FIT5168 - Semi-structured data management - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Information Technology

Not offered in 2017

Synopsis

This unit investigates the management of semi-structured data. The unit explores the modelling of semi-structured data in XML using XML Schema and the transformation of such data using XSLT. It looks at methods for storing, querying and updating semi-structured data in both native-XML and object-relational database management systems and the design issues involved.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. explain differences between structured and semi-structured data;
  2. evaluate data management requirements and identify situations that can not be appropriately modeled with the relational data model;
  3. create data repositories for XML documents by applying the concepts of schemas and namespaces in a case study;
  4. apply transformation languages for transforming and repurposing XML data;
  5. apply query languages for navigating and querying an XML data store;
  6. use current Database Management Systems (DBMS) to store, retrieve and update non-relational data;
  7. compare and describe strengths and weaknesses of object-relational and native XML DBMS for handling XML.

Assessment

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

  1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
    • Two hours of lectures
    • One 2-hour laboratory
  2. Additional requirements (all students):
    • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Prerequisites

Recommended knowledge: Knowledge of relational database.

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at: