Faculty of Higher Education Lilydale

Unit of Study Outline

CIS211
Database Concepts and Modelling
Study Period 2, 2012
Version date (7 May, 2012)

© Swinburne University of Technology, 2012

Except as provided in the Copyright Act 1968, this document may not be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of the University.
Unit of Study Outline
CIS211
Unit of study code
Database Concepts and Modelling
Unit of study name
Study Period 2, 2012
Teaching Term/Semester & Year
3 hours per week
Contact Hours (hrs/wk) or total contact
hours
CIS13 Information Systems Fundamentals
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
12.5
Credit Points

Teaching Staff
Name Role Campus & Phone No. Email Address Consultation
Room No. Times
Dr. Xuemei Unit of LD 104 03 9215 stian@swin.edu.au
Tian Study 7154
Convenor
Vivien Li Online Tutor vli@swin.edu.au Via eMail

Thai Nguyen Online Tutor thainguyen@swin.edu.au Via eMail

Email
All emails sent to either your tutor or the unit convener of this unit need to be sent from your
student email account. This will ensure your email is received in a timely manner and not
automatically sent to the SPAM filter used by Swinburne. Swinburne email accounts can be
forwarded to personal accounts. The Swinburne student email system, Outlook Live, is located at
http://outlook.com. See http://live.swinburne.edu.au/faq.html for more information on how to use it.

As part of the email criteria please clearly place in the subject heading the Unit Code and a brief
topic description, also inside your email state your name (first name and last name) so that your
email can be attended to as soon as possible.

Voicemail messages

If you are leaving a voicemail message, please make sure you leave your name, a contact phone
number, the date and the unit’s code clearly so your call can be returned as soon as possible.

Consultation: If you have any queries or problems about the unit or the course (including unit
content and/or course/unit administration), you should consult with the convener of the unit.

Page 2 of 14
Aims
The database now reflects the basic framework of the information system, and has fundamentally
altered the operating procedures of many organizations. Specifically, technological developments
during the past ten years have produced systems that when applied are both more powerful and
intuitive. The outcome of this change has seen has database systems become more readily
available to companies across a broad spectrum of industries. Most organizations have delegated
business decisions to lower levels of management in order to produce more dynamic outcomes. To
achieve such decisions, organisations need to manage their data and occasionally retrieve data
from other sources. Distributed database, and especially client server technology have emerged,
enabling access to existing databases on various platforms. Furthermore, the need has arisen for
organisations to be able to forecast business trends to enable implementation of strategic and
tactical decision-making. This decision-making is supported by data warehouses, which are
integrated, unit-oriented and time-variant databases. The downside to this aspect is that due to the
apparent simplicity of these systems, users have delved into the creation of databases and
applications despite lacking the essential knowledge to produce an effective and efficient system.
Therefore, the commonly termed ‘software crisis’ or, as termed in some cases, the ‘software
depression’ remains with us.

This unit extends the basic information technology skills gained in Information Systems Fundamentals
CIS13 to the development of a simple, automated personal database update and retrieval system to
solve a problem. The aim is to gain an understanding of problems / tasks presented, to see the need
for adequate documentation of the system and the management of this data to ensure that the
information produced is relevant, timely and accurate.

As this is a fundamental database unit, we will focus on introducing the theory behind databases as
clearly as possible, and in particular, on providing a methodology for database design that will be of
benefit to students who have limited background knowledge but aspire to gaining a deeper
understanding and appreciation of this comprehensive area. To attain an equitable, balanced
program, given that students have differing levels of understanding, we decided to adopt the Open
Office database system which will later allow students to design, generate and update simple
database systems. The Open Office Base database system is a basic system that allows free
downloading and is relatively easy to use. It should not present a major hurdle for those students
who have no technical background.

However, for the student who has a technical background in the database design area, or is
currently working in this area, we encourage the use of a more advanced and industry linked
database system, such as MySQL, with the aim of exploring more advanced database concepts and
development knowledge.

