Course Title: Design a database
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2020
Course Code: COSC7371C
Course Title: Design a database
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5395 - Diploma of Information Technology
Course Contact: Val Christou
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5076
Course Contact Email: val.christou@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Course Leader: Chandra Nannegari
+61 3 9925 1657
Nominal Hours: 50
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 skills and knowledge required to establish client needs and technical requirements and to design a database that meets those requirements.
It applies to individuals employed as database administrators and designers who are required to design databases.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
ICTDBS502 Design a database |
Element: |
1. Determine database requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Meet with the client, and conduct a user-needs analysis, to determine database functionality 1.2 Analyse the results of a user-needs analysis to identify technical requirements 1.3 Develop a conceptual model of the database 1.4 Submit the conceptual model to the client for review 1.5 Evaluate client feedback and make changes as required |
Element: |
2. Develop a logical data model |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify the attributes and determine the data types 2.2 Undertake the normalisation of attributes 2.3 Develop an entity-relationship (ER) diagram in order to clarify the cardinality of relationships 2.4 Document attributes, normalised data, and the ER diagram 2.5 Forward documentation to the client for confirmation |
Element: |
3. Design the data structures |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Confirm primary and foreign keys for tables 3.2 Review client business rules 3.3 Identify the referential integrity constraints 3.4 Establish database management system constraints and incorporate into database design 3.5 Develop the validation rules for data 3.6 Design indexes and develop the data dictionary 3.7 Document the database design |
Element: |
4. Design queries, screens and reports |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Design the user interface for database, including menus, input screens and outputs 4.2 Design queries, based on requirements 4.3 Design output reports, based on requirements 4.4 Compare the physical design with the conceptual model, or user-needs analysis 4.5 Incorporate changes as required |
Element: |
5. Design access and security systems |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Review the business security plan as a basis for commencing the access and security design 5.2 Design the password and access system for the database 5.3 Identify multiple-user requirements 5.4 Develop client access profiles using the client business model |
Element: |
6. Confirm the database design |
Performance Criteria: |
6.1 Identify the database backup and recovery requirements 6.2 Develop and document the database backup and restore procedures 6.3 Submit the database, and documentation, to the client for final approval |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.
Learning activities will include laboratory-based sessions on a variety of topics as shown in the weekly breakdown. Learning activities will generally consist of practical computer exercises based on teacher handouts. Students should attend all sessions.
Students will also be expected to undertake work on a small database project and other activities for homework.
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
The Teaching Schedule for this course is as follows:
Induction Session
Prior to training commencement a program level induction session will be conducted that comprises the following:
- Program overview and requirements
- MyRMIT/Blackboard
- Overview of assessment requirements
- Pre-Training Review including:
- Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers
- Assessment of current skills and knowledge
- Competency/Grading Criteria
- Plagiarism
- Appeals
- Extensions
- Feedback
- Privacy
- Submission requirements
- Resubmission policy
- Where to get support
- Student responsibilities
Please note that this course, ICTDBS502 - Design a database, is co-delivered and co-assessed holistically along with ICTICT509 - Gather data to identify business requirements.
The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities
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Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
You will need laptop with charger for each class
- Windows laptops we do recommend an i5 or better machine with a minimum 4 GB of RAM.
- Macs you will need 8 GB of RAM to run a virtual machine
You may also refer to various media, websites, textbooks and e-books as indicated in Canvas
Overview of Assessment
In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:
Performance Evidence
Evidence of the ability to:
- identify and confirm client requirements for a database application
- design database elements including:
- structure
- indexes
- queries
- screens
- reports
- design secure access to the database
- confirm final database design with the client.
Knowledge Evidence
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:
- explain the process of data analysis, particularly in determining data types and data structures, query and report design
- describe the data modelling related to developing the conceptual data model
- explain how data redundancy is identified
- describe database management system (DBMS) fundamentals, particularly during the design phase
- explain encryption and authentication as these apply to database security features
- outline the functions and features of data types, and data structures
- describe the functions, and features, of databases
- describe logical design concepts, particularly those related to designing data structures, queries screens and reports
- outline the object model design concepts, particularly those related to designing data structures, queries, screens and reports
- explain the term ‘scalability’ as it applies to databases.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the database field of work, and include access to:
- equipment and materials
- current industry accepted database software
- network or other system for remote or multi-user access
- business requirements
- computer-aided software engineering (CASE) or diagramming software.
