Importance of data management, definitions, relational data model: attributes, domains, keys, base tables, languages; Database design, ER modelling, Data normalisation, SQL, Physical database design, Oracle considerations, database administration: optimisation, concurrency; non-relational data models, future trends.
Objectives
At the completion of CSE9002, a student should:
understand the motivations behind the development of database management systems.
appreciate the underlying theoretical basis of the relational database model and how this model may be implemented in practice.
understand the differences between non-relational database models and the relational database model.
be able to apply logical and physical database design principles to a database implementation.
be conversant with Structured Query Language (SQL).
understand the processes involved in database administration, transaction management,concurrency control, restart and recovery.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this unit. Please see the note in the next section (Unit Relationships) concerning the applicability of this unit for your course.
Unit relationships
CSE9002 is a core unit in the Master of Applied Technology, Graduate Diploma in Computing and Graduate Certificate in Computing. CSE9002 may be used as an elective unit in other courses, subject to course leader approval.
You may not study CSE9002 and BUS2112, CFR2132, CFR2201, COT2132, COT2138, COT2180,COT3180, CSE2132, CSE2138, CSE2180, CSE2316, CSE3316, CSC3161, COT7710, COT7760 in your course.
Students should always seek advice from a course advisor if there is any doubt as to whether the unit they are enrolling into may be counted towards their course. Students should also consult the Monash University handbook.
Texts and software
Required text(s)
Connolly, T. and Begg, C., Database Systems – A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation and Management (3rd Edition or 4th Edition).
Textbook availability
Textbooks are generally available in the University library and at the University bookshop.
Software requirements
Microsoft Access and Oracle 10g will be used in the laboratory classes during the semester. Students do not need to purchase software for this unit.
Hardware requirements
Students may use the facilities available in the computing labs. Information about computer use for students is available from the ITS Student Resource Guide in the Monash University Handbook.
Recommended reading
Date, C.J., An Introduction to Database Systems (7th edition) NB: 5th and 6th editions of Date are also acceptable.
Elmasri, R. & Navathe, S.B. Fundamentals of Database Systems
Koch, G. & Loney, K. Oracle 8 – The Complete Reference (Note: We use Oracle 10g)
Pratt, P.J. and Adamski, J. J., Database Systems – Management and Design
McFadden, F.R. and Hoffer, J.A., Database Management
Library access
You may need to access the Monash library either personally to be able to satisfactorily complete the subject. Be sure to obtain a copy of the Library Guide, and if necessary, the instructions for remote access from the library website.
Study resources
Study resources for CSE9002 are:
on the unit website, which will contain links to:
Copies of the slides used in lectures
Tutorial questions and solutions (solutions will be made available progressively)
A discussion group and online quizzes may also be available through the unit website.
The timetable for on-campus classes for this unit can be viewed in Allocate+
Assessment
Assessment weighting
Two assignments and one examination (examination will be held during the semester 1 examination period).
Assessment weighting is as follows:
Assignment 1 20%
Assignment 2 15%
Final Examination 65%
Assessment Policy
To pass this unit you must:
Achieve at least a 50% final percentage score for the unit (i.e. FINAL as calculated in 14.3 below must be > 50)
Your score for the unit will be calculated by:
The following formula that determines the final percentage score for this unit:
A1 = percentage score for Assignment 1
A2 = percentage score for Assignment 2
EX = percentage score for examination paper
MARK=0.2A1+0.15A2+0.65EX
Students must achieve at least 40% in both the examination and non-examination (i.e. combined assignment) assessment components.
FINAL= final percentage score for the unit (as calculated below)
If ((0.2A1+0.15A2)*100/35)<40 OR EX <40 then
if (MARK < 44) then FINAL=MARK
else
FINAL=44
else
FINAL=MARK
Assessment Requirements
Assessment
Due Date
Weighting
Assignment I
Week 8 (Date/Time TBA)
20%
Assignment II
Week 13 (Date/Time TBA)
15 %
Final Examination
Exam period (S2/06) starts on 23/10/06
65 %
Assignment specifications will be made available on the unit website.
Assignment Submission
Assignments submission details will be provided along with the assignment specification.
Extensions and late submissions
Late submission of assignments
Assignment submission dates will be advised when assignments are handed out. Late assignments will NOT be accepted unless the lecturer determines that the documentary evidence provided by the student (see section 14.8) provides sufficient reason to support an extension of the mandated assignment submission date/time.
This policy is strict because comments or guidance will be given on assignments as they are returned, and sample solutions may also be published and distributed, after assignment marking or with the returned assignment.
Extensions
It is your responsibility to structure your study program around assignment deadlines, family, work and other commitments. Factors such as normal work pressures, vacations, etc. are seldom regarded as appropriate reasons for granting extensions.
