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,
Sem 2 2024,
Sem 1 2025

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

None


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

GC188 - Graduate Certificate in Information Technology
MC208 - Master of Information Technology
MC267 - Master of Data Science

PLO 1    Enabling Knowledge
PLO 2    Critical Analysis
PLO 3    Problem Solving

GC187 - Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Science
GD054P17 - Graduate Diploma in Geospatial Science
MC265 - Master of Geospatial Science

PLO 1.2    Knowledge capabilities - Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the spatial models and mathematical methods used in contemporary practice
PLO 1.3    Knowledge capabilities - Identify and elaborate specialist bodies of knowledge in geospatial science
PLO 2.1    Technical capabilities - Apply standard and advanced techniques to solve a range of measurement, and data management problems. 
PLO 2.3    Technical capabilities - Be proficient in the recording, storage, management, representation and reporting of spatial information.
PLO 4.1    Communication Skills - Communicate effectively by means of oral, written and graphical presentations to peers and a wider audience
PLO 5.1    Personal and Professional Awareness - Appreciate the environmental, social, legal and international aspects of actions and decisions in the geospatial sciences.
PLO 6.1    Independent and Integrated Practice - Be self-motivated and personally responsible for your actions and learning

GD111P12 - Graduate Diploma in Analytics
GD120P12 - Graduate Diploma in Statistics and Operations Research
MC004P12 - Master of Statistics and Operations Research

PLO 2    Knowledge and Technical Competence
PLO 3    Problem Solving

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
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.