Course Title: Use structured query language

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2012

Course Code: COSC6112C

Course Title: Use structured query language

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5300 - Diploma of Information Technology

Course Contact : Chandra Nannegari

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99251657

Course Contact Email:chandra.nannegari@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use a structured query language (SQL) to define, create and manipulate database structures and associated data in a relational database.

This unit is delivered using a blend of classroom based and self-paced learning activities.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICAPRG425A Use structured query language

Element:

1. Write a simple SQL statement to retrieve and sort data

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Retrieve all the data from a single table
1.2 Retrieve data from specific columns in a single table
1.3 Use 'order by' to sort query output
 

Element:

2. Write an SQL statement that selectively retrieves data

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Restrict the number of rows retrieved by placing criteria in the 'where' clause
2.2 Restrict the number of rows retrieved by placing specific criteria in the select statement
2.3 Use comparison operators in the 'where' clause to compare numeric, character, string, date and time data
2.4 Use Boolean operators with the correct precedence
2.5 Use criteria in the 'where' clause to check for a range of values, to select values from a list, and to check for values that match a pattern
2.6 Use SQL syntax to suppress duplicate values from query results
2.7 Take action to exclude null values from a query result
 

Element:

3. Write SQL statements that use functions

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Use arithmetical operators with the correct precedence
3.2 Use string functions and operators to obtain the required query output
3.3 Use mathematical functions to obtain the required output, where required
3.4 Use date functions to obtain the required output
3.5 Use SQL aggregate functions to obtain the required output
 

Element:

4. Write SQL statements that use aggregation and filtering

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Use 'group by' to aggregate data by multiple columns
4.2 Sort aggregated data in the query output
4.3 Filter aggregated data using the 'having' clause
 

Element:

5. Write SQL statements that retrieve data from multiple tables

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Employ the inner join syntax to retrieve data from two or more tables
5.2 Use 'left outer', 'right outer' and 'full outer' syntax to join tables in the select statement
5.3 Use correct syntax in the 'where' clause to retrieve data from multiple tables
5.4 Write a union query that retrieves data from more than one table
 

Element:

6. Write and execute SQL sub-queries

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Construct single and nested sub-queries
6.2 Construct sub-queries that return a single row and multiple rows
6.3 Use correlated sub-queries to retrieve required data
6.4 Write sub-queries that use aggregates
 

Element:

7. Create and manipulate tables

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Identify required columns, data types, keys, relationships, indexes and constraints
7.2 Use relevant naming conventions for database elements
7.3 Create tables that implement required elements
7.4 Manipulate tables to meet specific requirements
 

Element:

8. Create and use views

Performance Criteria:

8.1 Create views that satisfy information requirements
8.2 Use check constraints in a view
8.3 Retrieve, insert, update and delete data using a view
8.4 Drop a view from a database
 

Element:

9. Create and use stored procedures

Performance Criteria:

9.1 Create and execute stored procedures that use SQL to retrieve, insert or modify data according to information requirements
9.2 Create and execute stored procedures that use one or more parameters
9.3 Drop a stored procedure from the database
9.4 Create and test database triggers that automate data management or perform specific required data-related functions
 


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Theory presentations, practical lab classes, tutorial sessions, project plus out-of-class research and homework.

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.

We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.
 


Teaching Schedule

Week Week Commencing Topics Assessment
0 25th June 2012

Pre-training review:

• RPL
• LLN as required

Familiarisation with:

• Program
• Services/facilities
• Other students
• Teacher(s)
• Where to get support
• Student responsibilities
• Course requirements
• Course support documents
• Pre-reading
• Blackboard
• Overview of assessment requirements
• Grading
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Extensions
• Feedback
• Privacy
• Submission requirements
• Resubmission policy

Introduction to SQL:

Simple SQL statements to retrieve and sort data
 

 
1 2nd July 2012 SQL statements that selectively retrieve data.  
2 9th July 2012 SQL statements to extract data from more than one table.  
3 16th July 2012 SQL Multi-table table query continued

Class Exercise (Task 1)

4 23rd July 2012 SQL functions  Class Exercise (Task 1)
5 30th July 2012                                           Students Study Week.  Students Study Week.
6 6th Aug 2012  SQL Aggregation and filtering of data.

