Unit rationale, description and aim
Databases are a critical technology for organisations, enabling the efficient recording, processing, and management of data while maintaining data quality and security. This unit equips students with foundational knowledge and practical skills in database design and implementation. Students will develop the ability to identify and model organisational information requirements, construct conceptual data models, verify structural integrity through normalisation techniques, and select appropriate database technologies to meet organisational needs.
The unit introduces both relational and non‑relational data storage approaches and associated toolsets. Students will learn to implement and use relational database technologies and Structured Query Language (SQL) in a cloud environment using Microsoft Azure. The unit also covers core database administration tasks and ethical considerations related to the management and protection of organisational data. Designed in alignment with Microsoft’s curriculum, the unit provides a pathway to the DP‑900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals certification.
The aim of this unit is to prepare students to select, design, implement, and administer large‑scale database solutions that address organisational data and information management requirements while upholding data privacy, security, and the dignity of the individuals served by the organisation.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Analyse core data concepts and the use of relation...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply information requirements specification proce...
Learning Outcome 02
Develop and implement a database solution using mo...
Learning Outcome 03
Select appropriate database tools to ensure data s...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Introduction to databases and database concepts
- Data types and unstructured/structured data
- Relational databases
- Non-Relational databases
- Conceptual and logical data models
- Database Normalisation
- Programming Databases with Structured Query Language (SQL)
- Cloud-based databases
- Database Administration
- Modern data warehouses
- Database security
- Professional and ethical issues in data management and its impact on human dignity
Assessment strategy and rationale
To pass this unit, students must achieve a final mark of at least 50%. The assessment strategy is designed to help students develop a clear understanding of data and information management systems and apply this knowledge in practical work contexts. Assessment 1 focuses on applying database design principles and SQL through guided, hands‑on lab activities. Assessment 2 evaluates students’ understanding of database concepts and tools through the Microsoft Certification Exam. Assessment 3 requires students to design a database for a case study and develop queries to retrieve and manipulate data. Together, these assessment tasks enable students to demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes for the unit.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1 : Practical Database Exercises ...
Assessment Task 1: Practical Database Exercises
This assessment consists six exercises including conceptual data modelling, D, physical database design using a RDBMS, deploying cloud databases and data manipulation utilising SQL programming. This task requires students to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained in the unit in the creation of a database and applying SQL programming.
The feedback from this assessment will help students to apply the database concepts in the next assessment.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical Task
Artefact: ER Diagram /SQL code
25%
Assessment Task 2: Certification Exam Thi...
Assessment Task 2: Certification Exam
This assessment task requires student to undertake Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 Certification Exam.
The exam assesses students’ foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how they are implemented using Microsoft Azure data services.
This exam reports on a scale of minimum 100 and maximum 1000 with a passing score of 700. The exam contains 53 questions and students have 60 minutes to complete it.
35%
Assessment Task 3 : Capstone Database Project T...
Assessment Task 3: Capstone Database Project
This assessment task consists of database logical and physical design activity as well as data manipulation and database evaluation. This task requires students to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained in the unit in database design and implementation, and utilising Database Management System and SQL programming.
Students are required to create SQL queries to manipulate data and generate information, and enhance the security of the database. In addition, it requires a report detailing actions performed to improve security and demonstration of the understanding how organisations use, manage and secure data in organisations to maintain human dignity.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical task + Presentation
Artefact: Database file+ SQL code+ Live / Recorded with face-overlay Presentation (8 minutes) + Online Viva
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is delivered through Attendance and Online modes using a single, integrated learning and teaching strategy designed to ensure equivalent learning outcomes and a comparable learning experience for all students, while supporting diverse learning needs and maximising access.
Across both modes, learning activities are intentionally aligned to the unit learning outcomes and assessment tasks, and are underpinned by active learning, guided engagement with disciplinary knowledge, opportunities for peer interaction, and regular, timely feedback. While the mode of delivery shapes how students participate, the pedagogical intent, expectations and standards remain consistent.
In Attendance mode, students engage in weekly face-to-face classes at designated locations, supported by preparatory activities prior to workshops and opportunities for consolidation following classes. Online learning platforms are used to complement face-to-face teaching through additional resources and learning activities.
In Online mode, students engage with the same core content and learning outcomes through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities, including structured discussions and applied learning tasks that support learning in professional contexts.
Across both delivery modes, students should plan to commit approximately 150 hours to this unit over the semester, including participation in learning activities, independent study, readings and assessment preparation.
Representative texts and references
Required:
Coronel C and Morris S 2022, Database systems: design, implementation, and management, 14th edn, Cengage Learning,, Boston, MA.
Online Resources:
Azure Data Fundamentals: Explore core data concepts
Azure Data Fundamentals: Explore relational data in Azure
Azure Data Fundamentals: Explore non-relational data in Azure
Azure Data Fundamentals: Explore modern data warehouse analytics in Azure
Recommended references
Hoffer, J. A., Venkataraman, R., Topi, H., & Bala, H. (2026). Modern database management (14th ed., Global ed.). Pearson
Kroenke D.M., Auer D.A., Vandenberg L. and Yoder R.C. 2022, Database Processing: Fundamentals, Design, and Implementation, 16th edition, Person.
Silberschatz, Abraham, Henry F. Korth, and Shashank Sudarshan (2020). Database system concepts. 7th Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill.
Hoffer, J. A., Topi, H., Venkataraman, R., & Bala, H. (2022). Modern database management (13th ed.). Pearson Education.
Connolly, T. M., & Begg, C. E. (2021). Database systems: A practical approach to design, implementation, and management (7th ed.). Pearson Education.
Gillenson, M. L. (2023). Fundamentals of database management systems (3rd ed.). Wiley.
Jukić, N., Vrbsky, S., Nestorov, S., & Sharma, A. (2021). Database systems: Introduction to databases and data warehouses (2nd ed., Edition 2.0). Prospect Press.
Kaufmann, M., & Meier, A. (2023). SQL and NoSQL databases: Modeling, languages, security and architectures for big data management (2nd ed.). Springer Nature.