UQ Students should read the Disclaimer & Warning
Note: This page dates from 2005, and is kept for historical purposes.
The University of Queensland
School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
Semester 2, 2003
INFS1200- Introduction to Information Systems
INFS7900 - Equivalent Course(s)
Course Profile
Version
This is version 1.1 of the INFS1200course profile, dated 21 July 2003.
Changes since the last version
Not applicable.
Course Summary
| Course Code(s): | INFS1200 / INFS7900 |
| Unit Value: | #2 |
| Contact Hours: | 6 hours per week (3L1T2P) |
| Purpose: | This course introduces the student to the area of computer-based information systems. It includes basic concepts necessary to correctly design, and implement, a small information system. The course will prepare students to deploy small information systems in industry and will also prepare them for further study of advanced information system concepts taught later in the program. |
Teaching Staff
Dr Shazia Sadiq (Course Coordinator)
Office: 78-652
Phone: 53481
Fax: (07) 3365-4999
Email: shazia[at]itee.uq.edu.au
Consultation Time:
Dr. Xue Li (Ipswich)
St Lucia Office: 78-650, Tel: 33652379;
Ipswich Room: TBA, Tel: TBA
Email: xueli[at]itee.uq.edu.au
Tutors
TBA
Course Goals
On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- Extract (simplified) specifications to create basic conceptual data models
- Map basic conceptual data models to relational database schema
- Reason with the logical foundation of the relational data model
- Understand the fundamental principles of correct relational database design
- Express natural language queries using relational algebra and the SQL language
- Construct simple computer-based information systems given a complete specification
Graduate Attributes Developed
The University of Queensland has defined a set of graduate attributes to specify broad core knowledge and skills associated with all undergraduate programs (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/contents/view.asp?s1=3&s2=20&s3=5). This course addresses these attributes as follows:
| Attribute | Contributions from this Course |
|---|---|
| In-depth knowledge of the field of study | This course will provide foundation knowledge of information system design and development, specifically on data modelling, relational databases, SQL and a high level understanding of database management systems. This knowledge is intended to lay the foundation for further advanced study in databases. However, the course is structured in such a way that students taking only this course in databases will gain sufficient knowledge to undertake the design and development of a small scale database application |
| Effective Communication | The importance for effective communication is emphasised since design diagrams are demonstrably used as instruments of communication |
| Independence and Creativity | The course includes assignment work which requires students to independently build data models and make design decisions. This work is part of a small information systems development project in which students implement a real life database application, which promotes creativity |
| Critical Judgement | Design decisions will be required in assignments as well as exam questions. This will require the use judgement based on techniques and methods studied and the ability to justify design approach |
| Ethical and Social Understanding | The phases of database design, from receiving user specifications to implementing the application, demonstrate the need for team work between domain experts/users, database designers, database administrators, application developers and programmers. Students are expected to recognize that the success of an information system depends not only on technical skills, but also on the ability to effectively interact with multiple parties and work towards a common goal |
Assumed Background
Senior Math B or MT 140. Basic set theory is useful. No computer programming experience is assumed.
Resources
Course Profile Copy
In the first lecture (or class meeting) students will be directed to the web address at which this course profile can be read. Students enrolled at St Lucia who wish to retain a hard copy of the profile can use the free print quota provided each semester to students enrolled in courses in the School of Information Technology & Electrical Engineering. For information on how to use this print quota, see the School Policy on Student Photocopying and Printing (St Lucia). Students enrolled at the Ipswich campus will either be provided with a hard copy or given directions in class on how to obtain a free copy.
Textbook
The required/recommended/suggested text is
Elmasri & Navathe (2000) Fundamentals of Database Systems, 3rd
edn, Addison Wesley
Grauer R.T. & Barber M. (2002) Exploring Microsoft Access 2002, Prentice
Hall.
Handouts
Lecture notes will be available from the following:
-
Viewing/downloading from the web. These may be viewed as Html, or downloaded as PDF
-
Printing options will be available from POD (Print on Demand, UQ http://www.pod.uq.edu.au/ )
Facilities
The subject requires the use of personal computers that support Microsoft Access database software. These computers will be made available to all INFS1200 students who will have access to ITEE labs at scheduled times. Should students wish to do so, they may use their own computer resources for the subject. However, students must understand that they do so at their own risk. The University is not responsible for any hardware or software problems that arise as a result. ITEE staff will not provide help or advice regarding their personal hardware/software configuration. Furthermore, students must verify that all computer-based assignments that they plan to submit will execute correctly in the ITEE laboratories. Computer-based assignments that do not execute correctly in the ITEE labs will not be accepted.
Consultation
Students having problems with lab computer equipment, or their programming assignment, should see a lab tutor at any of the practical session times.
Problems to do with understanding lectures, doing tutorial exercises, doing assignments should be taken to the next tutorial session for the relevant stream. If the problem is urgent, take it to the next tutorial on the timetable - even if it's not the one you usually attend. If you are still having difficulty, see a subject consultant during an arranged consultation time. The times and locations will be announced on the web site. With the exception of special appointments, no consultation will occur outside of these times.