The methodology employed in this unit for relational database management systems (DBMSs) – currently
the most common system for business applications – has a sound history over many years in both
industrial and academic environments. The system incorporates three main phases: conceptual, logical,
and physical database design. This unit is divided into six lessons and covers the most important
concepts in database development tools, methods, techniques, trends and issues. The detailed unit
structure is covered in the content session. This unit also provides a solid foundation for other units
from the information technology / information system stream.

Learning Objectives
After successfully completing this unit, you should be able to:
1. Understand the basic goals and functions of databases, their applications and social impact.
2. Understand the systems development life cycle (SDLC) and the database life cycle (DBLC).
3. Understand the basics of data models, why they are important, their basic building blocks, the
business rules and how they influence database design.
4. Understand and use an Entity Relationship analysis to develop E-R diagrams.
Page 3 of 14
 5. Understand the concept of Normalization and be able to normalize tables to 3rd Normal Form
6. Describe and give examples of Relational Database Model concepts, for example, primary
key, relational database and referential integrity.
7. Understand the basics of query languages and how to manipulate and manage a database
using SQL
8. Develop a working relational database with multiple tables using Open Office or MySQL
9. Describe the Design, Implementation and Maintenance issues associated with databases.
10. Describe and demonstrate an understanding of database security, transaction failure and
recovery.
11. Understand and describe Distributed Database Management Systems (DDBMS).
12. Explain the role of Database Administration.
13. Understand the basic knowledge of physical database design for relational databases and
how to convert logical design to physical design.

Resources and Reference Material

The course material (comprising Lessons, Learning Objects, the Virtual Lectures will be made
available on the first day of the study period on the Flexible Learning at Swinburne Web site:
http://ilearn.swin.edu.au/ or go to the Swinburne Lilydale home page http://www.ld.swin.edu.au/
and select my.swinburne from the top menu.

NB: The recommended browser for accessing the I.T. units online via Blackboard is Internet
Explorer Version 7 or later.

Recommended Texts

Coronel, C, Morris, S and Rob, P 2010. Database systems: design, implementation, and
management, 9th edn, Cengage Learning, Boston, MA

Other Useful References

Elmasri, R and Navathe, S 2007. Fundamentals of database systems. 5th edn, Addison
Wesley, Reading MA

Hoffer, J, Prescott, M & McFadden, F 2007. Modern database management. 8th edn, Prentice
Hall/Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River NJ.

Gillenson, M 2005. Fundamentals of database management systems. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
New York

In addition you will be encouraged to access relevant web sites and to research other
online resources.

Content
Lessons and Learning Objectives:
 Lesson 01: Background (2 Weeks)
LO-01: Introduction to databases systems
LO-02: Data models
LO-03: Current and emerging trends

Page 4 of 14
 LO-04: The system development life cycle (SDLC) and the database life cycle
(DBLC)
 Lesson 02: Conceptual Database Design by Using ER Diagram (2 Weeks)
LO-05: Entity-Relationship modelling (part 1)
LO-06: Entity-Relationship modelling (part 2)
 Lesson 03: Logical Database Design for the Relational Model (2 Weeks)
LO-07: Introduction to the relational database model
LO-08: Introduction to logical database design for the relational model
LO-09: Normalization
LO-10: Advanced entity-relationship modelling
 Lesson 04: Structured Query Language (SQL) (3 Weeks)
LO-11: Introduction to structured query language (SQL) (Part 1)
LO-12: Introduction to structured query language (SQL) (Part 2)
LO-13: Advanced structured query language (SQL)
 Lesson 05: Physical Database Design for Relational Databases (2 Weeks)
LO-14: Database design methodology revisited
LO-15: Physical database design and implementation terminology
LO-16: Converting logical design to physical design
 Lesson 06: Selected Database Issues (2 Weeks)
LO-17: Security, transaction failure and recovery
LO-18: Database administration, implementation and maintenance
LO-19: Distributed database management system (DDBMS)
LO-20: Unit conclusion and exam overview

