Database Fundamentals
CSE2DBF
Subject Learning Guide
School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Bendigo
2011
Semester 2
Subject co-ordinator: Tim Whitfort
Table of Contents
Subject description ......................................................................................................................2
Teaching staff ..............................................................................................................................2
Intended Learning Outcomes and Graduate Capabilities ...............................................................3
Learning Activities ........................................................................................................................4
Timetable ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Laboratory classes................................................................................................................................ 5
Assessment ..................................................................................................................................5
Note: it is better to receive some marks for a partially completed assignment than none at all. ............. 6
Feedback on Assessment...................................................................................................................... 6
Special Consideration ........................................................................................................................... 6
Learning resources .......................................................................................................................6
Plagiarism and Academic Integrity................................................................................................7
Study skills support ......................................................................................................................7
Student Evaluations .....................................................................................................................8
Other University Policies ..............................................................................................................8
1
Subject description
This subject starts with an overview of the architecture and management of database systems, and
a discussion of different existing database models. The main focus includes relational database
analysis, design, and implementation. This unit prepares students for units such as the final year
major project which requires an understanding of database design and implementation. The
students learn: relational algebra as the formal foundation of relational databases; relational
conceptual design using an entity-relationship diagram; relational logical database design;
foundation of normalization; security and integrity; and SQL implementation of relational database
queries. In this unit, students are required to design a database application that meets the needs of
a system requirement specification, and to implement the system using a commercial standard
database system such as ORACLE or POSTGRESQL. In addition, a selection of advanced topics in
databases will be introduced and discussed.
Teaching staff
Tim Whitfort
Office Location
Business 1.19
Email
t.whitfort@latrobe.edu.au
Phone
5444 7312
For issues concerning this subject, you should first approach the subject coordinator. More general
matters associated with the course should be referred to the coordinator (Kerry Qualtrough, AS2
3.01, 5444 7805, k.qualtrough@latrobe.edu.au). If you are not able to resolve your issue through
these channels, you should refer them to the Deputy Head of the Department of Computer Science
and Computer Engineering (Mary Martin, B1.12, 5444 7273, m.martin@latrobe.edu.au), or in the
final instance to the Head of the School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.
When contacting staff, use your La Trobe student email account; this will also be used to contact
you (as per University policy).
2
Intended Learning Outcomes and Graduate Capabilities
Intended Learning Outcome
1. Apply a database modelling
technique using an ER and EER
diagram, and use a transformation
process to change these to a
relational database design.
2. Identify the appropriate
normalization techniques for
database design.
3. Implement a database system
using SQL and apply the relevant
knowledge in database
management and administration.
4. Define the underlying model of
relational database operations
using relational algebra.
5. Identify the possible risks and
ethical and social considerations
relevant to a designed system.
Teaching and
Learning
Activity
Assignment &
Exam.
Graduate Capabilities
Assignment &
Exam.
Critical thinking, discipline-specific
knowledge and skills.
Assignments &
Exam.
Critical thinking, creative problem-solving,
discipline-specific knowledge and skills.
Writing, inquiry/research, critical thinking,
creative problem-solving, disciplinespecific knowledge and skills.
Quantitative literacy.
Ethical awareness and professional
conduct.
3
Learning Activities
Timetable
Class time: 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of tutorials per week.
Lectures
Class
Time
Lecture 1 Monday 10:05-10:55am
Lecture 2 Wednesday 9:05-9:55am
Room
B130
B230
Tutorials
Class
Tut/Lab
Tut/Lab
Time
Monday 11:05-11:55am
Wednesday 10:05-10:55am
Room
B205/B111
B215/B111
Schedule
Week
#
1
Week
Commencing
25/7
2
3
4
1/8
8/8
15/8
5
6
22/8
29/8
7
5/9
8
9
12/9
19/9
Topics
References
Introduction to Database, Database System
Architecture & Introduction to Relational
Database.
Relational Algebra; Introduction to SQL.
SQL Aggregate Functions; Joins & Subqueries.
Inline Subqueries, Union & Outer/Inner Joins;
Modifying Table Data in SQL.
SQL Data Definition; Complex SQL Queries.
Report Generation; Entity-Relationship Data
Modeling.
Database Integrity; Mapping E-R Diagrams
into Relations.
Normalisation
Database Administration & Data Dictionary;
Database Security.
Hoffer chps 1 & 2
Hoffer chps 6 & 7
Hoffer chps 6 & 7
Hoffer chps 6 & 7
Hoffer chps 6 & 7
Hoffer chps 2
Hoffer chps 3 & 4
Hoffer chp 4
Hoffer chp 11
Assignment 1 due 4pm Fri 23-Sep-11
10
11
12
13
26/9
3/10
10/10
17/10
24/10
Lecture Break
Transaction Processing; Backup & Recovery.
Concurrency Control; Optimisation
Distributed DBMS; Data Warehouse
Embedded SQL; Revision & Exam
Assignment 2 due 4pm Fri 28-Oct-11
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Hoffer chp 11
Hoffer chp 11
Hoffer chps 9 & 12
Tutorials commence in the first week of semester following the second lecture. Tutorial classes
have a maximum of 20 students per class. Please put your name down on the tutorial list located on
the lecturer’s door (available in the week before week 1).
Estimated time commitment for the subject including class time: 10 hours per week averaged over
the semester, lecture break and exam period.
Laboratory classes
Tutorials exercises are available on the web.
Food and drink is not permitted in Lab rooms.
Assessment
Intended learning
outcomes
1-3
3
1-2
Assessment
% of final
mark
60%
20%
20%
Exam 3 hrs
Assignment 1
Assignment 2
Submission Date
See the exam timetable
4pm Fri 23-Sep-11
4pm Fri 28-Oct-11
Pass Requirements
To pass the subject students must achieve the following:



A minimum of 50% overall and
A minimum of 50% on the exam and
A minimum of 50% on the assignment work
Late Assignments
Assignments must be handed in by 4pm on the due date or incur the following late penalties.
Days Late
1-3
4-5
6-7
7+
Penalty
5%
20%
40%
100%. Not Accepted
Clarification of Days and Times
Between 4pm Friday and 4pm Monday
Between 4pm Monday and 4pm Wednesday
Between 4pm Wednesday and 4pm Friday
After 4pm on the Friday after it is due
When calculating the final mark for a late assignment, the late penalty is calculated based on the
maximum possible mark for the assignment. For example if a student hands the assignment in at
1pm Tuesday (4 days late) and they achieve a raw mark of 75% on the assignment, then a late
penalty of 20% is applied and they get a final mark of 55% (75% - 20%) for the assignment.
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Extensions


Extensions will only be given under exceptional circumstances and will only be granted if
notification is received in writing.
Some reasons for not allowing extensions are:
o Extensions are unfair to those who have worked hard to deliver assignments on
time.
o The lecturer cannot cover the solution until the last assignment has been handed in.
o A late assignment usually leads to late assignments in other subjects, leading to
deterioration in the quality of work submitted.
o Deadlines exist in the real working environment.
Note: it is better to receive some marks for a partially completed assignment than none at all.
Feedback on Assessment
Assignment work will be marked and returned before the next piece of assessment is due.
Special Consideration
The School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (SEMS) applies the standard University
policies and procedures for special consideration, if you believe your performance in assessment
has been adversely affected by illness or other serious circumstances. This includes the
requirement that applications are lodged (on the correct form, to the Student Centre) in a timely
manner and that they are complete, accompanied by supporting documentation. Each application
is considered (special consideration) by the subject coordinator; the granting of further assessment
(special exam or special assessment) is not automatic upon receipt of an application. To avail
yourself of any special exam offered, you must make yourself available during the official period for
these exams.
Learning resources
Text Book

Jeffrey Hoffer, Mary Prescott & Heikki Toppi (2011) Modern Database Management, 10th
ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall
References
Some useful references for the subject are:
 Coronel, C., Morris, S. & Rob P. (2011) Database Systems: Design, Implementation and
Management. 9th ed. Boston USA: Course Technology.
 Churcher C. (2008) Beginning SQL Queries: From Novice to Professional. Berkeley, CA :
Apress.
 Beaulieu, A. (2009) Learning SQL, 2nd ed. Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly.
See References on the subject web pages for other references on Java and software construction.
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Referencing and Paraphrasing guide:
http://www.lib.latrobe.edu.au/help/STE-Referencing-Guide-2010.pdf
Subject Web Pages
Class lecture notes, assignments, tutorial exercises (and more) will be made available on the web.
The notes on the web should not be viewed as the complete content of the subject. During
lectures, topics outlined in the notes will be expanded on with explanations, examples, diagrams,
discussion etc.
The Web pages for the subject are located at:
http://ironbark.bendigo.latrobe.edu.au/subjects/DB/
Prerequisites


Object-Oriented Programming Fundamentals (CSE1OOF) and
IT Fundamentals (CSE1ITF)
Plagiarism and Academic Integrity
Academic honesty is a fundamental principle in teaching, learning, research and scholarship. La
Trobe University requires its academic staff and students to observe the highest ethical standards in
all aspects of academic work and it demonstrates its commitment to these values by awarding due
credit for honestly conducted scholarly work, and by penalising academic misconduct and all forms
of cheating.
You are expected to be aware of, and comply with, the University’s standards for academic
integrity. Your responsibilities and the penalties for academic misconduct are explained at:
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/learning/integrity.html
All assessable tutorial and assignment work should be substantially your own. Working closely with
someone else on an assignment is cheating. Plagiarism of assignment work will be reported and
may result in a zero mark being awarded to all involved persons. Each assignment must be
accompanied by a signed STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP. Use the individual or group statement of
authorship as specified for the assignment.
Study skills support
Other resources to help with study skills:
 FSTE First Year Survival Guide
 Library
 Student Learning
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Student Evaluations
All SEMS subjects conduct regular student feedback surveys. Summary of Student Feedback Survey
responses may be found at:
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scitecheng/student-feedback
The subject report (including responses to the student feedback) for 2010 may be found at
Other University Policies
SEMS subjects adhere to other university policies not mentioned specifically above, including, but
not limited to, the policy on supplementary assessment. You can consult them at:
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/policy
SEMS provides computers and internet access solely for use in completing your subject
requirements. The use of this facility is controlled by the School internet policy for students:
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