University of Technology Sydney

320606 Database

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 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Information Technology: Computer Science
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Recommended studies: it is assumed that students are familiar with basic system analysis concepts and have basic software skills

Description

This subject introduces students to basic database design and implementation concepts, database design techniques, and using a relational design via an entity relationship diagram, including 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.

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. (C.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. (D.1)
4. Effectively communicate database designs. (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)

Teaching and learning strategies

There are 5 modules in this subject. There will be zoom sessions to answer questions. There are two assessments for this subject. The SQL test will be conducted and is worth 40%.The project is worth 60%. Students are expected to read the learning material provided for each module and do its associated activity.

Please note that students are expected to put in 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 is PostgreSQL, which is 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 and finally produce queries that can retrieve/update/insert/delete data from a database.

Content (topics)

  1. Introduction to Database Systems
  2. Relational Data Model
  3. Introduction to SQL: simple queries
  4. SQL: aggregate functions, simple joins
  5. SQL: complex joins, simple subqueries
  6. SQL: data modification statements, set operators, views
  7. Conceptual database design using E-R modelling
  8. Normalisation
  9. Logical design: E-R transformations
  10. Transactions Management

Assessment

Assessment task 1: SQL Lab Test

Intent:

Demonstrate SQL skills.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

2

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1

Type: Laboratory/practical
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%

Assessment task 2: MiniDatabaseProject

Intent:

Test all advanced database development skills.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 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: Report
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 60%

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, whereas 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 UTSOnline when necessary during the semester.