Print View: INFS1200 - Sem 2 2009 - St Lucia

2. Aims, Objectives & Graduate Attributes

2.1 Course Aims

This course aims to introduce the student to the area of computer-based information systems. It includes basic concepts and techniques necessary to correctly design, and implement, a small information system. The course will prepare students to deploy small information systems in industry and will also prepare them for further study of advanced information system concepts taught later in the program.

2.2 Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1  Extract information systems requirements to create basic conceptual models
2  Map basic conceptual data models to relational database schema
3  Reason with the logical foundation of the relational data model and understand the fundamental principles of correct relational database design
4  Express natural language queries the SQL language
5  Construct simple computer-based information systems given a complete specification
6  Perform information systems analysis and design in a group setting using the concepts of this course

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
A4. An understanding of how other disciplines relate to the field of study.	1, 5
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.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.	1
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.	1, 4, 5
*C. INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY*
C1. The ability to work and learn independently.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.	1, 3, 4, 5
C4. The ability to identify problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.	1, 3, 4, 5
*D. CRITICAL JUDGEMENT*
D1. The ability to define and analyse problems.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
D3. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions.	1, 3, 4, 5
*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.	1
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study.	6
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity.	6

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. Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers, but also with the community at large	1, 6
3. In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline	4
4. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution	6
5. Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance	5
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
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
9. Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities	6
10. Expectation and capacity to undertake life-long learning	6

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
Exam - during Exam Period (Central) Final exam	Examination Period	50%	1, 2, 3, 4
Computer-based Assessment Assignment	17 Aug 09 09:00 - 9 Oct 09 17:00	30%	2, 3, 5, 6
Exam - Mid Semester During Class QUIZ	21 Sep 09 10:00 - 21 Sep 09 11:50	20%	1, 2, 3

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, and pass (i.e., 25 marks) in the final exam.

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 : Students must pass, i.e., achieve at least 25 marks (50%) in the final exam to pass this 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

Final exam

Type: Exam - during Exam Period (Central)
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Due Date:
Examination Period
Weight: 50%
Perusal: 10 minutes
Duration: 120 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Short essay, Problem solving
Task Description: This course will have two exams: A Quiz and a Final Exam. Exams are designed to test theoretical concepts and modelling techniques introduced in lectures and tutorials. Exams will address all material from lectures and tutorials that occurred prior to the exam date. All exams will be closed book. You will be required to answer all questions and write in the space provided on the exam paper. Programmable calculators and other computing or communication devices are NOT permitted. Students may request the use of dictionaries, including bilingual dictionaries, supplied by Examinations Section. You will require a HB or 2B pencil and an eraser to complete the exam. Assessment variation is possible for students with a disability (see HUPP 3.30.3 Special Arrangements for Examinations for Students with a Disability). More information on exams will be provided on the exam page on the course web site at the appropriate time.
Criteria & Marking: The final exam will contain questions from all topics covered in the course.

Assignment

Type: Computer-based Assessment
Learning Objectives Assessed: 2, 3, 5, 6
Due Date:
17 Aug 09 09:00 - 9 Oct 09 17:00
Weight: 30%
Task Description:

This course will have one practical assignment. The assignment is designed to test data analysis and design techniques as well as information system development skills acquired in practical sessions. Assignment specifications will be announced and placed on the course web site at the required time.

Please ensure that you download/print your copy as soon as possible on or after the date of issue.

Procedure for submission of assignments will be announced on the course web site. Late submission of assessable material will incur a penalty of 20% reduction each date late. Students who believe they have sound reasons of late submission should see the course coordinator as soon as possible.

Students are advised to create back-up copies of their assignments. Software can fail (or be lost) for many reasons and it happens quite frequently. Students should also retain paper-based assignments in the event that the original paper version is lost or damaged.

Criteria & Marking: See the course web site for further details
Submission: See course seb site for details on how to submit your assignment

QUIZ

Type: Exam - Mid Semester During Class
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Due Date:
21 Sep 09 10:00 - 21 Sep 09 11:50
Weight: 20%
Perusal: 10 minutes
Duration: 90 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Problem solving
Task Description: Middle Semester Exam will cover Modules 1-6 inclusive.
Criteria & Marking:

The detailed criteria and marking scheme will be provided on the course website.

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 labelled 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.

Other Course Guidelines

Facilities

The subject requires the use of personal computers that support Microsoft Access database software. These computers will be made available to all students who will have access to ITEE labs at scheduled times. Should students wish to do so, they may use their own computer resources for the subject. However, students must understand that they do so at their own risk. The University is not responsible for any hardware or software problems that arise as a result. ITEE staff will not provide help or advice regarding their personal hardware/software configuration. Furthermore, students must verify that all computer-based assignments that they plan to submit will execute correctly in the ITEE laboratories. Computer-based assignments that do not execute correctly in the ITEE labs will not be accepted.

Consultation

Students having problems with lab computer equipment, or their programming assignment, should see a lab tutor at any of the practical session times.

Problems to do with understanding lectures, doing tutorial exercises, doing assignments should be taken to the next tutorial session for the relevant stream. If the problem is urgent, take it to the next tutorial on the timetable - even if it's not the one you usually attend. If you are still having difficulty, see a subject consultant during an arranged consultation time. The times and locations will be announced on the web site. With the exception of special appointments, no consultation will occur outside of these times.

If the above is insufficient to answer your question or resolve your problem, you can then contact course coordinator or lecturer to arrange for an appointment.

Distribution of Notices

All announcements for the subject will be put on the course web site. Separate notices will be kept for St Lucia and Ipswich students. Students must check the course web site no less than once a week.

Newsgroup

The course newsgroup is uq..itee.infs1200 and uq.itee.infs7900. This group is available on both the University and School news servers (news.uq.edu.au and news.itee.uq.edu.au). Students are free to post questions (and answers!) to the newsgroup. Students are reminded that the newsgroup is to be used only for academic purposes. The teaching staff will occassioanally monitor the newsgroup, however, the course website will be the primary channel of distribution of notices.

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
Learning Activities
Lectures (Lecture)
Class Exercises (Case Study)
Small group work (Tutorial)
Lab work (Practical)
Take home work (Group Work)
Assessment Tasks
Final exam
Assignment
QUIZ

Graduate Attributes

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

	Learning Objectives
	1	2	3	4	5	6
Graduate Attributes
*A IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY*
A1. A comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in the field of study.
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.
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.
*C INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY*
C1. The ability to work and learn independently.
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.
C4. The ability to identify problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.
*D CRITICAL JUDGEMENT*
D1. The ability to define and analyse problems.
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.
D3. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions.
*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:

	Learning Objectives
	1	2	3	4	5	6
Graduate Attributes
1. Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
2. Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers, but also with the community at large
3. In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline
4. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
5. Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance
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
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
9. Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities
10. Expectation and capacity to undertake life-long learning

feedback

INFS1200 - Sem 2 2009 - St Lucia - Internal

1. General Course Information

1.1 Course Details

1.2 Course Introduction

1.3 Course Staff

1.4 Timetable