Course Title: Database Concepts

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Database Concepts

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
ISYS1055	City Campus	Postgraduate	140H Computer Science & Information Technology	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006, Sem 2 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 2 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 2 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 2 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 2 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 2 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 2 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 2 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 2 2014, Sem 1 2015, Sem 2 2015, Sem 1 2016
ISYS1055	City Campus	Postgraduate	171H School of Science	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2017, Sem 2 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 2 2020, Sem 1 2021, Sem 2 2021
ISYS1055	City Campus	Postgraduate	175H Computing Technologies	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2022, Sem 1 2023, Sem 2 2023, Sem 1 2024
ISYS1057	City Campus	Undergraduate	140H Computer Science & Information Technology	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006, Sem 2 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 2 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 2 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 2 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 2 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 2 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 1 2015, Sem 2 2015, Sem 1 2016
ISYS1057	City Campus	Undergraduate	140H Computer Science & Information Technology	Face-to-Face or Internet	Sem 1 2009
ISYS1057	City Campus	Undergraduate	171H School of Science	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2017, Sem 2 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 2 2020, Sem 2 2021
ISYS2077	RMIT University Vietnam	Undergraduate	140H Computer Science & Information Technology	Face-to-Face	Viet2 2007, Viet3 2007, Viet1 2008, Viet2 2008, Viet3 2008, Viet1 2009, Viet2 2009, Viet3 2009, Viet1 2010, Viet2 2010, Viet3 2010, Viet1 2011, Viet2 2011, Viet3 2011, Viet1 2012, Viet2 2012, Viet3 2012, Viet1 2013, Viet2 2013, Viet3 2013, Viet1 2014, Viet2 2014, Viet3 2014, Viet1 2015, Viet3 2015, Viet2 2016
ISYS2077	RMIT University Vietnam	Undergraduate	171H School of Science	Face-to-Face	Viet3 2017, Viet2 2018, Viet3 2018, Viet1 2020
ISYS2095	Open Learning Australia	Non Award	171H School of Science	Distance / Correspondence	OUASP4UG19
ISYS2095	Open Learning Australia	Non Award	175H Computing Technologies	Distance / Correspondence	OUASP4UG23
ISYS2360	Taylors College KL	Undergraduate	140H Computer Science & Information Technology	Face-to-Face	Offsh 3 10, Offsh 1 11

Course Coordinator: Dr Xiangmin Zhou

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2118

Course Coordinator Email: xiangmin.zhou@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: -

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge:

It is assumed that you have basic computer literacy. 

Course Description

Databases and the database technology are having a major impact on the growing use of computers. They play a critical role in almost all areas where computers are used.

This course is an introduction to the principles, use, and applications of database systems. It assumes no previous knowledge of databases or database technologies. This course focuses on developing skills in designing databases for efficient data management and SQL programming for querying and using databases for various database applications. 

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for

• BP094 Bachelor of Computer Science,
• BP096 Bachelor of Software Engineering,
• BH091 Bachelor of Engineering (Computer and Network Engineering) (Honours)/Bachelor of Computer Science,
• BH094 Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications Engineering)(Honours)/Bachelor of Computer Science and
• BH119 Bachelor of Analytics

1. Enabling Knowledge

You will gain skills as you apply knowledge effectively in diverse contexts.

2. Critical Analysis

You will learn to accurately and objectively examine and consider computer science and information technology (IT) topics, evidence, or situations, in particular to:

• Analyse and model requirements and constraints for the purpose of designing and implementing software artefacts and IT systems
• Evaluate and compare designs of software artefacts and IT systems on the basis of organisational and user requirements.

3. Problem Solving

Your capability to analyse problems and synthesise suitable solutions will be extended as you learn to:

• Design and implement software solutions that accommodate specified requirements and constraints, based on analysis or modelling or requirements specification.

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide. 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Describe the underlying theoretical basis of the relational database model and apply the theories into practice;
2. Explain the main concepts for data modelling and characteristics of database systems;
3. Develop a sound database design using conceptual modelling mechanisms such as entity-relationship diagrams;
4. Develop a database based on a sound database design;
5. Apply SQL as a programming language to define database schemas, update database contents and to extract data from databases for specific users’ information needs;
6. Create then populate a normalised database based on a publicly available dataset, and visualise the results of queries against the dataset. 

Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as: 

• Pre-recorded Lectures: Key concepts are explained, course material is presented, and the subject matter is illustrated with demonstrations and examples.
• Tute-lab sessions focus on analyse and problem solving of given scenarios, such as data modeling problems, and provide practice in the application of theory along with tutors and peers.
• Moderated online discussion forums provide a question-answer forum for subject and assessment matters
• Private study is important to work through the course learning material and gain practice at solving conceptual and technical problems.
• Peer-assisted or mentor-led learning programs may be available. 

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, andthrough links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course. 

Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.  

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.

Overview of Assessment

The assessment for this course comprises both practical and theoretical work involving the analysis, design and development of database systems and querying database systems to meet information needs. Across all assessment tasks you will be required to demonstrate your critical analysis skills and database programming skills. All assessment tasks are individual.

Note: This course has no hurdle requirements.

The assessment for this course comprises:

Assessment Task 1: Take-Home Assignment on ER Modelling and Relational Database Model
Weighting: 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4.

Assessment Task 2: Take-Home Assignment on SQL Programming and Normalisation
Weighting: 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 4, 5.

Assessment Task 3: Online Fortnightly Quizzes
Five Quizzes each worth 3%
Total Weighting: 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 5.

Assessment Task 4: Database Design Project
Weighting: 35%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-6.

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.