You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
Feedback
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.
You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.
Assessment Tasks
Please note that this course, ICTDBS502 - Design a database, is co-delivered and co-assessed holistically along with ICTICT509 - Gather data to identify business requirements.
You are required to complete three Assessment tasks - Assessment 1 (Project) , Assessment 2 (SQL Server) and Assessment 3 (Skills Review Test). You must complete all assessments and demonstrate competency in these assessments.
The Assessment 1 (Project) will be submitted in three stages. Stage 1 is a team submission, Stage 2 is an individual submission and Stage 3 is a team submission. The project provides an opportunity to students to demonstrate the skills they learn in this unit. ASSESSMENT 2 (SQL Server) involves security and backups and restoration. Assessment 3 (Skills Review Quiz) is a multiple choice online TEST administered during class time.
NOTE: Details about specific tasks and assessment criteria will be included in the Cover Sheet(s) for each task.
ASSESSMENT 1 - Database Project
For this assessment task you will be asked to plan and develop a small business database for an on-line businesSillss from scratch in consultation with key stakeholders. You will first need to identify information sources, gather data and confirm key client database requirements. You will work in a team to manage this project efficiently.
In order to be deemed competent in this task you will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in a variety of areas including the following key areas:
- Skills in gathering and analysing data to determine requirements
- Ability to produce ERDs for a wide variety of scenarios
- Ability to create Access data structures to test your designs
- Ability to normalise your tables to store data effectively
- Ability to create objects such as forms and reports
- Documentation of security and recovery procedures
Students will receive feedback or confirmation at each stage in relation to client requirements. In many cases changes or modifications will be required. It is therefore vital that any design documentation and other work required for each stage be submitted in a timely manner.
ASSESSMENT 1 (Project) Stage 1: PROJECT PROPOSAL (Team submission) - DUE WEEK 4
-
- A description of team member responsibilities and communication plan
- An outline of the business operations, as well as purpose and scope of database project
- A description of key business processes such product sales, stock control and ordering
- A list of key business rules and particular design requirements
- A timeline for project stages or deliverables, including a simple Gantt chart
- Copies of sample business documents eg. Web forms or reports from an existing system
ASSESSMENT 1 (Project) Stage 2: Individual DESIGN - DUE WEEK 8
-
- Individual Design Draft - Draft Due Week 6
- First draft of ERD (with cardinalities) created in VISIO with Access Relationships
- Individual Design Update - Due Week 8
- Updated ERD & Access Relationships (for client confirmation after normalisation)
- Some sample data inserted into tables in Access
ASSESSMENT 1 (Project) Stage 3: TEAM DATABASE & IMPLEMENTATION - Due Week 14
-
- Team ERD
- Individual Data Dictionary & Team business rules finalized (physical model)
- Client requirements
- Security plan
- Back-up plan & recovery procedures
- Data structures implemented e.g. keys, constraints, indexes & validation rules.
- Sample data entry completed (all tables). Five records in each table.
- MS Access database which includes the form and report.
You will receive feedback at the end of each stage, including this stage. In some cases changes or modifications will be required.
It is therefore vital that any design documentation and other work required for each stage be submitted by the due date, as per the Teaching Schedule.
In some cases printouts may be required. You will also be expected to retain soft copies of any documents submitted.
ASSESSMENT 2 (SQL Server): One needs to complete exercises in MS SQL Server and demonstrate security, backup and restoration.
- Week 09: Exercise 2 & 3 (Security)
- Week 10: Exercise 4 (Backup and Restoration)
ASSESSMENT 3- Skills Review Quiz (Week 15)
For this assessment task you will need to analyse data models and design data structures, forms and reports for some simple scenarios. You will be able to review and verify your designs on your computer with reference to Web and other resources including DBMS software.
You will also be questioned on the information sources (eg. key documents & questions) as well as techniques used in gathering data, such as reviewing reports. You will also need to be able to analyse simple data to in order to confirm database requirements.
