4 should contact the subject coordinator to discuss their enrolment.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| INFO90002 | Database Systems & Information Modelling |
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Online)
|
12.5 |
INFO20001 Informatics 3: Content Management
SINF90001 Database Systems & Information Modelling
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: 4 April 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Three small, practical, database-related assignments worth 10% each (total 30%), completed individually. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO's) 1, 2 and 3 are addressed in the assignments.
| Throughout the teaching period | 30% |
One written, 3 hour open-book examination, completed individually. ILO's 1 to 5 are addressed in the final examination.
| During the examination period | 60% |
Ten short timed weekly quizzes worth 1% each (total 10%), completed individually.
| Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1 - Online
Principal coordinator Renata Borovica-Gajic Mode of delivery Online Contact hours Two 1 hour lectures and one 1 hour tutorial per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 1 March 2021 to 30 May 2021 Last self-enrol date 12 March 2021 Census date 31 March 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 7 May 2021 Assessment period ends 25 June 2021 Semester 1 contact information
Renata Borovica-Gajic
- Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
Principal coordinator Renata Borovica-Gajic Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours Two 1 hour lectures and one 1 hour tutorial per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 July 2021 to 24 October 2021 Last self-enrol date 6 August 2021 Census date 31 August 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 24 September 2021 Assessment period ends 19 November 2021 Semester 2 contact information
Renata Borovica-Gajic
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject 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 Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Bachelor of Design Elective Subjects Specialisation (formal) Software with Business Major Computer Science Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Elective subjects for B-BMED Specialisation (formal) Software Specialisation (formal) Spatial Major Spatial Systems - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 April 2025