INFS1200 — Introduction to Information Systems
course-info
databases
Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026), St Lucia, in person. Information systems analysis, design and implementation, relational database technology, data modelling, data querying using SQL, and building a small-scale information system using a relational DBMS.
Staff
- A/Prof Archie Chapman — course coordinator & lecturer
- A/Prof Hassan Khosravi — lecturer
- Email: INFS1200@eecs.uq.edu.au
Learning outcomes
- LO1 Extract information systems requirements to create basic conceptual models
- LO2 Map basic conceptual data models to relational database schema
- LO3 Express natural language queries correctly using the SQL language
- LO4 Reason with the logical foundations of the relational data model and the fundamental principles of correct relational database design
- LO5 Explain key security concepts related to database control measures and SQL injection
- LO6 Construct a small-scale information system in a relational database management system
Course learning activities
- Lectures — weeks 1-13, introduce concepts/techniques for information systems analysis and DBMS design.
- Applied classes — weeks 2-13, practice the techniques introduced in lectures.
- Practicals — hands-on experience developing/implementing a small-scale information system in a relational DBMS and practicing SQL.
- RiPPLE personalised learning activities — 12 weekly rounds (answering, generating and reviewing instructor/peer-generated questions), best 10 of 12 count toward the mark.
Assessment
| Component | Weight | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly RiPPLe activities (best 10 of 12) | 10% | Weekly, Fri 4pm from week 2 to week 13 (week 6 exception: Thu 2/04/2026) |
| Assignment 1 (ER models + relational data model) | 25% | 2/04/2026 5:00pm |
| Assignment 2 — SQL code submission (hurdle) | 25% | 8/05/2026 5:00pm |
| Assignment 2 — SQL interview (pass/fail hurdle) | — | 19-21/05/2026 (week 12 Applied Classes/Practicals) |
| Final exam (hurdle) | 40% | End of semester exam period, 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
- Must pass the Assignment 2 interview to be eligible for >50% on Assignment 2.
- Must pass the final exam (≥50/100) to pass the course overall — a failed exam caps the total mark at 49 (grade 3), and caps it further at 47 (grade
- if the exam mark is also below 40%.
- Final exam: 120 minutes + 10 minutes planning time, closed book except one A4 double-sided sheet of notes, no calculators, in-person invigilated.
Lectures
- 2026-02-23-conceptual-database-design-and-the-er-model
- 2026-03-02-weak-entities-the-eer-model-and-design-choices
- 2026-03-09-the-relational-model-and-integrity-constraints
- 2026-03-16-er-to-relational-mapping
- 2026-03-30-basic-sql-ddl-and-dml
- 2026-04-06-aggregation-grouping-and-multiple-relation-queries
- 2026-04-13-nested-queries-views-and-generative-ai
- 2026-04-27-database-design-guidelines-and-functional-dependencies
- 2026-05-04-normalisation-and-relational-database-schema-design
- 2026-05-11-database-security
Reference / concept notes
Exercises
- week1-lab-practical-1-course-tools
- week2-tutorial-applied-class-1-intro-to-dbms-and-basic-erd
- week3-tutorial-applied-class-2-entity-relationship-diagrams
- week2-tutorial-case-study-1-dirt-road-driving
- week4-tutorial-applied-class-3-relational-integrity
- week5-tutorial-applied-class-4-entity-relationship-mapping
- week3-tutorial-case-study-2-dirt-road-driving
- week4-tutorial-case-study-3-dirt-road-driving
- week6-tutorial-applied-class-5-basic-sql-ddl-and-dml
- week6-tutorial-case-study-4-easydrive-insurance
- week7-tutorial-applied-class-6-aggregation-and-grouping
- week7-tutorial-case-study-5-easydrive-insurance
- week8-tutorial-applied-class-7-multiple-relation-queries
- week9-tutorial-applied-class-8-nested-queries-and-views
- week10-tutorial-applied-class-9-functional-dependencies
- week10-tutorial-case-study-8-dirt-road-driving
- week11-tutorial-applied-class-10-normalisation-bcnf-3nf-synthesis
- week11-tutorial-case-study-9-payroll-system
- week12-tutorial-5-1-database-security