Some knowledge of security and data recovery concepts and procedures will also be required.
To be deemed competent in this task, which is in the form of a three-part online quiz, you will be expected to demonstrate your knowledge of the skills and concepts covered in all sections of the course.
Assessment Matrix
Elements / Performance Criteria (Design a Database) |
Assessment Details |
1. Determine database requirements 1.1 Meet with the client, and conduct a user-needs analysis, to determine database functionality 1.2 Analyse the results of a user-needs analysis to identify technical requirements 1.3 Develop a conceptual model of the database 1.4 Submit the conceptual model to the client for review 1.5 Evaluate client feedback and make changes as required |
Assessment 1(Project) |
2. Develop a logical data model 2.1 Identify the attributes and determine the data types 2.2 Undertake the normalisation of attributes 2.3 Develop an entity-relationship (ER) diagram in order to clarify the cardinality of relationships 2.4 Document attributes, normalised data, and the ER diagram 2.5 Forward documentation to the client for confirmation |
Assessment 1(Project) |
3. Design the data structures 3.1 Confirm primary and foreign keys for tables 3.2 Review client business rules 3.3 Identify the referential integrity constraints 3.4 Establish database management system constraints and incorporate into database design 3.5 Develop the validation rules for data 3.6 Design indexes and develop the data dictionary 3.7 Document the database design |
Assessment 1(Project) |
4. Design queries, screens and reports 4.1 Design the user interface for database, including menus, input screens and outputs 4.2 Design queries, based on requirements 4.3 Design output reports, based on requirements 4.4 Compare the physical design with the conceptual model, or user-needs analysis 4.5 Incorporate changes as required |
Assessment 1(Project) |
5. Design access and security systems 5.1 Review the business security plan as a basis for commencing the access and security design 5.2 Design the password and access system for the database 5.3 Identify multiple-user requirements 5.4 Develop client access profiles using the client business model |
Assessment 2 (SQL Server) Assessment 3 (Skills Review Quiz) |
6. Confirm the database design 6.1 Identify the database backup and recovery requirements 6.2 Develop and document the database backup and restore procedures 6.3 Submit the database, and documentation, to the client for final approval |
Assessment 1(Project) Assessment 2(SQL Server) Assessment 3 (Skills Review Quiz) |
Performance EvidenceEvidence of the ability to:
|
Assessment 1(Project) Assessment 2(SQL Server) Assessment 3 (Skills Review Quiz) |
Knowledge EvidenceTo complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
|
Assessment 1(Project) Assessment 2(SQL Server) Assessment 3 (Skills Review Quiz) |
Elements / Performance Criteria (Gather data to identify business requirements ) | |
1. Identify key information sources 1.1 Identify information repositories across the business 1.2 Review current organisational documentation 1.3 Develop critical questions to elicit information from key stakeholders using a mixture of open and closed questions |
Assessment 1(Project) Assessment 3 (Skills Review Quiz) |
2. Gather data 2.1 Use a wide range of information gathering techniques 2.2 Review reports and other data sources for business information 2.3 Confirm with stakeholders business critical factors relating to current and future directions of the organisation |
Assessment 1(Project) Assessment 3 (Skills Review Quiz) |
3. Prepare data analysis for review 3.1 Analyse group and individual responses to clearly define business priorities 3.2 Document data analysis for review according to organisational standards |
Assessment 1(Project)
|
Performance EvidenceEvidence of the ability to:
|
Assessment 1(Project)
|
Knowledge EvidenceTo complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
|
Assessment 1(Project)
|
Other Information
Submission Requirements
You should:
- Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date via CANVAS.
- 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.
- 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.
- Projects must be submitted via Canvas.
Late Submission Procedures
You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance-based assessment is completed by the due dates.
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.
More Information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf
Special Consideration Procedures
Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration. Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination
More Information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration
Online special consideration link: https://specon.rmit.edu.au/specon/
Resubmissions
If you are found to be unsuccessful in a Course Assessment Task, you will be allowed one resubmission only. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission.
If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
Adjustments to Assessment
In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website.
More Information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment
Marking Guide (Courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment):
You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying. You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.
CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment
Course Overview: Access Course Overview