Key Generic Skills for this Unit of Study

You will be provided with feedback on your progress in attaining the following generic skills:

 Analysis skills will be assessed through the assignment reports requiring a critique of each
case study and justification for each database design.
 Problem solving skills will be assessed through the design recommendations which
address existing problems in each assignment case study scenario. Also assessed through
a Test requiring solutions to given problems.
 Communications skills will be assessed formally through the written assignment reports
with feedback on report clarity, structure and demonstration of understanding for the task
requirements.
 The ability to work independently will be developed in the writing and reading
requirements of the unit and assessed through the test which demonstrates individual
knowledge and ability to find solutions.

Learning and Teaching Structure

The course material (comprising Lessons, Learning Objects, Virtual Lectures and assessments)
will be made available on the first day of the study period on the Flexible Learning at Swinburne

Page 5 of 14
Web site: http://ilearn.swin.edu.au/ or go to the Swinburne Lilydale home page
http://www.ld.swin.edu.au/ and select my.swinburne from the top menu.

Flexible learning at Swinburne is designed to assist students to study in their own time, and from
their own homes. Online communication will be available through Online Chat sessions and the
‘Discussion Board’. By reading the material and adding your own thoughts, you will be able to
contribute to the on line discussions and everyone will benefit.

As an Off-Campus unit you will need to take control of your learning processes. While teaching
staff will be available to assist when required, it will be up to you to take the initiative and contact
your convener or appointed online tutor by email or via the online discussions. It is expected that
you will explore all the resources which are available online and undertake the preparatory reading
and exercises outlined in the unit learning materials.

You should follow the dates provided in your Weekly Schedule (as contained in this document) for
all assessment items and suggested course content sequencing.

NB: The recommended browser for accessing the I.T. units online via Blackboard is Internet
Explorer Version 7 or later.

In general, in a Study Period, you should normally expect to spend, on average, twelve and a half
hours of total time (formal contact time plus independent study time) a week on a 12.5 credit point
unit of study.

Lessons and Case Studies

There are lessons in this unit containing case studies that cover the major lesson areas. The main
function of the case studies is to give a general overview of the lesson and to direct the student to
relevant learning objects required to gain an understanding of the concepts and skills involved for
the lesson. The lesson will provide study guidelines, but will not attempt to deal with every relevant
aspect pertaining to that lesson.

Learning Objects

A Learning Object is an organised collection of learning resources and activities that focuses on a
particular body of knowledge and the accompanying set of skills at the conceptual and content
level. You will need to already know or learn the material in a Learning Object so that you can
successfully study any Lessons that incorporate the Learning Object.

Peer Support

As you study this unit, you will not be alone. You will be participating in a community of students
studying the same unit. Your fellow students will have slightly different skills and levels of
knowledge, but they will experience similar problems to those that you will face. Other students
can be valuable resources, and you can be a valuable aid for your companions, so help other
students and seek the help of others. But, please remember that all the work you submit for
assessment must be your own work – do not submit the work of others as if it is your own as heavy
penalties will be applied.

Page 6 of 14
Weekly Schedule – Study Period 2 2012
# Week LESSON
Beginning
1 Lesson 1: Background
28 May LO 1, 2, & 3 Introduction to
database, data models and
trends
2 Lesson 1: Background
LO 4 SDLC & DBLC
4 June
3 Lesson 2: Conceptual
Database Design by Using
ER Diagram
11 June
LO 5 Introduction to ER
Modelling 1
4 Lesson 2: Conceptual
Database Design by Using
ER Diagram
18 June
LO 6 Introduction to ER
Modelling 2
5 Lesson 3: Logical Database
Design for the Relational
25 June Model
LO 7, 8, & 9 Introduction to
LDD and normalization
6 Lesson 3: Logical Database
Design for the Relational
Model
2 July
LO 10 Advanced ER
8 July - Last Day to withdraw without academic penalty (WD)
7 Lesson 4: Structured Query
Language (SQL)
9 July LO 11 SQL Part 1
ACTIVITIES ASSESSMENT
There is no online chat this week.
Read all materials related to all 3 LOs.
Complete self review questions in these 3 LOs.
There is no online chat this week.
Read all necessary materials related to LO 4.
Complete self review questions in LO 4.
Complete self testing questions for Lesson 1.
Online chat this week. Prepare questions on
ER diagram (1)
Read all materials related to LO 5.
Complete self review questions in LO 5.
18 June Census Date
Online chat this week. Prepare questions on ER
diagram (2)
Read all materials related to LO 6.
Complete self review questions in LO 6.
Complete self testing questions for Lesson 2.
Online chat this week. Prepare questions on
normalization.
Read all materials related to all 3 LOs.
Complete self review questions in these 3 LOs.
Online chat this week. Prepare questions on Assessment One
advanced ER modelling
Due Sunday, 8th July
Read all materials related to LO 10. 2012 @ 11:59pm
AEST
Complete self review questions in LO 10.
Complete self testing questions for Lesson 3
Online chat this week. Prepare questions on
SQL (1)
Read all materials related to LO 10.
Complete self review questions in LO 10.
Page 7 of 14
 OUA Examination Services Venue Selection Open 9-27 July

8 Lesson 4: Structured Query Online chat this week. Prepare questions on

Language (SQL) advanced SQL (2)

16 July LO 12 SQL Part 2 Read all materials related to LO 11.

Complete self review questions in LO 11.

22 July– Last day to withdraw to receive (WDFP)

9 Lesson 4: Structured Query Online chat this week. Prepare questions on

Language (SQL) advanced SQL

23 July LO 13 Advanced SQL Read all materials related to LO 13.

22 July – Students withdrawing after this date will receive (NLWD)
10 Lesson 5: Physical
Database Design for
Relational Databases
30 July LO 14 & 15 Methodology
revisited and physical
database design and
implementation terminology
11 Lesson 5: Physical
Database Design for
Relational Databases
6 August
LO 16 Converting logical
design to physical design
12 Lesson 6: Selected
Database Issues
13 August LO 17, 18 & 19
13 Unit Revision
20 August
Exam Date and Time
To be advised by OUA Examination Services
Complete self review questions in LO 13.
Complete self testing questions for Lesson 4
There is no online chat this week. Assessment Two –
Online Test
Read all materials related to LO 14 & 15.
Mon. 30th July 2012 @
Complete self review questions in LO 14 & 15.
9:00 am AEST to Sun.
. 5th August 2012, @
11:59pm AEST
*NO EXTENSION
Online chat this week. Prepare questions on
physical design
Read all materials related to LO 16.
Complete self review questions in LO 16.
Complete self testing questions for Lesson 5
Online chat this week. Prepare questions in LO Assessment Three
17,18 and 19.
Due: Sunday, 19th
Read all materials in LO 17-19. August 2012 @
11:59pm AEST
Complete self review questions in LO 7-19.
Complete self testing questions for Lesson 6
online chat on unit conclusion and exam
revision
PURPOSE

Blackboard Site for this Unit of Study

Important information concerning this unit of study is placed on the Swinburne course management
system (Blackboard), accessible via http://ilearn.swin.edu.au/
It is your responsibility to access on a regular basis

Page 8 of 14
 the Blackboard site for your unit of study. Type in your ID number and your password. Note
your ID number is your student ID and your password is initially set to your date of birth in the
format DDMMYY
 the Announcements section on Blackboard, and
 any emails sent by the teaching staff to your student email address via Blackboard.
 If you access your email through a provider other than Swinburne, it is your responsibility to
ensure that your Swinburne email is forwarded to your private email address. To redirect your
Swinburne email, go to http://live.swinburne.edu.au/redirect.html for information on how to do
this.

Please note: Not all internet browsers support Blackboard. The compatible browsers are as
follows:

PC users: Firefox version 3.6 and above, Internet Explorer version 8 and above, Chrome.
Mac users: Firefox version 3.6 and above, Safari version 5, Chrome.
See http://kb.blackboard.com/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=101285989 for more information.

Student Feedback:
Swinburne seeks student feedback in a number of ways, including through Student Feedback
surveys, as part of the university’s approach to quality assurance and improvement. Possible
improvement based on both student and staff feedback is considered by Unit Convenors, Unit
Panels made up of relevant teaching staff, Program Panels, Faculty Academic Committees, and
the Academic Programs Quality Committee, as appropriate.
Recent updates and improvements made to this unit of study include:
 Assessments have been updated for clarification on requirements
 Feedback on assessments will be handled by the tutor within 10 working days of
assessment submission deadlines.

Assessment
a. Assessment Task Details:

Assessment Task Individual/ Related Learning Weighting Due Date

Group Task Objective(s)
Assessment # 1 Individual Objectives 3, 4, 5, 25% Due Sunday, 8th July 2012 @
6, & 7 11:59pm AEST
Assessment # 2 Individual Objectives 1, 2, 3, 10% Monday 30th July @ 9:00 am
(online test) &7 AEDST to Sunday 5th August
2012 @ 11:59pm AEST

Assessment # 3 Individual Objectives 7, 8, 9, 25% Due Sunday 19th August 2012

10, 11, 12, & 13 @ 11:59pm AEST
Final Exam Individual All Objectives 40% To be advised by OUA
Examination Services

b. Participation Requirements
Students are encouraged to make use of all the electronic facilities and resources available on the
unit website, which are online tutorials, discussion boards and emails. These methods of engaging
in the unit are advised but not mandated.

c. Minimum Requirements to pass this Unit of Study:

Page 9 of 14
In order to achieve a pass in this unit of study, you must:

 A pass in the exam (you have to achieve minimum 45%)

 A minimum aggregate of 50% of all possible marks after moderation (i.e. exam + assign
1+ SQL online test + assign 2  50)

A final grade is assigned in accordance with the faculty guidelines.

d. Assessment Criteria:
Assignment 1 – Individual 25%

Brief Outline - A scenario requiring the creation of a database will be provided. From this
scenario you are required to:
 Identify all entities
 Draw a conceptual model for the business
 Normalize all tables to third normal form
 Convert conceptual model to relational entity-relationship model
 A detailed analysis report

The report - Include relational schema, normalization and a detailed analysis of the initial
scenario and the end proposal.

(Refer to the Assignment 1 Specifications for a detailed statement of requirements and

dissection of marks)

Submission of the report is to be via the unit’s Blackboard site

SQL Online Test – Individual 10%

Each student is required to perform an individual evaluation of SQL knowledge. This SQL
assessment is an online test conducted via the unit’s Blackboard site. Ensure you refer to the
weekly schedule to determine the week in which the SQL online test will be conducted.
(Refer to the SQL Online Test Specifications for a detailed statement of requirements and
dissection of marks)

Assignment 2 – Individual 25%

Brief Outline - A scenario requiring the creation of a database will be provided. From this
scenario an Entity Relationship Diagram is to be developed, converted to a relational schema
from which a relational database is created using a database management system of your
choice (e.g. Open Office Base, MySQL). Create queries and forms to demonstrate the
effectiveness of the relational database proposal.

The report - Include E.R. diagram, relational schema, table structures, queries, forms and a
detailed analysis of the initial scenario and the end proposal.
(Refer to the Assignment 2 Specifications for a detailed statement of requirements and
dissection of marks)

Submission of the report is to be via the unit’s Blackboard site.

Exam 40%

Page 10 of 14
 All students must obtain 50% or higher in the examination in order to gain a pass or higher
grade for the unit. The final examination will be of three hours (180 minutes) duration, with ten
(10) minutes preliminary reading time.