Requests for extensions must be made by email/in person to the unit lecturer at least two days before the due date. You will be asked to forward original medical certificates in cases of illness, and may be asked to provide other forms of documentation where necessary. A copy of the email or other written communication of an extension must be attached to the assignment submission.
Grading of assessment
Assignments, and the unit, will be marked and allocated a grade according to the following scale:
Grade
Percentage/description
HD High Distinction -
very high levels of achievement, demonstrated knowledge and understanding, skills in application and high standards of work encompassing all aspects of the tasks.
In the 80+% range of marks for the assignment.
D Distinction -
high levels of achievement, but not of the same standards. May have a weakness in one particular aspect, or overall standards may not be quite as high.
In the 70-79% range.
C Credit -
sound pass displaying good knowledge or application skills, but some weaknesses in the quality, range or demonstration of understanding.
In the 60-69% range.
P Pass
acceptable standard, showing an adequate basic knowledge, understanding or skills, but with definite limitations on the extent of such understanding or application. Some parts may be incomplete.
In the 50-59% range.
N Not satisfactory
failure to meet the basic requirements of the assessment.
Below 50%.
Assignment return
We will endeavour to have assignment results made available to you within two weeks after assignment receipt.
Feedback
Feedback to you
You will receive feedback on your work and progress in this unit. This feedback may be provided through your participation in tutorials and class discussions, as well as through your assignment submissions. It may come in the form of individual advice, marks and comments, or it may be provided as comment or reflection targeted at the group. It may be provided through personal interactions, such as interviews and on-line forums, or through other mechanisms such as on-line self-tests and publication of grade distributions.
Feedback from you
You will be asked to provide feedback to the Faculty through a Unit Evaluation survey at the end of the semester. You may also be asked to complete surveys to help teaching staff improve the unit and unit delivery. Your input to such surveys is very important to the faculty and the teaching staff in maintaining relevant and high quality learning experiences for our students.
And if you are having problems
It is essential that you take action immediately if you realise that you have a problem with your study. The semester is short, so we can help you best if you let us know as soon as problems arise. Regardless of whether the problem is related directly to your progress in the unit, if it is likely to interfere with your progress you should discuss it with your lecturer or a Community Service counsellor as soon as possible.
Plagiarism and cheating
Plagiarism and cheating are regarded as very serious offences. In cases where cheating has been confirmed, students have been severely penalised, from losing all marks for an assignment, to facing disciplinary action at the Faculty level. While we would wish that all our students adhere to sound ethical conduct and honesty, I will ask you to acquaint yourself with Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Faculty regulations that apply to students detected cheating as these will be applied in all detected cases.
In this University, cheating means seeking to obtain an unfair advantage in any examination or any other written or practical work to be submitted or completed by a student for assessment. It includes the use, or attempted use, of any means to gain an unfair advantage for any assessable work in the unit, where the means is contrary to the instructions for such work.
When you submit an individual assessment item, such as a program, a report, an essay, assignment or other piece of work, under your name you are understood to be stating that this is your own work. If a submission is identical with, or similar to, someone else's work, an assumption of cheating may arise. If you are planning on working with another student, it is acceptable to undertake research together, and discuss problems, but it is not acceptable to jointly develop or share solutions unless this is specified by your lecturer.
Intentionally providing students with your solutions to assignments is classified as "assisting to cheat" and students who do this may be subject to disciplinary action. You should take reasonable care that your solution is not accidentally or deliberately obtained by other students. For example, do not leave copies of your work in progress on the hard drives of shared computers, and do not show your work to other students. If you believe this may have happened, please be sure to contact your lecturer as soon as possible.
Cheating also includes taking into an examination any material contrary to the regulations, including any bilingual dictionary, whether or not with the intention of using it to obtain an advantage.
Plagiarism involves the false representation of another person's ideas, or findings, as your own by either copying material or paraphrasing without citing sources. It is both professional and ethical to reference clearly the ideas and information that you have used from another writer. If the source is not identified, then you have plagiarised work of the other author. Plagiarism is a form of dishonesty that is insulting to the reader and grossly unfair to your student colleagues.
Communication
Communication methods
Students can use email or telephone to contact the lecturer, and email to contact tutors. If consultation times are not provided, students should use these methods to contact the lecturer/tutor to arrange an appointment for consultation.
The unit website may include a link to an online discussion area.
Notices
Notices related to the unit during the semester will be placed on the unit website. Important information regarding the unit may also be provided during lectures.
Consultation Times
To be advised in lectures.
If direct communication with your unit adviser/lecturer or tutor outside of consultation periods is needed you may contact the lecturer and/or tutors at:
Dr Campbell Wilson Lecturer Phone +61 3 990 31142 Fax +61 3 990 31077
All email communication to you from your lecturer will occur through your Monash student email address. Please ensure that you read it regularly, or forward your email to your main address. Also check that your contact information registered with the University is up to date in My.Monash.
