Course coordinator
Dr Reihaneh Bidar
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
Data analysis, design and policy issues in business situations. Business issues in relation to database management, conceptual modelling, and data modelling in business applications. Using structured Query Language (SQL) to uncover critical information for business decision making. Business intelligence via data warehousing and data mining. Applications of database systems in a business context. Critical analysis and discussion of recent business research into database systems.
Data plays an integral role in decision-making within modern organisations. Therefore, data needs to be managed efficiently and effectively to enable easy, timely, informative, and accurate access to relevant and useful data. This forms the underlying framework and rationale for the learning content in BISM7206.ﾠ
This course provides students with an overall understanding of the relational database model and seeks to develop each student's ability to design and retrieve information from relational databases.ﾠThese skills will be further enhanced through learning Structured Query Language (SQL). The course seeks to develop students' knowledge and understanding of database elements including data integrity, domains,ﾠrecovery, concurrency, security, and other similar concepts. Overall, students will learn how to: construct data models and normalised tables designed to help achieve business objectives; evaluate and apply integrity constraints including domains, primary keys, and foreign keys; understand the concept of nulls and how this concept applies to SQL queries and database design; use SQL to retrieve relevant information for business purposes; andﾠunderstand the importance of database design elements in business applications. Students will also gain an appreciation of the benefits and requirements of distributed databases; and understand the relative advantages and disadvantages of relational and object-oriented databases and how these two models can coexist.
Course requirements
Assumed background
As the course will be both theoretical and practical ("hands on"), students are expected to be competent and comfortable using the University's systems as well as having some understanding of how business users utilise computer database applications to automate and enhance their business applications.ﾠ
Before attempting this course, students are advised that it is important to complete the appropriate prerequisite course(s) listed above. No responsibility will be accepted by the School of Business, the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law or the University of Queensland for poor student performance occurring in courses where the appropriate prerequisite(s) has/have not been completed, for any reason whatsoever.
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
BISM7202 or MGTS7202 or 2 units of COMP/COMS/INFS courses
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BISM2207 or 3203 or INFS1200 or 7900 or 7901 or MGTS3203 or 7206
Restrictions
Quota: Minimum of 15 enrolments
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Reihaneh Bidar
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name
- Student ID
- Course Code
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide students with an overall understanding of the relational database model. Important database concepts, methodologies, tools and techniques are introduced to provide students with the knowledge and skills to analyse, design and develop well-structured and effective databases. Students are introduced to data modelling techniques, entity relationship diagrams, and SQL to develop their ability to design and retrieve information from relational databases. The course also aims to enhance students' understanding of data integriety, domains, recovery, concurrency, security and other similar issues considered in the practical application of database management systems.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand and apply popular data modelling techniques and develop appropriate data structures for particular business environments.
LO2.
Understand and apply Structured Query Language (SQL) to extract data from relational information systems.
LO3.
Develop and apply data quality assurance procedures to improve data quality.
LO4.
Understand current Information Systems issues and identify how to exploit available data for corporate advantage.
LO5.
Develop and apply teamwork skills and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate and contribute to information systems development projects.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
20% |
Week 6
During Lecture Time |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration, Product/ Design, Project | Team Project | 40% |
23/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
Assessment Task 3 - Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
In-Semester Exam
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Week 6
During Lecture Time
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The exam will be undertaken individually via the link on Blackboard. Once you have started the exam, you will have the full duration to complete the questions and then submit your answers electronically. This assessment task covers learning materials presented in lectures, tutorials and the relevant textbook chapters from week 1 to week 5 inclusive. Further information about the exam will be presented during lectures.
AI Statement:
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
Team Project
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration, Product/ Design, Project
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
23/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This assessment task provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate:
- effective collaboration and teamwork skills;
- demonstrate their understanding of database concepts; and
- their ability to design, develop and implement a well-structured relational database that effectively supports the given case study business requirements
Students will also be required to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to use SQL. While it is anticipated that the fundamental knowledge and skills will be developed through lecture and tutorial materials, students will be required to undertake additional research to further develop the skills required to successfully complete this assessment task.
Students are required to submit a professional business report including professional modelling diagrams, supporting documentation and SQL scripts using app.diagrams.net for drawing models (freely available on the Web). SQL scripts are to be created using MySQL Workbench software which is available on UQ's "Digital Workspace" or Virtual Machine and in the BEL labs.
