CSE2DBF: Database Fundamentals

One database design assignment - 15%

The DBF assignments follow the same format every year. You will be presented with a large case study and be asked to complete the following tasks:

a. Construct an EER diagram
b. Transform your EER diagram to a set of relational tables
c. Write the DDL statements (CREATE TABLE, etc.) for each table in your database


One database programming assignment -20%

This assignment is a continuation of the previous design assignment. You will be provided with the correct schema for the database, and also the SQL script to populate your tables. You will be asked to:

a. Write SQL statements to meet a certain requirement
b. Write stored procedures/functions according to requirements
c. Write triggers in PL-SQL to meet requirements

Mid Semester Test (45 minutes) - 5%

A multiple choice test held in lecture that contains the following topics: ER/EER diagrams, normalisation, SQL statements and relational algebra. The class average for this test in 2013 was 3/10. Do not underestimate this test.

One 3-hour examination - 60%

A fair exam that tests all major concepts in the course. A typical DBF exam has 5 major questions broken up into sub-questions:

1. EER diagram
2. Normalisation
3. Relational Algebra
4. SQL Queries
5. PL-SQL (stored procedures, functions and triggers)

DBF is the best second year unit in the department. In most degrees this is a core so it's no surprise that this subject was the largest in my IT degree with around 200+ students. The subject is well co-ordinated and the tutors were great. Due to the class size, it should be no problem finding a lab time that suits your timetable.

Most students do not like DBF as they have an irrational fear of databases. DBF is arguably the most important subject you will take in an IT/CS degree. An understanding of relational databases is simply essential and cannot be ignored, especially in the area of computer programming. Too many students complete Object Oriented Fundamentals (OOF) and IOO without a sound understanding of how to store and retrieve their data.

DBF is not an extremely challenging subject but nobody says it's easy either. If you want to do well, practice at home is a must. There are loads of practice questions available so I recommend using them as an ongoing resource.

I recommend learning SQL before the semester begins. This will save you time during the semester when assignments pile up from other subjects.

The exam is what caught most people out. Do not expect an easy exam with basic questions. All of the questions will require you to think on the spot and come up with solutions. You cannot rote learn your way through DBF.

DBF naturally leads to third year computer science subjects such as 'Database Management Systems (CSE3DMS)' and 'Big Data Management on the Cloud (CSE3BDC)'. Strongly recommended. 5 stars.

Yes, with screen capture.

Dr Eric Pardede (excellent)

No. There is a sample exam provided with solutions.

5/5

CSE2DBF (Database Fundamentals)
CSE1IS (Information Systems)
CSE2DES (System Design Engineering)

None.

2 X 1hr lectures per week
1 X 2hr lab per week

Semester 1, 2013

86 (A)