31061 Database Principles
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksAnti-requisite(s): 31271 Database Fundamentals AND 31474 Database Fundamentals AND 31487 Database Management Systems
Recommended studies:
it is assumed that students are familiar with basic system analysis concepts and have basic software skills.
Description
This subject introduces the students to basic database design and implementation concepts, database design techniques, and using a relational design via Entity Relationship Diagram. This subject also includes how to interpret an Entity Relationship Diagram. Students learn how to access a database via Structured Query Language (SQL) to retrieve data from the database. The code required to implement a database is also covered in this subject.
This subject requires significant preparation before students come to the lectures. Practical exercises are covered during the labs.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Design an Entity-Relationship (E-R) model from specifications and transform a conceptual model into corresponding logical data structures. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Construct Structured Query Language (SQL) statements and maintain a simple database. (D.1) |
| 3. | Critically evaluate database designs and the role databases play in effective software applications. (C.1) |
| 4. | Effectively communicate database design. (E.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
- 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
Teaching and learning strategies
There will be a two-hour lecture and one hour of tutorial. The two-hour lecture slot will not be used entirely for content delivery, it will be used as a question-answer session/workshops/ and for credit and distinction assessments. The one-hour lab will be used for gaining practical knowledge of SQL. However, during the lab time, there will be two assessments conducted which are SQL test1 and SQL test2.
Students are given access to the script files. Instructions on how to run script files them via videos posted online. As students follow the instructions they are able to appreciate what the script file does in a limited capacity before attending the lecture. In the lecture, the students are able to find out or appreciate how the script file actually works.
Students will also learn to understand the context behind the code that is used to create a database. Understanding the context helps students to better comprehend how it actually solves real-world problems. This higher level understanding allows the student to think laterally and apply various strategies to solve real-world problems using code to create a database.
Students collaborate by engaging in consultation with their peers and instructor to interpret design requirement and create entity relationship diagrams.
The assessments are designed in such a way that the students receive almost immediate feedback for every assessment item except for the HD assignment. The first two assessments, SQL1 and SQL2 are done during the lab time. As soon as the student gets the correct answer by writing code to access the database the question is marked correct. If the question is marked as correct then the student gets full marks.
The credit test questions are given in the subject outline. Students write the credit exam during normal lecture time. The answer should demonstrate that the student understands and is able to apply concepts and demonstrate this with an example of their choice.
After the distinction test, the student is given a sheet with the correct answer, so that the student can self-assess as to how well he or she has done in the exam before it is marked.
For the HD assignment, students will create a database of their own choosing, which should be a simplified version of a database used in a real-world software system, subject to minimum necessary conditions, such as a minimum number of tables, and a minimum number of relationship types. The feedback for the HD assignment will be given in consultation with the academic three times before the final submission. This allows students to receive an authentic learning experience by engaging with what they tacitly know about a particular field or domain of interest and how their interest in that domain will be applied more laterally by codifying it into a database script so that it solves a problem developing an application which ensures data integrity principles are adhered to.
Please note that students are expected to put in significant additional study and practice time of your own in order to develop the practical skills necessary to fulfill the subject learning objectives.
Students are expected to use Canvas as part of their learning experience for this subject. Software tools to be used in the subject include PostgreSQL, a database management system, and other web-based applications that offer students the opportunity to develop their SQL skills.
Learning outcomes: By the end of the subject, a student will be able to model a database using an entity relationship diagram. The student will also be able to understand data integrity issues and best practices in the development of databases. The student will be able to write a script file which will create a database.
Content (topics)
- Introduction to database systems
- Relational data model
- Introduction to SQL: simple queries
- SQL: aggregate functions, simple joins
- SQL: complex joins, simple subqueries
- SQL: data modification statements and views
- Conceptual database design using E-R modelling
- Normalisation
- Logical design: E-R transformations
- Principles of transactions management
Assessment
Assessment task 1: SQL Lab Test 1
| Intent: | To test SQL skills. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
Assessment task 2: SQL Lab Test 2
| Intent: | To test SQL skills. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
Assessment task 3: Class Written Exam
| Intent: | Test basic knowledge and understanding of data integrity. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
Assessment task 4: Distinction Test
| Intent: | Test advanced entity relationship design skills. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
Assessment task 5: Mini Database Project
| Intent: | To test all advanced database development skills. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
Recommended texts
Data Management: Databases & Organizations
by Richard T. Watson
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons; 5 edition (August 26, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0471715360
ISBN-13: 978-0471715368
A copy of this textbook (5th edition) is available for 2hr loan from the library's open reserve -- 005.74 WATS (ED.5).
References
Data management: databases and organizations, by Richard T. Watson. Available for 2hr loan from the library's open reserve -- 005.74 WATS (ED.4). Note that this book is the 4th edition, when the textbook is the 5th edition.
Database systems : design, implementation, and management, by Carlos Coronel, Steven Morris, Peter Rob. Available for 2hr loan from the library's open reserve -- 005.74 ROBP (ED.9).
Database design, application development, and administration, by Michael V. Mannino. Available for 2hr loan from the library's open reserve -- 005.74 MANN (ED.4). This is the textbook for some OTHER database subjects, but NOT this subject.
An introduction to database systems, by C.J. Date. Available for 2hr loan from the library's open reserve -- 005.74 DATE (ED.8)
Modern database management, by Jeffrey A. Hoffer, Mary B. Prescott, Heikki Topi. Available for 2hr loan from the library's open reserve -- 005.74 MCFA (ED.9) -- FOR LOAN
Additional references and reading material may be handed out, recommended during lectures or posted to Canvas when necessary during the semester.