Print View: INFS7907 - Sem 1 2009 - St Lucia

2. Aims, Objectives & Graduate Attributes

2.1 Course Aims

To provide an understanding of the issues involved in designing and implementing a large scale modern information system. To equip the students with sufficient conceptual and practical knowledge, to be able to recognize the challenges, analyze the appropriateness of the technology and understand the design and implementation complexities.

2.2 Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1  Have consolidated understanding of main issues in centralised databases.
2  Understand how these principles must be adapted in a distributed database environment
3  Understand the effect of multiple organisations on distributed information systems
4  Understand key principles of data warehousing
5  Understand key principles of data quality and cleansing.
6  Understand key principles of spatial databases
7  Understand key issues in XML databases in a historical context
8  Understand database aspects of RFID and sensor networks

2.3. Graduate Attributes

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

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
*A. IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY*
A2. A broad understanding of the field of study, including how other disciplines relate to the field of study.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
A3. A comprehensive and in-depth knowledge in the field of study.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
A5. An international perspective on the field of study.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
A7. An appreciation of the link between theory and practice.
*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.
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.
B5. The ability to practise as part of an interdisciplinary team.
*C. INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY*
C2. The ability to work and learn independently and effectively.	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.	4
C5. The ability to formulate and investigate problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.
C6. The abilities and skills that provide a foundation for future leadership roles.	8
*D. CRITICAL JUDGEMENT*
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
D4. The ability to process material and to critically analyse and integrate information from a wide range of sources.
D5. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions using an evidence-based approach.	3, 5, 6, 7, 8
*E. ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING*
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility.
E3. 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.
E7. The ability to work effectively and sensitively across all areas of society.
E8. An understanding of and respect for the roles and expertise of associated disciplines.

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
Tutorial Exercise Tutorial Exercise	2 Mar 09 - 27 Jun 09 Submit before each tutorial	10%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Group Assignment Group Assignment	1 Apr 09 - 29 May 09	20%	1, 2, 3
Exam - during semester (School) In class exam	20 Apr 09 12:00 - 20 Apr 09 14:00	20%	1, 2, 3
Exam - during Exam Period (Central) Final examination	Examination Period	50%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

5.2 Course Grading

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

5.4 Other Assessment Information

The assessment of infs7907 will be different from that of infs3200. Additional questions will be given to postgraduate students in the middle-semester and final exam to assess the understanding of the theoretical aspect of this course.

5.5 Assessment Detail

Tutorial Exercise

Type: Tutorial Exercise
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Due Date:
2 Mar 09 - 27 Jun 09 Submit before each tutorial
Weight: 10%
Task Description:

The pre-class exerice for each tutorial is required and one mark for each exercise.

Criteria & Marking: Marking is against the tutorial solution

Group Assignment

Type: Group Assignment
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Due Date:
1 Apr 09 - 29 May 09
Weight: 20%
Task Description:

Students will be required to design and analyse a given specification for an application of distributed databases. This assignment is to be done in groups of up to three. All students in a group will receive the same mark. Note that a student may do the assignment individually, but that no allowance will be made in the marking for doing so.

Criteria & Marking: The assignment will assess understanding of the main principles of distributed databases and interoperating information systems in a practical situation

In class exam

Type: Exam - during semester (School)
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Due Date:
20 Apr 09 12:00 - 20 Apr 09 14:00
Weight: 20%
Task Description: In class exam will assess knowledge gained in the modules covered upto the date of the exam.
Criteria & Marking:

You will be assessed on understanding of main issues in centralized DBMS and how these principles must be adapted in a distributed database environment.

Final examination

Type: Exam - during Exam Period (Central)
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Due Date:
Examination Period
Weight: 50%
Perusal: 10 minutes
Duration: 120 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Problem solving
Task Description: Examination covers all course topics
Criteria & Marking: You will be assessed on understanding of concepts taught in all modules of this course. Criteria for assessment will be based on learning objectives

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 and school-based examinations is set out in the University's Assessment policy (HUPP 3.30.1), section 4.8 at http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25109.

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 3.30.1. Unless otherwise indicated in the Course Profile, applications must be made in writing to the Head of School no later than 5 days 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) 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.

Calculators in Examinations

Some examinations in the School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering restrict the type of calculator that can be used. If this course profile does not specify any calculator restrictions, you should check with the course coordinator as to whether any restrictions apply. In some examinations, you may only be permitted to use an EPSA/EAIT approved and lablled non-programmable calculator. It is your responsibility to ensure you have a suitable approved and labelled calculator if required.

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

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment & Learning Activities

	Learning Objectives
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Learning Activities
Introduction (Lecture)
Fundamentals of DBMS (Lecture)
Distributed DB design (Lecture)
Distributed Query Processing (Lecture)
Distributed Transactions (Lecture)
Database Systems Integration (Lecture)
Data Warehousing (Lecture)
Data Models (Lecture)
Data Cleansing (Lecture)
Spatial Data Management (Lecture)
RFID and Sensor Networks (Lecture)
Review (Lecture)
Assessment Tasks
Tutorial Exercise
Group Assignment
In class exam
Final examination

Graduate Attributes

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

	Learning Objectives
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Graduate Attributes
*A IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY*
A2. A broad understanding of the field of study, including how other disciplines relate to the field of study.
A3. A comprehensive and in-depth knowledge in the field of study.
A5. An international perspective on the field of study.
A7. An appreciation of the link between theory and practice.
*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.
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.
B5. The ability to practise as part of an interdisciplinary team.
*C INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY*
C2. The ability to work and learn independently and effectively.
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.
C5. The ability to formulate and investigate problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.
C6. The abilities and skills that provide a foundation for future leadership roles.
*D CRITICAL JUDGEMENT*
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.
D4. The ability to process material and to critically analyse and integrate information from a wide range of sources.
D5. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions using an evidence-based approach.
*E ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING*
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility.
E3. 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.
E7. The ability to work effectively and sensitively across all areas of society.
E8. An understanding of and respect for the roles and expertise of associated disciplines.

feedback

INFS7907 - Sem 1 2009 - St Lucia - Internal

1. General Course Information

1.1 Course Details

1.2 Course Introduction

1.3 Course Staff

1.4 Timetable