If the above is insufficient to answer your question or resolve your problem, you can then contact course coordinator to arrange for an appointment.
Distribution of Notices
All announcements for the subject will be put on the course web site. Separate notices will be kept for St Lucia and Ipswich students. Students must check the course web site no less than once a week.
Web
The subject website can be found at http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~infs1200. It contains the subject profile and current subject notices as well as the subject resources, including lecture notes, tutorials, assignments, and solutions. Students must check this site no less than once a week.
Newsgroup
The course newsgroup is uq.itee.infs1200. This group is available on both the University and School news servers (news.uq.edu.au and news.itee.uq.edu.au). Students are free to post questions (and answers!) to the newsgroup. Students are reminded that the newsgroup is to be used only for academic purposes. The teaching staff will monitor the newsgroup.
Teaching Activities
Lectures
This subject will have 3 hours of lectures every week. Lectures will be held in at St Lucia and Ipswich campus. Please refer to SINet Timetable for details. Lecture notes will be available for the following:
-
Viewing/downloading from the web. These may be viewed as Html, or downloaded as PDF.
-
Printing options will be available from POD (Print on Demand, UQ http://www.pod.uq.edu.au/ )
Please see the Lectures page on the course web site to view/download lectures and/or find out about required readings for each lecture.
Tutorials
This subject will have 1 hour of tutorial every week. Please refer to SINet Timetable for details. Tutorials consist of exercises from the text book (Elmasri & Navathe 3rd Edition). Tutorials are scheduled to meet 2 basic objectives:
-
To provide an opportunity to extensively practice and apply the techniques and concepts introduced in the lectures. Although the tutorial exercises are not handed in or marked, proficiency on these techniques and concepts will be assessed in the quizzes and final exam, and hence attendance and participation in the tutorials is extremely important
-
To provide consultation to the students regarding theoretical component of the subject. As far as possible, questions in a particular session should be limited to the topic under discussion.
The solutions to each week's tutorial exercises will be made available online on Friday afternoon of the same week. There will be 10 tutorials in all, with the first one starting in week 3. Please see the Tutorials page on the course web site to find out more about the tutorial questions and solutions.
Pracs
This subject will have scheduled hours of supervised lab every week. Please refer to SINet Timetable for details. The semester will be divided into 2 Lab periods:
-
The first period of 4 weeks (starting from week 3 through to week 6) is to allow students to get familiar with MS Access interface and tools. A series of lab exercises will be undertaken, which will be guided by the MS Access text book (Grauer & Barber). The first 6 chapters of the book must be covered. Guidelines to manage these exercises and ensure that the required material is covered in the allocated time are given on the Practical page on the course web site. However, students are free to work at their own pace, provided the first 5 chapters are thoroughly covered.
-
The second period (week 7 to week 13) will be designated to working on the practical assignments
Please see the Practical page on the course web site for guidelines on managing the exercises. This page also contains the practice database and web links to additional exercises.
Attendance
You are not required to attend any of the teaching sessions (except those in which an assessment activity is taking place), however, you are strongly encouraged to do so. The lectures, tutorials and pracs have been specifically designed to aid your learning of the course material. Failure to attend a session may result in you being disadvantaged. It is up to you to find out what happened at any class session that you miss.
Teaching Plan
This course is divided into 8 modules, which will cover the following topics:
-
Introduction to Information Systems
-
Fundamentals of the Relational Data Model
-
Conceptual Data Modeling using the Entity-Relationship Approach
-
ER to Relational Mapping
-
Functional Dependencies and Normalization
-
Relational Algebra
-
Introduction to SQL
-
Database System Architecture
The above outline is intended to give a tentative plan for the subject. The topic list may be altered or rearranged as the course progresses to better achieve academic objectives
The course modules will be scheduled as follows in the teaching calendar:
| Week |
Lecture |
Tutorial |
Practical |
| 1 |
Introduction
|
||
| 2 |
Relational Model |
||
| 3 |
Entity-relationship Model |
Relational Model |
1. MS Access |
| 4 |
ER to Relational Mapping |
ER |
2. MS Access |
| 5 |
FDs and Normalization |
ER-Relational Mapping |
3. MS Access |
| 6 |
(cont) Normalization Relational Algebra |
Normalization |
4. MS Access |
| 7 |
(cont) Relational Algebra |
Relational Algebra |
Work on Assignments |
| 8 |
Basic SQL |
Relational Algebra |
Work on Assignments |
| 9 |
Mid Semester Exam |
Basic SQL |
Introduction to SQLator |
| 29/10 - 3/10 |
Break |
||
| 10 |
Advanced SQL |
Mid Semester Feedback |
Work on Assignments |
| 11 |
(cont) Advanced SQL |
Advanced SQL |
Work on Assignments |
| 12 |
Database System Architecture |
SQL-Views |
Work on Assignments |
| 13 |
(cont) Database System Architecture |
Consultation Tutorials |
|
Note: The week by week timetable may be changed in accordance with any changes made to the course topics.
Assessment
INFS1200will be assessed by several methods as outlined below. Your final grade (on a 1 to 7 scale) will be determined by combining the marks from the various assessment components as described below. For each assessment item, reference is made to the specific learning objectives (from the list above) which the assessment item will address.
-
Exams are designed to test theoretical concepts and modeling techniques introduced in lectures and tutorials. Exams will address learning outcomes 1-5.
-
Practical assignments are designed to test data analysis and design techniques, information system development skills acquired in practical sessions, and proficiency in SQL. Practical assignments will address learning outcomes 1-6.
Assignments
This course will have two practical assignments. Practical assignments are designed to test data analysis and design techniques as well as information system development skills acquired in practical sessions. Assignments will be announced and placed on the Assignment page on the course web site at the required time.
Please ensure that you download/print your copy as soon as possible on or after the date of issue.
Procedure for submission of assignments will be announced on the course web site. Late submission of assessable material will incur a penalty of 20% reduction each date late. Students who believe they have sound reasons of late submission should see the course coordinator as soon as possible.
Students are advised to create back-up copies of their assignments. Software can fail (or be lost) for many reasons and it happens quite frequently. Students should also retain paper-based assignments in the event that the original paper version is lost or damaged.
Exams
This course will have two exams: Mid Semester and Final. Exams are designed to test theoretical concepts and modeling techniques introduced in lectures and tutorials. Exams will address all material from lectures and tutorials that occurred prior to the exam date. All exams will be closed book. You will be required to answer all questions and write in the space provided on the exam paper. Programmable calculators and other computing or communication devices are NOT permitted. Students may request the use of dictionaries, including bilingual dictionaries, supplied by Examinations Section. You will require a HB or 2B pencil and an eraser to complete the exam.More information on exams will be provided on the exam page on the course web site at the appropriate time.
Determination of Final Grade
| Assessment |
% |
Due date (Semester 2) |
| Assignment 1 (2 Parts) |
10 % |
Week 6 (Part 1) |
| 10% |
Week 8 (Part 2) |
|
| Mid Semester Exam |
30 % |
Week 9 (in lecture) |
| Assignment 2 |
10 % |
Week 12 |
| Final Exam |
40 % |
Examination period |
Students are required to pass the final exam (i.e. to obtain at least 20 out of 40) to pass the course.
Assessment Policies
Return of Assignments
Upon completion of marking, an announcement will be made on the web site, as to when the marked material will be returned. Assignments and exams will be returned in the practical/tutorial session that you indicate on the cover page of the assignment or exam. Please indicate, as far as possible the same session as the one you signed up for.
Uncollected assignments and exams will then be made available for collection/viewing from an announced place
Academic Merit, Plagiarism, Collusion and Other Misconduct
The School and the wider academic community in general takes academic integrity and respect for other persons and property very seriously. In particular, the following behaviour is unacceptable:
- Submission of plagiarised work, i.e. work that contains content copied from an unacknowledged source.
- Submission of work without academic merit, i.e. work that adds little or nothing to material available from reference sources such as textbooks, websites, etc., even where this is appropriately acknowledged.
- Engaging in collusive behaviour, i.e. inappropriate working together with other students where individual work is required, or working with people outside your team where team work is required.
- Copying work done by other students.
- Failing to adhere to the School's regulations concerning behaviour in laboratories, in particular occupational health and safety regulations.
Penalties for engaging in unacceptable behaviour can range from cash fines
or loss of grades in a subject, through to expulsion from the University.
You are required to read and understand the School Statement on Misconduct,
available on the ITEE website at: http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about/student-misconduct.jsp. This
Statement includes advice on how to properly cite references and other sources
in your submissions and on acceptable levels of collaboration.
If you have any questions concerning this statement, please contact your
lecturer in the first instance.
Assessment Feedback
Timely feedback on all progressive assessment in this course will be available in accordance with University policy (HUPP 3.30.6 Student Access to Feedback on Assessment). Feedback will be provided in the following forms:
- Comments on assignment and exam scripts where appropriate
- Release of solutions and discussion on frequent errors on the course website
- Special tutorial session on discussion of solution
Students wishing to view examination answer scripts and/or question papers should consult with the School office (Room 217, General Purpose South Building [78], St Lucia; Room 218, Building 1, Ipswich) regarding arrangements.
It is a student’s responsibility to incorporate feedback into their learning; making use of the assessment criteria that they are given; being aware of the rules, policies and other documents related to assessment; and providing teachers with feedback on their assessment practices.
Support for Students with a Disability
Any student with a disability who may require alternative academic arrangements in the course is encouraged to seek advice at the commencement of the semester from a Disability Adviser at Student Support Services.
Sourced From http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/undergraduate/_profile_view.php?print=1&file=2003_2_INFS1200_StLucia