Teamwork:
Ideally, Assessment Task 2 will be undertaken in teams of 4 students. Team members must be enrolled in the same tutorial class to allow some teamwork to be conducted during tutorials (this is a mandatory requirement and will not be open to negotiation). Students are reminded that a key Learning Objective of this course is the ability to work in teams, and this assessment task directly addresses that Learning Objective. Accordingly, students are required to work in teams unless prior, special arrangements are in place with the course coordinator. Zero marks will apply if this requirement is not addressed.
Peer assessment:
Students must submit confidential self and peer evaluations to enable assessment of team member contributions. The evaluation process assists the teaching team to understand how each student contributed and the findings are confidential. The peer evaluation can affect each student's mark for this assignment.
Assessment guidelines along with team requirements, the case study description, marking rubric and specifications will be available under the Assessment link on Blackboard.
AI Statement:
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The assignment should be submitted as one Word document (docx) including modelling diagrams and a copy of the SQL scripts. Your assignment is to be submitted through Turnitin (via the Assessment link on Blackboard).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment Task 3 - Final Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The Final Examination will consist of multiple choice, short answer and problem-solving questions based on learning materials presented in lectures, tutorials and the relevant chapters of the textbook from week 1 to week 13 inclusive.
Further details about the exam will be discussed in lectures and posted to the Blackboard course site.
AI Statement:
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Lecture |
Course Overview and Intro to DBMS Introduction to database management including traditional file-based systems, the database management system and fundamental database concepts. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Week 2 |
Lecture |
Entity Relationship Modelling Entity relationship modelling is explored in terms of a data driven approach using entity-relationship diagrams including design elements such as entities, relationships, attributes, keys and multiplicity. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1: Data & Information; MYSQL prep Difference between data and information; importance of data and information; 3-level architecture; database case study. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Week 3 |
Lecture |
Relational Model Relational model concepts are discussed including specific terminology, keys, views and integrity constraints. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2: Entity Relationship Modelling Identify entities and relationships; review multiplicity and other relevant concepts; ERM practical exercises. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 4 |
Lecture |
Structured Query Language (I) Introduction to basic SQL DDL and DML statements. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3: Relational Modelling Practical exercises and concepts - relations, keys, integrity constraints; create a relational model and relational schema. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 5 |
Lecture |
Structured Query Language (II) Exploring aggregation and grouping, and relational operations to enable search conditions and order/grouping of results. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4: SQL Pactical Exercises SQL practical exercises. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 6 |
Lecture |
In-Class Exam In-Semester Exam will also take place during this lecture. |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 5: SQL Pactical Exercises No Tutorial due to In-Semester Exam Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 7 |
Lecture |
Normalisation Explore how normalisation supports database design and how concepts such as partial, transitive, and functional dependencies enable the logical database design to transition and conform to particular normal forms. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6: SQL Practical Exercises SQL practical exercises. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 8 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Good Friday Public Holiday (more info on BB) We focus on some important functions that a DBMS should provide including transaction management, concurrency control and recovery control. |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 7: Normalisation and Team Project Practical exercises on dependencies and normalisation concepts. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Mid-sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester Break |
Week 9 |
Lecture |
Transaction Management We expand our knowledge of database applications with an introduction to data warehousing and data integration. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 8: Pactical Exercises for Normalisation and Team Project Practical exercises on transaction management. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 10 |
Lecture |
Data Warehousing Security issues and how they might be addressed are considered in relation to the DBMS and its environment. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 9: Transaction Management and Team Project Labour Day Public Holiday - Monday 5 May 2025 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 |
Lecture |
Database Security Data is a valuable resource and access to accurate, current and informative data is critical to business success. Therefore, data needs to be managed and organised like other business assets. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 10: Team Project Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 12 |
Lecture |
Distributed Database Management Systems We examine distributed DBMSs including concepts, problems, technologies and protocols. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 11: Database Security Pactical Exercises and Team Project Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 13 |
Lecture |
Overview and Big Data & Technologies Exploring why data management technologies and approaches have expanded beyond relational databases and data warehousing. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 12: Exam consult Learning outcomes: L01 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.