This unit (NIT1201) introduces fundamental concepts and principles of database and explains its role and purpose in information system design and analysis. Students gain mastery of standard techniques to identify system requirements and design a simple database system. Content includes: systems concepts; role of the analyst; Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC), process modelling, Entity-Relationship (ER) modelling; relational database design using ER and Extended ER modelling, SQL (Structured Query Language), normalisation; and database management systems (DBMS).

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Park
Online Real Time
VU Sydney
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
NIT1201

Prerequisites

BCO1102 - Information Systems for Business

BCO1102 only applies to students for BMAISM and BMIISM.

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Describe the benefits and functions of databases and their applications;  
  2. Design a database using key relational database model concepts;  
  3. Develop and apply entity relationships (ER) and extended entity relationships (EER) diagrams;  
  4. Implement a relational database with multiple tables using a relational DBMS;  
  5. Apply query languages and manage a database using SQL; and  
  6. Normalise relations in a relational database system.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Presentation Presentation - group of three (3) (15 minutes) 10%
Assignment Assignment - group of three (3) 30%
Test Closed Book concept evaluation (1 hour) 20%
Test Closed book problem solving test (1 hour) 20%
Laboratory Work Practical Lab Test (2 hours) 20%

Required reading

Database Systems: Design, Implementation & Management 13th ed.
Coronel, C. & Morris, S. (2019)
Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. ISBN 978-1-337-62790-0

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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