Database Fundamentals
UndergraduateLTU-CSE2DBF2024
Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
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- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Database Fundamentals
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply a database modelling technique using an ER and EER diagram, and use a transformation process to change these to a relational database design.
- Identify the appropriate normalization techniques for database design.
- Implement a database system using SQL and apply the relevant knowledge in database management and administration.
- Define the underlying model of relational database operations using relational algebra.
- Identify the possible risks and ethical and social considerations relevant to a designed system.
- ER/EER Modelling and Transformation
- Normalisation
- Relational Algebra
- SQL
- PL/SQL
This subject starts with an overview of the architecture and management of database systems, and a discussion of different existing database models. The main focus includes relational database analysis, design, and implementation. This subject prepares students for subjects such as the final year industry project which require an understanding of database design and implementation. The students learn: relational algebra as the formal foundation of relational databases; relational conceptual design using an entity-relationship diagram; relational logical database design; foundation of normalisation; security and integrity; and SQL implementation of relational database queries. Students are required to design a database application that meets the needs of a system requirement specification, and to implement the system using a commercial standard database system such as ORACLE or POSTGRESQL. In addition, a selection of advanced topics in databases will be introduced and discussed.
- One 3-hour examination (3,000-word equivalent). (50%)
- Assignment 1: EER modelling based on case study (due in week 4, 600-word equivalent). This is a database conceptual design assessment. Given problem description, students provide EER Diagram as the database conceptual design. (20%)
- Assignment 2 - SQL and PL/SQL (due in week 12, 800-word equivalent). This is a database programming assignment. Given a populated database, students write SQL queries, stored procedures and triggers. (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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- 17
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 18
Entry requirements
Others
Past La Trobe University students who have previously completed CSE4DBF (Database Fundamentals) or CSE2DCX (Database Fundamentals on the Cloud) are ineligible to enrol in this subject.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-BUS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DEG
Bachelor of Psychological Science
UndergraduateLAT-PYS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-CYS-DEG
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