The only materials permitted in the exam are:

 English dictionary (printed only i.e not electronic)
 Other language - English dictionary (printed only i.e not electronic)
 Standard writing material (pens, pencils, rubber and rulers)

NB. The exam marks may be unit to moderation by the teaching panel, based on faculty
guidelines, statistical distribution and comparative assessment tasks for previous semesters.

e. Submission of Assignments:
Where the assessment task requires a formal word.doc report, the assignment work MUST be
submitted online through Blackboard in the Assessment section under the appropriate assignment
heading. Each student should attempt each of the following assessment items in order to gain a
pass or higher grade in the unit.

Do not send any submissions of assessments by email to the online tutor or the convener.
However, emailed drafts of assignments are encouraged and should be sent to the online tutor.
When doing so it is important to note the following:

- General feedback only will be provided indicating if you are on the right track. More explicit
feedback may be sought by asking specific and detailed questions but the online tutor’s role is
not to correct the draft submission.

- Only one draft per assignment may be emailed to the online tutor for feedback.

- The draft should represent an initial outline of what you propose to do in your assignment.

f. Extensions and Late Submissions:

Extensions Policy
Assessment due dates are published in Unit Outlines at the start of the teaching period and will
not normally be extended except where students had their studies adversely affected by acute
illness, misadventure or other extraordinary cause or circumstance reasonably beyond their
control. Students who need to request an extension of time to the due date for a piece of
assessment (excluding end of teaching period final examinations) should contact their Unit
Convenor directly to discuss their circumstances and submit the extension form located at
http://www.lilydale.swinburne.edu.au/students/current.htm

If approved, the convenor will notify the student of the extended date. For more information
refer to http://policies.swinburne.edu.au/ppdonline/showdoc.aspx?recnum=POL/2007/9
Late Penalties Policy
1. This policy should be read in conjunction with the University’s Assessment and Appeals
Procedures and Higher Education, Lilydale’s Extensions Policy.
2. Pieces of assessment which carry a weighting of 10% or more towards a student’s final
result shall incur a late penalty of 10% of the available marks for each day or part thereof
that the assessment is late provided it is submitted within one week of the due date.
Assignments submitted more than one week after the due date will receive a mark of zero.
3. Pieces of assessment which carry a weighting of less than 10% towards a student’s final
result shall incur a late penalty of 1 mark for each day or part thereof that the assessment is
late provided it is submitted within one week of the due date. Assignments submitted more
than one week after the due date will receive a mark of zero.

Page 11 of 14
g. Assessment Results:
Feedback on assessments will be handled by the tutor within 10 working days of assessment
submission deadlines. All results will post on the Blackboard grade centre.
Students must retain all assessed material that contributes to the final result up until such time as
the final results are published.

i. Plagiarism:
Swinburne University of Technology defines Plagiarism as the action or practice of taking and
submitting or presenting the thoughts, writings or other work of someone else as though it is your
own work. Plagiarism includes any of the following, without full and appropriate acknowledgment to
the original source(s):
(i) The use of the whole or part of a computer program written by another person;
(ii) the use, in essays or other assessable work, of the whole or part of a written work from any
source including but not limited to a book, journal, newspaper article, set of lecture notes,
current or past student’s work, any other person’s work, a website or database;
(iii) the paraphrasing of another’s work;
(iv) the use of musical composition, audio, visual, graphic and photographic models,
(v) The use of regalia, that is objects, artefacts, costumes, models and the like.
Plagiarism also includes the preparation or production and submission or presentation of
assignments or other work in conjunction with another person or other people when that work
should be your own independent work. This remains plagiarism whether or not it is with the
knowledge or consent of the other person or people. It should be noted that Swinburne encourages
its students to talk to staff, fellow students and other people who may be able to contribute to a
student’s academic work but that where independent assignment is required, submitted or
presented work must be the student’s own.
Enabling plagiarism contributes to plagiarism and therefore will be treated as a form of plagiarism
by the University. Enabling plagiarism means allowing or otherwise assisting another student to
copy or otherwise plagiarise work by, for example, allowing access to a draft or completed
assignment or other work.

