Students
ISYS224 – Database Systems
2017 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor, Lecturer
Abhaya Nayak
Contact via Email
E6A382
Wednesday 13:00 - 14:00
Lecturer
Yan Wang
Contact via Email
E6A 339
Lecturer
Akther Shermin
Contact via Email
Tutor
Mohammad Huq
Contact via Email
Tutor
Hedieh Ranjbartabar
Contact via Email
Tutor
Charles Liu
Contact via Email
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ISYS114
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides an in-depth study of modern database technology and its dominant role in developing and maintaining enterprise information systems. The aim is to teach students how to program database applications. The emphasis is placed on business applications, using Structured Query Language (SQL) as an interactive and a programmatic language, on principles of the relational-database model, and on fundamental components of a client-server database-management system. Practical work involves the use of a commercial database-management system together with programming tools.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts that underlie modern database management systems.
- Design and develop small, functional database applications using modern database design methods.
- Develop skills in using a industrial-strength database tools and interactive development environments for building databases.
- Complete different database programming tasks to specification using SQL .
General Assessment Information
Assessment Tasks Submission/Completion Process
The assessments of this unit consist of two online tests, two assignments and a final exam. You will complete the two tests on iLearn. The solutions to the two assignments should be submitted via iLearn by the due date. The final examination is a closed book examination, and will be taken in person on the appropriate date. Note that students who are approved to sit a Supplementary Exam will be required to take it in the week of December 11 – 15.
Late Submission Policy
Late assignments (not tests) will be accepted up to 48 hours after the submission deadline.There will be a deduction of 20% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 40% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved. In such cases a compensating mechanism will be decided on a case by case basis.
Assessment Standards
ISYS224 will be assessed and graded according to the University assessment and grading policies.
The following general standards of achievement will be used to assess each of the assessment tasks with respect to the letter grades.
Pass: Can demonstrate a broad knowledge of database concepts but with limited understanding. Can design and develop functional database with documentation. Is familiar with tools and interactive development environments, and comfortable with database programming.
Credit/Distinction: As for Pass plus: Exhibits breadth and depth of understanding of concepts. Can demonstrate critical analysis skills in fundamental database concepts. Able to design and develop functional and highly maintainable database, with documentation. Very familiar with tools and interactive development environments with good ability to solve database problems. Very familiar with database programming and quite able to implement solutions to database problems.
High Distinction: As for Credit/Distinction plus: Is aware of the context in which the concepts are developed and their limitations. Has demonstrated critical analysis skills in fundamental database concepts who also has exceptional analytical and critical thinking capability. Able to design and develop functional and highly maintainable database, with documentation and familiarity with tools and interactive development environments, and has exceptional ability to solve challenging database problems. Very familiar with tools and interactive development environments, and has exceptional ability to solve challenging database problems. Has exceptional database programming skills and able to implement maintainable solutions to challenging database problems.
Assessment Process
These assessment standards will be used to give a numeric mark to each assessment submission during marking. The mark will correspond to an appropriate letter grade when relevantly weighted. The final mark for the unit will be calculated by combining the marks for all assessment tasks according to the percentage weightings shown in the assessment summary.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test 1 | 5% | No | Week 4 |
| Assignment 1 | 20% | No | Week 7 |
| Test 2 | 5% | No | Week 10 |
| Assignment 2 | 20% | No | Week 12 |
| Final Examination | 50% | No | TBA |
Test 1
Due: Week 4
Weighting: 5%
The focus of tthis test will be on database modeling.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts that underlie modern database management systems.
Assignment 1
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 20%
Assignment 1 will focus on logical design and implementation of databases
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts that underlie modern database management systems.
- Design and develop small, functional database applications using modern database design methods.
- Develop skills in using a industrial-strength database tools and interactive development environments for building databases.
- Complete different database programming tasks to specification using SQL .
Test 2
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 5%
The focus of this test will be on database programming.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts that underlie modern database management systems.
- Complete different database programming tasks to specification using SQL .
Assignment 2
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 20%
Assignment 2 will assess certain fundamental aspects of database systems including database programming..
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts that underlie modern database management systems.
- Design and develop small, functional database applications using modern database design methods.
- Develop skills in using a industrial-strength database tools and interactive development environments for building databases.
- Complete different database programming tasks to specification using SQL .
Final Examination
Due: TBA
Weighting: 50%
The final examination will assess students' understanding of the fundamental concepts behind database management systems, and their skills in database programming and development.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts that underlie modern database management systems.
- Design and develop small, functional database applications using modern database design methods.
- Complete different database programming tasks to specification using SQL .
Delivery and Resources
Classes
Each week you should attend three hours of lectures, a tutorial class and a practical session. For details of days, times and rooms consult the timetables webpage. Students are urged to actively participate in the tutorials; this helps enhancing the understanding by students.
Note that practicals and tutorials commence in week 2. You should have selected a practical session and a tutorial session during enrolment. You should attend the sessions you are enrolled in.
Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials
Textbook
The textbook listed below cover much of the required material that will be used in preparation of lectures and/or assignments and/or practicals.
- Thomas Connolly and Carolyn Begg. Database Systems. A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation, and Management, Sixth Edition, Pearson, 2015, ISBN-13: 978-1-292-06118-4
For some parts of learning, other necessary material will be made available on the ISYS224 iLearn site.
Unit Webpage and Technology Used and Required
Digital recordings of lectures are available from echo360 at iLearn. Read these instructions for details.
Websites
The web page for this unit can be found at http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
Technology
In this unit you will be exposed to the following technology and tools
- MySQL - Database Management System
- MySQL Workbench - Data Modeling Software Tool
Discussion Boards
The unit will make use of discussion boards hosted within iLearn. Please post questions there, they will be monitored by the staff on the unit regularly.
Unit Schedule
|
Week |
Topic |
Reading |
|---|---|---|
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1 |
Introduction to Databases: Relational model |
Connolly & Begg, Chapters 1,2,4 + Class Notes |
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2 |
Database modeling (ER modeling, EER modeling) |
Connolly & Begg, Chapters 12-13 |
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3 |
Conceptual & Logical Database design |
Connolly & Begg, Chapters 16-17 |
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4-6 |
Data Manipulation and Database Normalisation |
Connolly & Begg, Chapters 6, 14-15 |
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7 |
Relational Algebra |
Connolly & Begg, Chapter 5 |
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Recess |
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8-9 |
Database Programming |
Connolly & Begg, Chapter 8 |
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10 |
Transaction management |
Connolly & Begg, Chapter 22 |
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11 |
Concurrency control, Recovery |
Connolly & Begg, Chapter 22 (and Lecturer provided) |
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12 |
Data Storage and Management | (Lecturer Provided) |
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13 |
Revision |
Lecturer Provided |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 2
- Final Examination
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts that underlie modern database management systems.
- Design and develop small, functional database applications using modern database design methods.
- Develop skills in using a industrial-strength database tools and interactive development environments for building databases.
- Complete different database programming tasks to specification using SQL .
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 1
- Assignment 2
- Final Examination
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 2
- Final Examination
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts that underlie modern database management systems.
- Design and develop small, functional database applications using modern database design methods.
- Develop skills in using a industrial-strength database tools and interactive development environments for building databases.
- Complete different database programming tasks to specification using SQL .
Assessment tasks
- Test 1
- Assignment 1
- Test 2
- Assignment 2
- Final Examination
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts that underlie modern database management systems.
- Design and develop small, functional database applications using modern database design methods.
Assessment tasks
- Test 1
- Assignment 1
- Test 2
- Assignment 2
- Final Examination
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts that underlie modern database management systems.
- Design and develop small, functional database applications using modern database design methods.
- Complete different database programming tasks to specification using SQL .
Assessment tasks
- Test 1
- Assignment 1
- Test 2
- Assignment 2
- Final Examination
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts that underlie modern database management systems.
- Design and develop small, functional database applications using modern database design methods.
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 1
- Assignment 2
- Final Examination
Changes from Previous Offering
In earlier offerings of ISYS224, Oracle was used as the Database Management Systems, and PowerDesigner as the modelling too. In this offering MySQL and MySQL Workbench will be used in response to changing circumstances. The diagnostic test (10% in 2016) has been replaced by two online tests distributed across the two halves of the semester.