Unit Outline

In this unit you will develop basic skills in data modelling using relational data models and normalisation to ensure data integrity.

The unit introduces relational data models, normalisation techniques, and data integrity principles, while providing hands-on experience in designing databases and using Structured Query Language (SQL) to retrieve, analyse, and manage data. You will explore how organisations transform raw data into meaningful insights through data analytics, reporting, and visualisation techniques that support evidence-based decision-making.

Recognising the growing importance of data as a strategic organisational asset, the unit also examines modern data management practices including data warehousing, data lakes, data integration, and data governance. Contemporary topics such as data quality, privacy, security, ethical data use, regulatory compliance, and the role of data in business intelligence and artificial intelligence (AI) applications will be explored. By the end of the unit, you will be equipped with foundational skills to support data-driven organisations and contribute to digital transformation initiatives across a range of industries.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Develop database designs using relational data modelling, normalisation, and entity-relationship diagrams
2	Implement and administer secure databases using a database management system
3	Apply SQL commands to mine data from databases and data visualisation techniques to address organisation information needs
4	Explain the privacy and legal requirements associated with managing and storing data

Alterations as a result of student feedback

New UC. No feedback available.

Teaching arrangements


ATTENDANCE MODE	TEACHING TYPE	LEARNING ACTIVITY	CONTACT HOURS	FREQUENCY
On Campus	Lecture (Online)	A real-time (i.e. synchronous) interactive activity involving the whole class whose primary purpose is the presentation and structuring of information/ideas/skills to facilitate student learning. All students are expected to attend	2	Weekly
	Tutorial	A structured real-time (i.e. synchronous) activity in a small-group setting where the primary purpose is the clarification, exploration or reinforcement of subject content presented or accessed at another time or place (e.g. lecture, preparatory work). It is reliant on student-teacher and student-student interaction and dialogue for achievement of its learning outcomes. The students enrolled in the tutorial are expected to attend.	2	Weekly
	Independent Learning	Involving reading, listening to audio, watching video, and/or completing exercises and/or quizzes, self-study is individual work undertaken when the student chooses (i.e. asynchronous), most likely through engagement with MyLO. The content is examinable, and may need to be completed prior to attending classes and/or attempting assessment tasks.	1	Weekly

Attendance / engagement expectations

If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Database Design	Week 6	30 %	LO1
Assessment Task 2:	Database Implementation	Week 9	20 %	LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Data visualisation Report	Week 13	20 %	LO3
Assessment Task 4:	Module and Tutorial Exercises	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Database Design

Task Description:

Given a business scenario, students will develop a conceptual and logical database design using Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs), relational modelling, and normalisation techniques. Students will submit a concise design report (2–3 pages) containing their ERD, relational schema, key assumptions, and a brief explanation of how normalisation was applied to ensure data integrity and minimise redundancy.

Task Length:

2-3 pages

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Develop a database design using relational data modelling and an entity-relationship diagram	LO1
2	Normalise the database design	LO1

Assessment Task 2: Database Implementation

Task Description:

Given a database design, your group will implement and administer a relational database using a database management system (DBMS) and Structured Query Language (SQL). The group will create database objects, establish relationships, enforce data integrity constraints, and manage data within the database environment. The assessment also requires the application of appropriate security controls, user permissions, and data protection measures to support privacy, ethical, legal, and governance requirements. Through this practical implementation, students will demonstrate how well-designed databases support secure and effective organisational data management.

Working in groups, students will collaboratively develop a database solution consisting of approximately 8–10 related tables and associated database objects. Groups are expected to plan, implement, test, and document the database as a shared project, with responsibilities distributed across team members.

While a single database solution will be submitted by each group, individual achievement will be assessed through a combination of the quality of the group submission, documented individual contributions, progressive peer feedback, and lecturer observation during tutorial sessions. Individual marks may be moderated where evidence indicates a contribution level that differs significantly from that of other group members. Peer feedback and lecturer observations will be structured using the four levels of feedback framework proposed by John Hattie and Helen Timperley (2007), ensuring that both the final outcome and the quality of individual engagement are recognised.

Task Length:

8-10 related tables

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Implement a database from a database design using a database management system	LO2
2	Administer a secure database ensuring privacy and other legal requirements are fulfilled	LO2, LO4

Assessment Task 3: Data visualisation Report

Task Description:

Given a database and a set of information requests, using sql commands to extract the required data and then using data visualisation techniques you will compile a short report to provide informed answers.

Task Length:

3-5 pages

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply SQL commands to mine data from a database	LO3
2	Use data visualisation techniques to provide answers to information requests	LO3

Assessment Task 4: Module and Tutorial Exercises

Task Description:

Throughout semester you will complete module and tutorial exercises and answer questions that examine your knowledge and skills to complete database design, normalisation, database administration, querying, data visualisation and data management.

Task Length:

short quizzes and tutorial exercises

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Correctly answer questions on database design and data management	LO1, LO4
2	Apply sql and data visualization techniques to answer queries and administer a database	LO2, LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.