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Course profile

Introduction to Information Systems (INFS7900)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Elec Engineering & Comp Science School

Information systems analysis, design and implementation, relational database technology, data modelling, data quering using SQL, building a small scale information system using a relational database management system.

This course provides the foundation concepts on designing and implementing information systems, necessary for advanced data management and data analysis courses taught in various Information Technology, Engineering, Business and Science programs. The course includes modules on data modelling, principles of correct database design, the SQL language for querying relational databases, and developing a small scale database application using MySQL.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Senior Math B or MATH1040. Basic set theory is useful. No computer programming experience is assumed.

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

INFS1200 or BISM2207 or BISM3203 or BISM7206

Jointly taught details

This course is jointly-taught with:

  • INFS1200

Lectures are jointly taught.

Practicals are taught in separate sessions but cover the same material.

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to introduce students to the foundation concepts onᅠdesigning and implementingᅠinformation systems, necessaryᅠfor advanced data managementᅠand data analysis courses taught later in various programs.ᅠThe course will prepare students to deploy small information system in MySQL

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Extract information systems requirements to create basic conceptual models

LO2.

Map basic conceptual data models to relational database schema

LO3.

Reason with the logical foundations of the relational data model and the fundamental principles of correct relational database design

LO4.

Express natural language queries correctly using the SQL language

LO5.

Explain key security concepts related to database control measures and SQL injection

LO6.

Construct a small-scale information system in a relational database management system

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Tutorial/ Problem Set Weekly RiPPLe activities
  • Online
10% (Best 10 of 12)

2/08/2024 4:00 pm

9/08/2024 4:00 pm

16/08/2024 4:00 pm

23/08/2024 4:00 pm

30/08/2024 4:00 pm

6/09/2024 4:00 pm

13/09/2024 4:00 pm

20/09/2024 4:00 pm

4/10/2024 4:00 pm

11/10/2024 4:00 pm

18/10/2024 4:00 pm

25/10/2024 4:00 pm

Due 4pm Friday from Week 2 to Week 13

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set Assignment 1 25%

30/08/2024 3:00 pm

Computer Code Assignment 2
  • Online
25%

4/10/2024 3:00 pm

Oral assessment will be run during practical sessions in Week 12

Examination Final exam
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
40%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

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
Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
10% (Best 10 of 12)
Due date

2/08/2024 4:00 pm

9/08/2024 4:00 pm

16/08/2024 4:00 pm

23/08/2024 4:00 pm

30/08/2024 4:00 pm

6/09/2024 4:00 pm

13/09/2024 4:00 pm

20/09/2024 4:00 pm

4/10/2024 4:00 pm

11/10/2024 4:00 pm

18/10/2024 4:00 pm

25/10/2024 4:00 pm

Due 4pm Friday from Week 2 to Week 13

Other conditions
Peer assessed.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Twelve weekly assessment activities run through RiPPLe are designed to test information system analysis and design techniques. The assessable tasks will consist of a combination of learning resource creation, moderation and practice. Submissions will be due at the end of each teaching week beginning in Week 2 and ending Week 13. The best 10 of 12 submissions will be used to calculate a student's mark, with each worth 1% of the course mark. Detailed task specifications will be announced and placed on Blackboard at the required time.

Submission guidelines

The assessment will be submitted online via the RiPPLe platform. Detailed instructions will be provided on Blackboard the task specification.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

To accommodate unforeseen circumstances such as illness, the best 10 of 12 submissions will contribute to the total RiPPLE mark, allowing for two missed submissions across the semester.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

Assignment 1

Mode
Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
25%
Due date

30/08/2024 3:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02

Task description

The assignments are designed to test information system analysis and design techniques as well as the information system development skills acquired in practical sessions. Assignment 1 focuses on ER models and the relational data model. Task specifications will be announced and placed on Blackboard at the required time. Please ensure that you download your copy as soon as possible on or after the date of issue. Students are advised to progressively submit versions of their assignments, and make backup copies, as internet connections and software can fail (or be lost) for many reasons and it happens quite frequently.

Submission guidelines

The assignment will be submitted online via Gradescope.

Detailed instructions will be provided in the assignment description.

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 submissions with feedback and/or detailed solutions with feedback will be released to students within 7 days.