 Class Exercise (Task 1)

Project Posting (Task 2)

7 13th Aug 2012 SQL Sub-queries  Class Exercise (Task 1)
8 20th Aug 2012 SQL Action Queries Class Exercise (Task 1)
                                                                                                           Mid semester break (27 August to 31 August)
9 3rd Sept 2012 Views Class Exercise (Task 1)
10 10th Sept 2012 Project Work. Stage 1: Project submission(Task 2)
11 17th Sept 2012 Database Security Systems  
12 24th Sept 2012 Stored procedures  
13 1st Oct 2012 Stored procedure continued. Revision  Class Exercise (Task 1)
14 8th Oct 2012 Practical TEST (Task 3 ) Practical TEST (Task 3 )
15 15th Oct 2012  Project Work  Stage 2: Project submission
(Task 2)
16 22nd Oct 2012  Feedback  
17 29th Oct 2012 Re-submissions if required  


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Larry Rockoff, The Language of SQL, Course Technology, ISBN - 13: 978-1-4354-5751-5


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of competency to be deemed competent.

A range of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills and knowledge, for example:
• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• review of authenticated documents from the workplace or training environment
• demonstration of techniques

Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
 


Assessment Tasks

You are required to complete 3 tasks. You must successfully complete all 3 tasks to be deemed competent in this unit. 

TASK 1 – Class Exercises (Due Date: Refer to Teaching Schedule)

For this assessment task you are required to complete in-class worksheets on database design aspects as per the Teaching Schedule. These exercises will cover all elements of this competency.

All files must be created individually and submitted or demonstrated to your teacher. Work should be submitted either on the day the exercise is completed, or at the beginning of the next class, as per the Teaching Schedule. You will be expected to retain soft copies of any documents submitted. In some cases printouts may be required.


TASK 2 – Project (Due Date: Week 10 & 15)

The project provides an opportunity, to students, to demonstrate the skills they learn in this unit.

  • A real life database with data will be made available to students in Week 6 for Stage 1. The same database will be created and populated by students using SQL for Stage 2.
  • You will be required to submit the project in two stages (Refer weekly breakdown). Stage 1 is an individual submission while Stage 2 is a group submission.

o Stage 1:

 Simple SQL queries are designed to extract data.
 You will be asked to demonstrate, answer question about, and modify queries during assessment time. So make sure that you understand them.
 Assessment will be based on your design, as well as the functionality of your query.
 You will be given feedback on your queries for further improvement in your design.
 

o Stage 2:
 2 or 3 students will be expected to form a team.
 You will execute complex SQL Queries to extract (as per elements of competency) data.
 You will be asked to demonstrate, answer question about, and modify queries during assessment time. So make sure that you understand them.

 


TASK 3 – Practical TEST(Due Date: Week 14)

For this assessment task you will be given a sample database with data. You will be required to create and populate database using SQL and then write a series of queries to extract data from this database.


 


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Submission Requirements

Assessment tasks need to be submitted via Blackboard.

You should:

• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. If your performance in the assessment is affected by unexpected circumstances, you should consider applying for Special Consideration. Information on the process and application forms is available at http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ls0ydfokry9rz website.
• Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
• When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of work for assessment is available on blackboard.
• Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.


Marking Guide (competency):

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because VET courses are informed by practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as ‘competency based training’ (CBT). So when you are assessed in VET it is about whether you are competent to do the job, as well as having a firm grasp on the knowledge and skills required to do that job, as opposed to traditional curriculum based education settings that are often based on knowledge retention.

You need to demonstrate you are competent in each element of the unit of competency you are studying.

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you whether you are competent or not and how well you are performing. Once competent in all elements of the unit you receive a competency grading.

Please refer to the Final Grades table below.

Marking Guide (Grading)

After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit; this gives you the opportunity to have the level of your performance formally recognized against industry standards and employability skills.


The grading is according to the following criteria:


1. LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE, INITIATIVE, ENTERPRISE AND PERFORMANCE OF WORK TASK

We are looking for a high level of ability to complete all tasks independently as per the specifications as well as demonstrating a high level of initiative in your approach to designing a well-structured database that represents the client’s business reality and provides the user with a productive business tool.


2. DEMONSTRATED BREADTH OF UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE LEARNING

We are looking for depth of understanding of the key concepts and knowledge required to design a well-structured database. You should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of all applicable design principles in all the assessment tasks.

3. TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING

We are looking for appropriate use of technology and design tools to assist in presenting all tasks clearly and suitable for the intended clients. You also need to show an understanding of the kinds of problems that can arise in designing a well-structured database and how these might be addressed.

4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT

We expect to see ongoing progress both in document portfolio and project relevant to the unit, full utilisation of Blackboard as per course requirements and timely submission of all required assessment tasks.


5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK

We expect to see contributions to relevant discussions and scheduled group sessions. In addition your tasks should demonstrate a very good understanding of strategies for a collaborative approach towards teamwork and designing a well-structured database that meets client requirements.

Final Grades table:

CHD = Competent with High Distinction
CDI  = Competent with Distinction
CC  = Competent with Credit
CAG = Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC = Not Yet Competent
DNS = Did Not Submit for assessment 

Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview