Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Databases and database systems are essential items that support many aspects of everyday life in modern society. All graduates from a course in Information Technology will be expected by employers to understand the concepts and terminology of databases.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the structure and role of databases in modern organisations.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Explain the components and structure of a relational database and the role of databases in modern organisation (GC1);
   
2. Write data manipulation statements in Structured Query Language (SQL) to query and maintain a database (GC1, GC2, GC3);
   
3. Create a small application system - using a commercial DBMS - that solves problems that are posed by users in modern organisations (GC1, GC2, GC3);
   
4. Self-assess your performance in providing solutions to problems in contexts 2 & 3 above (GC4);
   
5. Communicate effectively in an Information Technology context (GC3); and
   
6. Work independently on technical problems (GC5).

Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
CG4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change

Content

You will learn basic database concepts and terminology, the creation and modification of a relational database schema using SQL, the retrieval and modification of the contents of a relational database using SQL, and the development of a database system in Microsoft Access (a commercial database management program).

You will also develop an understanding of the theory of 3-level architectures, integrity constraints, transaction processing, triggers and stored procedures.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit emphasises a 'hands-on' approach to teaching and learning. Formal contact hours each week comprise:

A two-hour lecture, at which new technical concepts will be explained and illustrated with worked examples
A two-hour practical, at which you will be required to complete practical exercises based on the lecture material

The series of weekly lectures will provide you with the theoretical knowledge, teamed with 'hands-on' practical sessions to provide you with the practical skills required to successfully complete the unit.

You will be supplied with tasks and exercises each week. It is important that you put time aside each week to pre-read the supplied information, and to practice with the supplied exercises. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your learning and progress via the assessment items and by the use of QUT's Student Portfolio.

Assessment

You will submit your assignments electronically through Blackboard - details will be provided. You are expected to work on the assignments independently, but you can ask for assistance from the teaching staff.You can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit through the following mechanisms:

* ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during lectures and practical sessions;
* your assignments will be returned to you before the end of semester with comments on your progress;
* private consultation with teaching staff.

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: Develop database queries from a written specification.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 5 and 6.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 6-8

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: Develop a database application from a written specification.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: A written examination which covers the material presented in the lectures and practical sessions throughout the semester.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 6.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

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

No extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit.

Required Textbooks:
Reye, J. (2012), INB210/INN210 Databases, Lecture Notes. Will be available as a free download.

Adamski, J. and Finnegan, K. (2011), Microsoft Office Access 2010 Introductory, Boston: Course Technology. Purchase either a hardcopy or an eBook copy (options discussed in first lecture),

Recommended Reading:
Connolly, T. and Begg, C. (2010), Database Systems: A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation and Management, 5th Ed. Boston: Addison Wesley.

References:
Taylor, A. G. (2010), SQL for Dummies. 7th ed. Chichester: Wiley.

Date, C. J. (2003), An Introduction to Database Systems. 8th ed. Boston: Addison Wesley.

Elmasri, R. and Navathe, S. B. (2010), Fundamentals of Database Systems. 6th ed. Boston: Addison Wesley.

Hoffer, J. A., Ramesh, V. and Topi, H. (2011), Modern Database Management. 10th ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J. : Pearson

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: 04-Sep-2012