Course coordinator
Professor Xue Li
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
Concepts needed to build large information management systems using current technology; performance management of relational data, storage and access, index structures, views and query processing, transaction management, concurrency control and recovery.
The principal objective of this course is to provide an in-depth knowledge on how a relational database is managed by Database Management Systems (DBMS). The learning would focusﾠon theﾠtopics of: properties of relational databases, such as shareability, reliability, availability, and security; the management issues of relational databases; comprehensive SQL language including DML-Data Manipulation Language, DCL - Data Control Language, and DDL - Data Definition Language; integrity constraints including static and dynamic constraints; disk storage and file organization; indexing structures, query processing and optimization;ﾠ transaction management, concurrency control, and recovery techniques.
Changes to this offering include minor improvements to teaching materials.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are expected to have knowledge in the design and implementation of basic information systems, asﾠcovered in INFS1200/INFS7900, including:
- Conceptual, logical, and relationalﾠdata modeling, including the knowledge about how to design an Entity-Relationship Disgram and translate it to a Relational Database Schema, how to conduct normalization by decomposition to reduce the data redundancy, and how to create views in relational databases.
- SQL queries and designing process of a general informartion systems.
- Basicﾠdata structures and algorithms related to the database design, database constraints, and using of functional dependencies in database design.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
INFS1200
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BSIS7206 or COMM7605 or INFS7903 or INFS7901
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- INFS7903
All learning activities are jointly taught.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Xue Li
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Applied classes and Practicals start from week 2.
Aims and outcomes
The principalﾠobjective of this course is to provide an in-depth knowledge of Database Management Systems (DBMS) design including the following topics: properties of relational databases, such as shareability, reliability, availability, security, SQL, integrity constraints, disk storage and file organization,ﾠindexing structures,ﾠquery processing and optimization,ﾠtransaction management, concurrency control, recovery techniques.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Distinguish and classify the different principles underlying the design of Database Management Systems (DBMS).
LO2.
Experiment with DBMS software such as PostGreSQL.
LO3.
Analyze the fundamental techniques and algorithms applied for data storage, processing, and retrieval.
LO4.
Design relational databases with considerations of data integrity and system performance.
LO5.
Examine recent trends and advances in the area of data management systems.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Participation/ Student contribution |
Weekly RiPPLE activities
|
10% (Best 10 of 12) |
Week 2 Fri - Week 13 Fri
Due on 4 PM Friday of each teaching week starting week 2 and ending week 13. |
| Computer Code, Project | Assignment 1 | 20% |
12/09/2025 4:00 pm
Multiple submissions are allowed. The assessment will be based on your last submission. |
| Computer Code, Project | Assignment 2 | 20% |
31/10/2025 4:00 pm
Multiple submissions are allowed. The assessment will be based on your last submission. |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Weekly RiPPLE activities
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 10% (Best 10 of 12)
- Due date
Week 2 Fri - Week 13 Fri
Due on 4 PM Friday of each teaching week starting week 2 and ending week 13.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Weekly activities run through RiPPLE platform are designed to test the knowledge and techniques related to Relational Database Management Systems. The assessible tasks will consist of a combination of learning resource creation, moderation and practice. Detailed task specifications will be announced and placed on Blackboard at the required time.
AI Policy
These tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies to learn the relevant topics. However, none of works including coding, explanations, and result images etc, should be generated using AI or MT tools. Successful completion of these assessments in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass these assessments, students may be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Using the RiPPLE platform.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Because only the best 10 of 12 submissions will contribute to the mark for this assessment item and feedback/answers are released soon after the due date, no extensions are permitted.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
As the results/answers are released soon after the due date, and only the best 10 of 12 will contribute to the mark for this assessment item a 100% penalty will be applied to late submission.
This has been approved by the Associate Dean (Academic)
Assignment 1
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Computer Code, Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
12/09/2025 4:00 pm
Multiple submissions are allowed. The assessment will be based on your last submission.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Assignment 1 aims to implement a number of database techniques using PostgreSQL under a given application setting. It will focus on ensuing database application semantics using various integrity constraints and SQL Triggers.
Assignment details will be provided in the assignment handout released on Blackboard Ultra. Students are required to finish this assignment individually.
AI Policy
These tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies to learn the relevant topics. However, none of works including coding, explanations, and result images etc, should be generated using AI or MT tools. Successful completion of these assessments in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass these assessments, students may be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submission guidelines will be included in the assignment handout.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Marked assignments with feedback and/or detailed solutions with feedback will be released to students within 14-21 days, where the earlier time frame applies if there are no extensions.
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.
Assignment 2
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Computer Code, Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
31/10/2025 4:00 pm
Multiple submissions are allowed. The assessment will be based on your last submission.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Assignment 2 aims to implement a number of database techniques using PostgreSQL under a given application setting. It will focus on improving database efficiency using views, indexes, and query planning.
Assignment 2 details will be provided in the assignment handout released on Blackboard. Students are required to finish this assignment individually.
AI Policy
These tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies to learn the relevant topics. However, none of works including coding, explanations, and result images etc, should be generated using AI or MT tools. Successful completion of these assessments in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass these assessments, students may be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submission guidelines will be included in the assignment handout.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Marked assignments with feedback and/or detailed solutions with feedback will be released to students within 14-21 days, where the earlier time frame applies if there are no extensions.
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.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
All topics introduced in this course will be covered in the final exam.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Students must receive a passing grade on the final exam in order to pass this course (i.e., achieve at least 50% of the final exam allocated marks). If you fail the exam, your final mark will be capped at 49 and your final grade will be capped at 3.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | Blank paper for drafting can be available by request during the examination. |
| 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 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 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
Students must receive a passing grade on the final exam in order to pass this course (i.e., achieve at least 50% of the final exam allocated marks). If you fail the exam, your final mark will be capped at 49 and your final grade will be capped at 3. Your final mark will be rounded to the nearest integer before grade cut-offs are applied.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Having Troubles?
If you are having difficulties with any aspect of the course material you should seek help. Speak to the course teaching staff.
If external circumstances are affecting your ability to work on the course, you should seek help as soon as possible. The University and UQ Union have organisations and staff who are able to help, for example, UQ Student Services are able to help with study and exam skills, tertiary learning skills, writing skills, financial assistance, personal issues, and disability services (among other things).
Complaints and criticisms should be directed in the first instance to the course coordinator. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may bring the matter to the attention of the School of EECS Director of Teaching and Learning.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures The weekly course lectures will provide in-depth knowledge of various concepts and techniques in the design of Database Management Systems (DBMS). Lecture notes will be available for all the topics covered in this course. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Problem-based learning |
Take home work (Design and Implementation) Students will be provided with the instructions for two assignments to work towards the design and implementation of a relational database system using PostGreSQL. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Practicals The weekly Practicals will start from Week 2. Practicals will allow students to become familiar with various methods in the implementation and optimization of database management systems. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Applied Class |
Applied Classes The weekly Applied Classes will start from Week 2. Applied Classes will provide an opportunity to further understand the concepts introduced in the lectures via examples, exercises and problem-solving. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Problem-based learning |
RiPPLE personalised learning activities (Computer Exercise) Students will be required to complete four RiPPLE rounds (each with three weeks), which includes generating, reviewing and answering instructor and peer-generated questions. This work forms a progressive assessment task over 12 weeks starting from Week 2, finishing at Week 13. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: