32606 Database
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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:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksAnti-requisite(s): 31061 Database Principles AND 31271 Database Fundamentals
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. (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)
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 as well. The one-hour lab will be used for gaining practical knowledge of SQL and designing ERD. However, during the lab time, there will be two assessments conducted which are SQL test1 and SQL test2. The lectures and labs will be conducted via Zoom interactive sessions.
Students collaborate by engaging in consultation with their peers and instructor to interpret design requirement and create entity relationship diagrams.
Assessments are designed in such a way that the students receive almost immediate feedback for every assessment item except for the final assessment.
Assessments 3 and 4, students will do a class tests, these assessments will test students’ ability to draw an E-R diagram from a given scenario and answer questions relating to database integrity.
For the final assessment the database project, students will create a database of their own choosing, their choice based on a database that is currently being used in the real world.
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.
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, set operators, views
- Conceptual database design using E-R modelling
- Normalisation
- Logical design: E-R transformations
- Transactions Management
Assessment
Assessment task 1: SQL Lab Test 1
| Intent: | Demonstrate basic 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: | 20% |
Assessment task 2: SQL Lab Test 2
| Intent: | Test advanced 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: | 20% |
Assessment task 3: Class test
| Intent: | Test data integrity skills. |
|---|---|
| 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: | 20% |
Assessment task 4: Class tests
| 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 |
| Type: | Design/drawing/plan/sketch |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
Assessment task 5: MiniDatabaseProject
| Intent: | 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, 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 Canvas when necessary during the semester.