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

Specifying the basic concepts and relationships in some application domain is a key step in developing an information system and its underlying database. Through implementation-independent conceptualisation, users and developers can focus on understanding the application domain and the rules under which it operates. This unit teaches you to specify unambiguously the basic types, relationships, rules, and transitions on which an enterprise depends. You will thus learn to solve larger and more complex problems with confidence. The generic skills in this unit are transferable to many commonly encountered system analysis methodologies, such as a graphical and notational method (Entity Relationship Modeling/Object Role Modeling) introduced in this unit.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to help you develop your knowledge, understand a formal specification tool (ERM/ORM) for modelling information systems unambiguously and to apply this formal technique to conceptualise information systems found in many real world application domains.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. identify the data and knowledge dimensions present in every problem (GC2);


2. identify information elements, types, roles, and relationships (GC1, GC2);


3. use ERM/ORM as a modelling technique to construct static models (GC1, GC3);


4. transform an ERM/ORM conceptual schema into a database schema (GC1);


5. demonstrate knowledge of elements of other modelling techniques like; normalisation (GC1, GC3);


6. identify the quality of the database design using Normal Forms criteria (GC2).

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

This unit will look at analysing an information model; the static and dynamic views of information systems; ERM/ORM notation and application; developing the model. Practical application to a range of small to large problems will also be explored.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning strategies are designed to encourage you to fulfil the aims and objectives of the unit as discussed above. Weekly lectures are used to provide a basic understanding of the issues, and this understanding will be developed through the use of practical exercises. To achieve the objectives of the unit it is essential that you attempt some assigned practical questions prior to attendance at the practical in the following week. Practicals commence in week 2. Proper attention to the teaching and learning strategies should enable you to meet the assessment requirements of the unit. You will be assessed on your developing knowledge, understanding and skills using a range of inter-related assessment methods. Lecture materials and worked solutions to the practicals will be available each week from the blackboard site.

Concurrent Teaching
This unit is being taught concurrently with an undergraduate offering of the same subject. University policy permits that postgraduate and undergraduate students attend the same lectures. Separate tutorial/discussion groups will be provided for postgraduate students where student numbers allow. As a postgraduate student you will be required to complete separate or additional assessment tasks. For this unit, that means that the final exam will have a separate section for postgraduate students.

Assessment

All assessment contributes to your grade.You will receive feedback in the form of critical comments in the marked assignments. The lecturer will be available in person during consultation hours to answer questions related to the assignments.

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: From information gathered from users, create a conceptual schema and develop an understanding of normalisation.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 6
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 7

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: Detailed Assignment - Modelling the static elements of information systems using ORM and transform into a relational schema. Provide an extension and deeper view of conceptual design and relational theory.It requires research on current issues and utilisinge them to completesolve the assignment.
Relates to objectives: All
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 11

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Final examination held in the exam period
Relates to objectives: All
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

Textbook(s)
TBA

Lecture Notes provided on INB340's blackboard site.

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

Risk assessment statement

There is minimal health and safety risk in this unit. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable within FIT campus areas and laboratories.

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