SUBJECT OUTLINE
32606 Database
Course area UTS: Information Technology
Delivery Autumn 2024; City
Credit points 6cp
Result type Grade and marks
Attendance: 2hpw (lectures, face-to-face), 1hpw (lab)
Recommended studies: it is assumed that students are familiar with basic system analysis concepts and have basic software skills
Subject 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 lectureslot 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)
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