Course Title: Relational Database Development for PCs

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Relational Database Development for PCs

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ISYS1032

City Campus

Postgraduate

620H Business Info Technology

Face-to-Face

Course Coordinator: Patrick Poppins

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 5795

Course Coordinator Email:patrick.poppins@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: RMIT 108.17.10


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

A good understanding of basic computer fundamentals and some understanding of MS Access.


Course Description

Each student will take on the role of a Database Consultant and they will gather information, analyse and design, then construct a prototype database for a real client of their choosing.  Two reports are to be written for advising the client of findings and design, and the prototype (showing functionality and look and feel) is also to be delivered. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Specific capability development of the course includes the ability to

  • Examine a typical business application where there are data processing problems and develop database solutions.
  • Promote an understanding of the data needed to scope a database system through an information requirements analysis.
  • Develop skills in the application of data modelling methods.
  • Extract information efficiently and effectively from a relational database system using a variety of data retrieval techniques.
  • Design and develop a relational database system with appropriate functionality to process the data and with constraints to maintain data integrity and avoid data redundancy.


At the conclusion of this course, you will abe to

  • Gather the information requirements from a typical business situation, and to document them.
  • Analyse the data, processes, business rules in a business operation, and to design a non-redundant relational database.
  • Document the design of a databse, including user views.
  • Manipulate a RDBMS (MS Access) and to build a protoype to demonstrate to the users.
  • Design and develop a relational database system with appropriate functionality to process the data and with constraints to maintain data integrity and avoid data redundancy


The course consists of a series of three-hour classes, structured as a one-hour lecture followed by a two-hour practical session.  The lectures will present the necessary theory for analysing and designing database systems.  The practical sessions will focus on applying the theory presented in the lectures through solving real life examples and developing computer skills in a relational database package. Any practical work not completed in class time must be completed outside class time.  It is expected that students will spend approximately 6 - 9 hours per week outside class times completing work from the practical class (MS Access) and working on the assignments.


Overview of Learning Activities

The course consists of a series of three-hour classes, structured as a one-hour lecture followed by a two-hour practical session. The lectures will present the necessary theory for analysing and designing database systems. The practical sessions will focus on applying the theory presented in the lectures through solving real life examples and developing computer skills in a relational database package. Any practical work not completed in class time must be completed outside class time. It is expected that students will spend approximately 6 - 9 hours per week outside class times completing work from the practical class and working on the assignments.


Overview of Learning Resources

The lecture notes will provide the main outline of learning material for this course, but the recommended text will augment and broaden the students understanding considerably.  World Wide Web access will also be used to supplement readings on some topics and may be used for MS Access exercises.  The ONLINE@RMIT will provide more detailed information for Lectures, Tutorials and pertinent examples. 


Overview of Assessment

Homework Exercises… … … … … … … … … 10%
Major Database Development Project:................60%
Stage A (15%)
Stage B (25%)
Stage C (20%)
Class Test… … … .......… … … … ...… … … … .30%