Students

COMP6150 – Introduction to Database Design and Management

2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Charanya Ramakrishnan
charanya.ramakrishnan@mq.edu.au
Convenor and Lecturer
Kristi Ovsthus
kristi.ovsthus@mq.edu.au
Lecturer
Hijab Alavi
hijab.alavi@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
COMP1350
Unit description Unit description

This unit introduces students to the principles and concepts of data storage, management and modelling, including the role of data and information in organisations. The unit will cover conceptual modelling techniques, converting conceptual data models into relational data models and verifying its structural characteristics with normalisation techniques, and implementing and utilising a relational database using a database-management system.  Fundamental data modelling tools, techniques and query languages such as Structured Query Language (SQL) will be used. An introduction to the concepts and issues relating to data warehousing, governance, administration, security and privacy and alternative database structures such as distributed and object-oriented databases will be provided. Ethical and green approaches to the collection, backup, use and storage of data and the construction of systems are emphasised. The unit concentrates upon building a firm foundation in information representation, organisation and storage with particular emphasis upon the application of database systems. 

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:

  • ULO1: Analyse data requirements and design and develop conceptual database models.
  • ULO2: Implement system models into databases, design and create simple databases for business information systems and write programs to produce interactive queries.
  • ULO3: Use data analysis and data modelling techniques and tools for introductory level database design and specification.
  • ULO4: Explain the role and nature of ethics and sustainability in the IT environment related to databases.

General Assessment Information

We strongly encourage all students to participate actively in all learning activities. Regular engagement is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation enhances your learning experience and contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone.

Requirements to Pass this Unit

To pass this unit, you must:

  • Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50%

There are no hurdle requirements for the unit.

Assessment Information

Database Design Group Project

This is a group assignment to be submitted on iLearn. Each student must contribute to every part of the task, and to encourage collaboration in identifying the best solutions. If it is submitted late, the entire group will be penalised unless special consideration applies.

Skill Exercise

This is an individual assessment held and invigilated during the practical class for which you are registered via iLearn Quiz.

Final Exam

This is an individual formal examination that will be conducted on campus and invigilated. The time and place will be published on https://iexams.mq.edu.au/ closer to the date.

Release Dates

  • Database Design Group Project: to be released no later than week 3
  • Skill Exercise: information and sample questions are to be released no later than week 8
  • Final Exam: information and sample questions are to be released no later than week 13

Submission of assessable work

For all your assignments and your professional life in the future, you are encouraged to:

  • Set your personal deadline earlier than the official deadline
  • Keep backups of all your important files
  • Ensure that no one else has access to your files or documents

Late Submission Policy

  • 5% penalty per day: If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days.

    • Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.

    • Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 1 day late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.

  • After 7 days: Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.

  • Extensions:

    • Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.

    • Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration.

Need help? Review the Special Consideration page HERE

Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted

  • Database Design Group Project – YES, Automatic Short Extension will apply
  • Skills Exercise - NO, unless Special Consideration is Granted
  • Final Exam - NO, unless Special Consideration is Granted

Special Consideration

The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable, and significantly disruptive and may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Database Design Group Project 30% No 08/04/2026 Group No Open
Skills Exercise 20% No In Week 10, during the registered SGTA Individual Yes Open
Final Exam 50% No Exam Period Individual No Observed

Database Design Group Project

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 08/04/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open

This is a group assignment. It involves designing a database using a top-down approach. You will be assessed based on the development of an entity-relationship diagram, logical transformation for a given problem description, and planning of the physical design.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse data requirements and design and develop conceptual database models.
  • Implement system models into databases, design and create simple databases for business information systems and write programs to produce interactive queries.
  • Use data analysis and data modelling techniques and tools for introductory level database design and specification.

Skills Exercise

Assessment Type 1: Experiential task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: In Week 10, during the registered SGTA
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

This assessment is an individual SQL practical skill. This assessment will involve executing database queries to demonstrate the knowledge of SQL. You will be assessed based on the successful execution of SQL queries for given problem statements.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Implement system models into databases, design and create simple databases for business information systems and write programs to produce interactive queries.

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

This test will assess your overall knowledge of the database design process and practices, database implementation and usage, as well as other database-related concepts.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse data requirements and design and develop conceptual database models.
  • Implement system models into databases, design and create simple databases for business information systems and write programs to produce interactive queries.
  • Use data analysis and data modelling techniques and tools for introductory level database design and specification.
  • Explain the role and nature of ethics and sustainability in the IT environment related to databases.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • Academic Success for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

Classes

Each week, you should engage and participate in:

  • a two-hour lecture
  • a two-hour practical

For details of days, times and rooms, consult your personal timetable on eStudent. For details of scheduled classes, consult the Classfinder tool on eStudent.

Week 1 Classes

Note that both the lecture and practical classes commence in week 1. 

Please attend the practical class for which you are registered on eStudent.

Methods of Communication

We will communicate with you via your university email and through announcements on iLearn. Queries to teaching staff can either be placed on the iLearn general discussion forum or sent to the teaching staff via the unit email: comp1350@mq.edu.au

Texts and Materials

Notes are available each week on iLearn, but they are intended as an outline of the lecture only and are not a substitute for your own notes or reading of any textbook or other additional material.

Unit Schedule

Topics:

  • Introduction to database
  • Database design and modelling
    • Conceptual modelling
    • Logical transformation
    • Physical modelling
  • SQL coding
  • Normalisation
  • Database applications and ethics
  • Advanced database topics

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Changes from Previous Offering

We value student feedback to be able to continually improve the way we offer our units. As such we encourage students to provide constructive feedback via student surveys, to the teaching staff directly, or via the FSE Student Experience & Feedback link in the iLearn page. 

Student feedback from the previous offering of this unit was very positive overall, with students pleased with the clarity around assessment requirements and the level of support from teaching staff. As such, no change to the delivery of the unit is planned, however we will continue to strive to improve the level of support and the level of student engagement.  

Unit information based on version 2026.01R of the Handbook