Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Databases and database-driven websites are a key feature in modern organisational systems. Stores of data are the prerequisite for organisational knowledge and are the substance of technology applications. Databases underpin many technologies, platforms and application areas such as on-line transactions (e.g. shopping), health information systems, web services, e-government, banking and geographical information. Corporate Information Managers understand how databases are used in business domains and the benefits gained from capturing, storing and retrieving quality data to assist organizational planning, decision making and operational processes. Professionals who understand the privacy and legislative requirements as they pertain to database security and management are increasingly in demand.

Aims

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of basic database concepts and the role of databases and database-driven websites in organisational environments (GC1).
2. Design queries and extract data that meet client information needs, understand the end user and make design decisions (GC2 and GC3).
3. Understand the social and ethical responsibilities and legislative practices related to related to working with databases and database-driven websites (GC4).
4. Understand the information architecture around databases and the user perspective in interacting with databases. (GC1 and GC2)
5. Demonstrate creative and critical thinking in relation to an emerging topic in the field of organisational databases (GC2 and GC3)

Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Social and Ethical Responsibility

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of basic database concepts and the role of databases and database-driven websites in organisational environments (GC1).
2. Design queries and extract data that meet client information needs, understand the end user and make design decisions (GC2 and GC3).
3. Understand the social and ethical responsibilities and legislative practices related to related to working with databases and database-driven websites (GC4).
4. Understand the information architecture around databases and the user perspective in interacting with databases. (GC1 and GC2)
5. Demonstrate creative and critical thinking in relation to an emerging topic in the field of organizational databases (GC2 and GC3)

Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Social and Ethical Responsibility

Content

The major topics covered in this unit include:
· Database concepts and terminology.
· Database design and querying.
· Database management, privacy and security.
· Social and ethical implications of databases and database-driven websites.
· Basic concepts of information architecture and the user perspective.
· Emerging issues.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The weekly lectures will explore specialist topics in data management, emerging issues and security and privacy, information architecture. A combination of laboratory-based and workshop-based practicals will be used to develop practical knowledge in relation to the assessment tasks. Guest speakers from industry will provide a practical perspective of the issues surrounding databases in contemporary organizations.

Concurrent Teaching

This unit is being taught concurrently with an undergraduate offering of the same subject. University policy permits postgraduate and undergraduate students to attend the same lectures. As a postgraduate student you will be required to complete separate assessment tasks that reflect the advanced knowledge and understanding of the subject. For this unit that means your assessment will be of increased complexity but not necessarily of greater length or effort. The assessment will require you to show additional evidence of critical evaluation.

Assessment

You will submit your weekly exercises and assignments electronically through the Blackboard Learning Management System - details will be announced during the lectures. You are expected to work on the assignments independently, but you can ask for assistance from the teaching staff.-

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Exercises involving querying an corporate organizational database
Relates to objectives: 1, 2
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-semester

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: This project should be developed in structured stages during weeks 8-13 in conjunction with class lectures and practical discussions and can be based on students' own choice of a database-driven website to study in detail.
Relates to objectives: 3, 4, 5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Group
Due date: End of semester

Assessment name: Database Application
Description: Modify and enhance a database application
Relates to objectives: 1 2,4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Recommended text for Weeks 1-6 (will be on course reserve at the library and chapters will be available online weekly through the Course Materials Database)

· Thomas Connolly and Carolyn Begg, Database Systems: A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation and Management, 5/e, Pearson Education

Recommended text for Weeks 8-13 (online e-text available through QUT library):
· Louis Rosenfeld & Peter Morville (2008). Information architecture for the World Wide Web: Designing Large-scale websites.
Additionally, various readings will be made available online on the Blackboard learning management system.

Risk assessment statement

There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 24-Oct-2012