Late submission

Assignment submissions received after the due time (or any approved extended deadline) will be subject to a 100% late penalty. A one-hour grace period applies to the due time after which time (4:00pm) the 100% late penalty will be imposed. This grace period is designed to deal with issues that might arise during submission (e.g. delays with Blackboard or Gradescope) and should not be considered a shift of the due time.

Assignment 2

  • Online
Mode
Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
Category
Computer Code
Weight
25%
Due date

4/10/2024 3:00 pm

Oral assessment will be run during practical sessions in Week 12

Learning outcomes
L02, L04, L06

Task description

The assignments are designed to test information system analysis and design techniques as well as the information system development skills acquired in practical sessions. Assignment 2 focuses on SQL and specifications will be announced and placed on Blackboard at the required time. Please ensure that you download your copy as soon as possible on or after the date of issue. Students are advised to progressively submit versions of their coding assignments, and make back-up copies, as internet connections and software can fail (or be lost) for many reasons and it happens quite frequently.

This assessment item has two parts:

  • Part one is an online code submission.
  • Part two is an oral critique of your submitted code, which will be completed during an in-person meeting with a demonstrator scheduled during practical sessions in Week 12, after the code submission. In the meeting with the demonstrator, students will discuss the work they have submitted and explain their approach and why they used particular techniques. All oral assessments must be given live and will be recorded by the teaching team for archiving purposes. Students must achieve a pass (+/-) for the critique portion of the task to be eligible to pass Assignment 2.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Part one of the assignment will be submitted online via Gradescope.

Part two will be conducted in practical sessions during Week 12.

Detailed instructions will be provided in the assignment sheet and via Blackboard announcements.

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.

Late submission

Part 1: Assignment submissions received after the due time (or any approved extended deadline) will be subject to a 100% late penalty. A one-hour grace period applies to the due time after which time (4:00pm) the 100% late penalty will be imposed. This grace period is designed to deal with issues that might arise during submission (e.g. delays with Blackboard or Gradescope) and should not be considered a shift of the due time.

Part 2: Will be conducted in practical sessions during Week 12. Non-attendance will result in a fail mark for the practical session.

Final exam

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
40%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Exams are designed to test theoretical concepts and modelling techniques introduced in lectures and tutorials. More information on exams will be provided on the assessment page of the course website at the appropriate time. Students will sit an on-campus invigilated exam. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

Mark of 50/100 on final exam is required to pass the course. Students who fail to meet this requirement will have their mark capped at 49 and receive grade of at most 3.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted
Materials

One A4 sheet double-sided of typed or handwritten notes

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 Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Total of at most 19%.

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Total of at least 20%.

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Total of at least 45%.

4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Total of at least 50%, and pass (i.e. 50%) in the final exam.

5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Total of at least 65%, and pass (i.e. 50%) in the final exam.

6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Total of at least 75%, and pass (i.e. 50%) in the final exam.

7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Total of at least 85%, and pass (i.e. 50%) in the final exam.

Additional course grading information

Your final percentage will be rounded to the nearest whole number.

Students must receive a passing grade on the final exam in order to pass this course (i.e.ᅠachieve at least 50/100). If you fail the exam, your final mark will be capped at 49 and your final grade will be capped at 3.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Generative AI and Machine Translation in Assessment 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing the Assignment 1 and 2 tasks. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

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.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 13
(22 Jul - 27 Oct)

Lecture

Lectures

Lectures will provide an introduction to various concepts and techniques in information systems analysis and the design of Database Management Systems (DBMS). Lecture notes and recordings will be available on Blackboard.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Problem-based learning

In-class exercises

A series of in-class exercises will be conducted to provide opportunity for better student engagement with content and in depth discussions.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Multiple weeks

From Week 2 To Week 13
(29 Jul - 27 Oct)

Tutorial

Small group work

Contact sessions will provide opportunity to practice the techniques introduced in lectures

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Practical

Lab work

Practicals will allow students to get hands on experience in implementing small scale information systems using a relational DBMS and practicing SQL.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Information technology session

RiPPLE personalised learning activities

Students will be required to complete four RiPPLE rounds, which includes answering, generating and reviewing instructor and peer-generated questions. This work forms a progressive assessment task.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, 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:

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: