Print View: INFS2200 - Sem 2 2008 - St Lucia

1. General Course Information

1.1 Course Details

Course Code: INFS2200 Course Title: Relational Database Systems
Coordinating Unit: School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
Semester: Semester 2, 2008 Mode: Internal
Level: Undergraduate
Location: St Lucia
Number of Units: 2 Contact Hours Per Week: 3L1T1P
Pre-Requisites: (INFS1200 or MGTS3203) + MATH1061
Incompatible: BSIS7206 or COMM7605 or INFS7903 or MGTS7206 or CS213 or CS214 or CS216 or CS217 or CS271 or CO865

Course Description: Concepts needed to build large information system using current technology; relational & other data models, query processing & views, index structures for access, dataflow & dynamic models.

Assumed Background:

Students are assumed to have knowledge covered in INFS1200/INFS7900 Information Systems and MATH1061 Discrete Mathematics. Particularly, the students should have learned the following:

1. Concepts about conceptual modelling (e.g., ER Modelling)

2. Concepts of modelling data processes such as Data Flow Diagrams.

3. Database concepts and Relational Tables (primary key, candidate key, foreign key, etc)

4. ER to Relational database tables mapping

5. SQL queries

6. FD (Functional Dependency) Theory and Normalization process of 1-4 NFs.

7. Concepts of data structures: Array, Record, Tree, Graph, etc.

8. Basic design methodologies such as top-down or bottom-up.

9. Software engineering concepts about design, specification, implementation, coding, debugging, etc.

10. Concepts about data types: text, character, numeric, integer, etc.

11. Concepts of set theory, propositional logic and predicate calculus.

12. Programming concepts about procedures, variables, algorithm design, etc.

13. Fundamental knowledge about computer systems: Operating System, Memory management, File Directory management, etc.

1.2 Course Introduction

The focus of this course is on taking the relational database design and query construction from INFS1200 further towards development of a full relational database system. Project based design and related types of abstraction are introduced. Fundamental mechanisms for security, performance and the related issues, are taught. The course also introduces the database management system algorithms used to manage transactions, process and optimise queries, and shows how different indexing techniques are affected by design choices.

1.3 Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Xue Li
Phone: 07 3365 2379 Email: xueli@itee.uq.edu.au Homepage: www.itee.uq.edu.au/~xueli
Campus: St Lucia Building: General Purpose South (Map) Room: 650
Consultation: To be announced on the course web site, and by appointment

1.4 Timetable

Timetables are available on mySI-net.

Additional Timetable Information
Tutorials start from week 2. Lab Practices start from week 3.

2. Aims, Objectives & Graduate Attributes

2.1 Course Aims

This course introduces the concepts needed to build large database systems using current technology: relational database management systems, transaction management, query processing and optimisation, concurrency control and recovery, views and index structures, and database administrations.

2.2 Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1  Be able to use a database development tool to create and manage a database.
2  Be able to create a project focused RDBS design.
3  Create views for security and to support application development.
4  Understand the view updateability problem.
5  Understand the main indexing methods and their effect on query execution.
6  Create and optimise relational query plans.
7  Understand transaction management theory and the ACID properties.
8  Understand issues in, and algorithms for maintaining, concurrency control.
9  Understand advanced DBMS issues such as object relational model and database administrations.
10  Understand the life-cycle of database application development, design and implement an advanced relational database application system in a group setting.

2.3. Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Undergrad Pass) graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
*A. IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY*
A1. A comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in the field of study.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
A4. An understanding of how other disciplines relate to the field of study.
A5. An international perspective on the field of study.
*B. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION*
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.	2
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.	2, 10
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.	2, 3
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.	1, 2, 3, 10
*C. INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY*
C1. The ability to work and learn independently.	1, 2, 3
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.	1, 2, 3
C4. The ability to identify problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.	1, 2, 3, 10
*D. CRITICAL JUDGEMENT*
D1. The ability to define and analyse problems.	1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 10
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.	1, 2, 3, 5, 9
D3. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions.	1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 10
*E. ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING*
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility.
E2. An appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of a discipline.
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study.
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity.

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following Engineers Australia graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
2. Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers, but also with the community at large	2, 3, 6
3. In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
4. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
5. Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance	1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 10
6. Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member	2, 6, 10
7. Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and for the need for sustainable development
8. Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development	1, 5, 6, 10
9. Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities	1
10. Expectation and capacity to undertake life-long learning	1

3. Learning Resources

3.1 Required Resources

Ramez Elmasri and Shamkant B. Navathe. Fundamentals of Database Systems 5th Edition, Addison-Wesly 2007. (or 4th Edition. Addison-Wesly 2003)

The Lecturer Notes will be available in PDF files before the lectures. Students must print out their own copies.

3.2 Recommended Resources

R. Ramakrishnan and J. Gehrke. (2003) Database Management Systems, (3rd ed.), McGraw Hill Publishing.

There is no book required for the Oracle practices. The reference materials can be found from Oracle Websites or other reference websites such as: http://www.orafaq.com/faqfrm6i.htm http://www.orafaq.com/faqrep.htm and http://www.orafaq.com/faqplsql.htm .

3.3 University Learning Resources

Access to required and recommended resources, plus past central exam papers, is available at the UQ Library website (http://library.uq.edu.au/search/r?SEARCH=INFS2200).

The University offers a range of resources and services to support student learning. Details are available on the myServices website (https://student.my.uq.edu.au/).

3.4 School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Learning Resources

Students enrolled at St Lucia who wish to retain a hard copy of this profile can use the free print quota provided each semester to students enrolled in courses in the School of Information Technology & Electrical Engineering. For information on how to use this print quota, see the School Policy on Student Photocopying and Printing (St Lucia) (http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/copy-print.html). Students enrolled at the Ipswich campus will either be provided with a hard copy or given directions in class on how to obtain a free copy.

ITEE course websites can be found at http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~COURSECODE. Many ITEE courses also have Usenet newsgroups, named uq.itee.COURSECODE. Instructions for accessing newsgroups are available at http://studenthelp.itee.uq.edu.au/faq/1stYearFAQ.html#accessnews.

4. Teaching & Learning Activities

4.1 Learning Activities

Date	Activity	Learning Objectives
23 Jul 08	Introduction to INF2200 Relational Databases (Lecture): Readings/Ref: Textbook ; Lecture Notes ;	1, 2
23 Jul 08	Constraints (Lecture): Readings/Ref: Textbook ; Lecture Notes ;	1, 2
30 Jul 08	Views and View Updatability (Lecture): Readings/Ref: Textbook ; Lecture Notes ;	3, 4
6 Aug 08	Indexing (Lecture): Readings/Ref: Textbook ; Lecture Notes ;	1, 2, 5
20 Aug 08	Index Structures (Lecture): Readings/Ref: Textbook ; Lecture Notes ;	5
27 Aug 08	Relational Algebra (Lecture): Readings/Ref: Textbook ; Lecture Notes ;	6
3 Sep 08	Relational Algebra (Lecture): Readings/Ref: Textbook ; Lecture Notes ;	6
10 Sep 08	Query Processing and Optimization (Lecture): Readings/Ref: Textbook ; Lecture Notes ;	6
17 Sep 08 10:00	Mid Semester Exam (Exam): Readings/Ref: Textbook ; Lecture Notes ;	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
1 Oct 08	Transaction Management and Concurrency Control (Lecture): Readings/Ref: Textbook ; Lecture Notes ;	7, 8
8 Oct 08	Database Administration (Lecture): Readings/Ref: Textbook ( ); Lecture Notes ;	9
15 Oct 08	Object Relational Databases (Lecture): Readings/Ref: Textbook ; Lecture Notes ;	2, 9
15 Oct 08	Database Security and Authorization (Lecture): Readings/Ref: Textbook ; Lecture Notes ;	3, 9
22 Oct 08	Revision (Lecture): Readings/Ref: Textbook ; Lecture Notes ;	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

5. Assessment

5.1 Assessment Summary

This is a summary of the assessment in the course. For detailed information on each assessment, see 5.5 Assessment Detail below.

Assessment Task	Due Date	Weighting	Learning Objectives
Project Database Application Design	4 Aug 08 00:00 - 17 Oct 08 17:00	20% Group Assignment	1, 2
Exam - Mid Semester During Class Middle Semester Exam	17 Sep 08 10:00 - 17 Sep 08 12:00	20%	3, 4, 5, 6
Exam - during Exam Period (Central) Final Exam	Examination Period	60%	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

5.2 Course Grading

Grade 1, Fail: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course: Total of most 19 marks.

Grade 2, Fail: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline: Total of at least 20 marks.

Grade 3, Fail: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline: Total of at least 45 marks.

Grade 4, Pass: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline: Total of at least 50 marks.

Grade 5, Credit: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline: Total of at least 65 marks.

Grade 6, Distinction: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience: Total of at least 75 marks.

Grade 7, High Distinction: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications: Total of at least 85 marks.

Other Requirements & Comments : A student is required to gain at least 30 of 60 marks in the final examination to be awarded a grade 4 for the course.

5.3 Late Submission

No extensions will be granted except in exceptional personal circumstances (documented medical reason or family emergency). Personal hardware or computer failures are not grounds for extension.

5.5 Assessment Detail

Database Application Design

Type: Project
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2
Due Date:
4 Aug 08 00:00 - 17 Oct 08 17:00
Weight: 20%
Group Assignment
Task Description: Project Description will be given online.
Submission: This project has two components: one is the writing report and the other is the system. Both will be the online submission.

Middle Semester Exam

Type: Exam - Mid Semester During Class
Learning Objectives Assessed: 3, 4, 5, 6
Due Date:
17 Sep 08 10:00 - 17 Sep 08 12:00
Weight: 20%
Perusal: 10 minutes
Duration: 90 minutes
Format: Short answer
Task Description: During class time: 10am-12nn

Final Exam

Type: Exam - during Exam Period (Central)
Learning Objectives Assessed: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Due Date:
Examination Period
Weight: 60%
Perusal: 10 minutes
Duration: 120 minutes
Task Description: Week 1 - 12 Topics

6. Policies & Guidelines

This section contains the details of and links to the most relevant policies and course guidelines. For further details on University Policies please visit myAdvisor and the University Handbook of Policies and Procedures.

6.1 Assessment Related Policies and Guidelines

University Policies & Guidelines

An overview of the University’s assessment-related policies can be found on myAdvisor (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2910).

Academic Integrity
It is the University's task to encourage ethical scholarship and to inform students and staff about the institutional standards of academic behaviour expected of them in learning, teaching and research. Students have a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity in their work. Students must not cheat in examinations or other forms of assessment and must ensure they do not plagiarise.

Plagiarism
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism:

Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.

Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25128) which makes a comprehensive statement about the University's approach to plagiarism, including the approved use of plagiarism detection software, the consequences of plagiarism and the principles associated with preventing plagiarism.

Feedback on Assessment
Feedback is essential to effective learning and students can expect to receive appropriate and timely feedback on all assessment. For a detailed explanation of the feedback you are entitled to, you should consult the policy on Student Access to Feedback on Assessment. (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25109)

As a student you have a responsibility to incorporate feedback into your learning; make use of the assessment criteria that you are given; be aware of the rules, policies and other documents related to assessment; and provide teachers with feedback on their assessment practices.

There are certain steps you can take if you feel your result does not reflect your performance. Please refer to the myAdvisor web site. (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2953)

School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Assessment Guidelines

Misconduct

Further to the statement on academic integrity and plagiarism above, students are required to read and understand the ITEE policy on Student Misconduct (http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/student-misconduct.html).

Late Arrival or Non-attendance at Examinations

The policy and procedure for late arrival or non-attendance at centrally controlled examinations is set out in the University's Examinations policy (HUPP 3.30.5), sections 8 and 10.2.

The way in which late arrival at a School-controlled examination is dealt with will be at the discretion of the course coordinator, who may be guided by the policy for centrally controlled exams.

In the case that a student requests a special exam for a School-controlled exam, the request will be considered and, if allowed, the timing shall be determined by the course coordinator, in consultation with the School's Chief Examiner where necessary, and in accordance with HUPP 3.30.5. Unless otherwise indicated in the Course Profile, applications must be made in writing to the Head of School no later than one week after the exam. Late applications will not be accepted.

Examination Feedback

In addition to the advice above, students wishing to view examination answer scripts and/or question papers should consult with the School office (Room 217, General Purpose South Building [78], St Lucia; Room 218, Building 1, Ipswich) regarding arrangements. The ITEE policy on exam script viewing is available at http://study.itee.uq.edu.au/current_students/exam_script_viewing.html.

Supplementary Assessment

If you fail this course you may be eligible for supplementary assessment - see the general award rules and/or your program rules for details. You should note that even though you may be eligible for supplementary assessment under these rules, in some circumstances there may be no practical assessment that can be offered to allow you to meet the minimum passing requirements. These circumstances may include failure based on:

group or team based assessment;
attendance or class participation requirements;
laboratory-based assessment, where laboratories can't practically be made available after classes have finished;
project or thesis-based assessment, where a significant period of time would be required to undertake supplementary assessment;
progressive assessment, where subsequent assessment items build on earlier assessment items; or
multiple assessment items, where it is impractical to offer multiple supplementary assessment items.

If the course coordinator determines that there is no practical supplementary assessment that can be offered to allow you to improve your grade, then you will not be offered supplementary assessment and your grade will remain unchanged.

6.2 Other Policies and Guidelines

University Policies and Guidelines

Placement Courses
Students on a placement course – also known as a work placement, internship, industry study, industry experience, clinical practice, clinical placement, practical work, practicum, fieldwork, teaching practice – should refer to the University policy, Placement Courses (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25120) for detailed information.

Working with Children
Students whose studies include a professional/work placement, internship, clinical practice, teaching practice or other similar activity which involves them in regular contact with children should refer to the University policy, Working with Children Check - "blue card" (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25004) to find out how to apply for a ‘blue card’.

Students with a Disability
Any student with a disability who may require alternative academic arrangements, including assessment, in the course/program is encouraged to seek advice at the commencement of the semester from a Disability Adviser at Student Support Services. Refer to the University policy, Students with a Disability (Disability Action Plan) (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25122) and to the policy on Special Arrangements for Examinations for Students with a Disability (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25111

Where an adjustment is made to an accredited program, it is the responsibility of the relevant Faculty to liaise with professional and registration bodies regarding the acceptability of the change/s.

Occupational Health and Safety
Undergraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25055) and Postgraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25057) should be familiar with the University policies on occupational health and safety in the laboratory.

Other School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Guidelines

Ethical Clearance

If your course involves assignment or project work involving human subjects or human-related materials, you must investigate the need for ethical clearance and obtain it when required. Information on ethical clearance can be found at http://www.uq.edu.au/research/orps/index.html?page=5064&pid=5256.

Learning Summary

Below is a table showing the relationship between the learning objectives for this course and the broader graduate attributes developed, the learning activities used to develop each objective and the assessment task used to assess each objective.

Learning Objectives