j. Assessment and Appeals Policy and Procedure

The information outlined in the Assessment sections above is covered in more detail in
Swinburne’s Assessment and Appeals Policy and Procedure. Students must be familiar with the
Policy and Procedure, found at:
http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/docs/AssessmentandAppealsHigherEducation.pdf
The Policy and Procedure provides details about:
 Assessment issues such as the conduct of examinations, plagiarism policies and details
explaining how to apply for a review of results and other appeals, and
 Student progress issues such as unsatisfactory academic progress and early intervention
procedures, and
 Information for students with disabilities and special needs and procedures for applying for
special consideration.
Students should make themselves familiar with all aspects of the Policy and Procedure, as failure
to do so is not grounds for appeal.
Students are advised to seek advice from the staff at the Swinburne Student Amenities Association
SSAA (http://www.swinburne.edu.au/ssaa/) if they require assistance with advocacy for Sections 12
(At-Risk and Progress Review) and 13 (Appeals) of the Policy and Procedure.

Page 12 of 14
Safety Standards and Conduct Requirements:
Student misconduct is an action by a student which is in breach of the policies specified by
Swinburne in the student General Misconduct policy. This extends to publishing on websites even
where those sites are not set up or managed by Swinburne. Swinburne accepts no responsibility
for unauthorised material posted in social networking sites (such as Facebook).
 
If you have any issues resulting from the behaviour of other students, you should immediately
contact the Swinburne Student Amenities Association (SSAA)
http://www.myssaa.com.au/advocacy/academic-advice-and-advocacy
Relevant links:
Student General Misconduct policy
http://policies.swinburne.edu.au/ppdonline/showdoc.aspx?recnum=POL/2007/29
Information Technology (IT) Systems Acceptable Use Policy
http://policies.swinburne.edu.au/ppdonline/showdoc.aspx?recnum=POL/2008/34

All students are expected to respect the rights and sensibilities of their fellow students and teaching
staff. This also applies in respect of the content of video and audio work submitted for assessment.
The University has rigorous anti-discrimination and harassment policies and procedures.
http://ppd.swinburne.edu.au/humres/AntiDiscrimination.htm

Special Needs
If you have special needs you should advise your Faculty and the Unit of Study Convenor by the
end of the second week of the teaching period. In addition, you are recommended to notify the
Equity Office if you have not already done so.
See also the “Students with Disabilities and Special Needs” Section of the Assessment and
Appeals Policy & Procedure, at:
http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/docs/StudentswithaDisability.pdf

Open Universities Australia

Withdraw from a unit
If you need to withdraw from a unit the date of the notification is very important. See below for
further information.
From week 1 - 6
Please advise Open Universities Australia, of your intention to withdraw up until the end of week 6,
the unit(s) will be removed from your record. From weeks 1 – 3 you will, however, incur an
administration fee. Please refer to the OUA website website
https://www.open.edu.au/public/student-admin-and-support/changing-your-study/withdrawing for
these details. You will not incur a FEE HELP debt for the unit(s).
Financial penalties are based on the date that Open Universities Australia receives your withdrawal
request.

From weeks 4-6 you will incur your fee help debt.

Weeks 7-13
Please submit a withdrawal form http://www.lilydale.swinburne.edu.au/oua/withdrawal.pdf , to
advise Swinburne University of Technology, Higher Education Lilydale, of your intention to
withdraw from week 7 and no later than eight weeks after the start of the Study Period, the unit(s)

Page 13 of 14
will receive a WDFP – Withdrawn, Fee Payable grade on your academic record. You will retain the
FEE HELP debt for the unit(s).
If the notification of withdrawal is received after Week 8 of the Study Period, the unit(s) will receive
a NLWD – Not Pass, Late Withdrawal grade on your academic record. You will retain the FEE
HELP debt for the unit(s).
If you do not formally withdraw and you have submitted work, it will be assessed and a grade
awarded accordingly. If no work for assessment has been submitted, a “Not Assessed” grade will
be awarded.
Refunds for withdrawal after the Census Date are available under Special Circumstances for
students who have paid their registration fees upfront. Please refer to the Special Circumstances
section of the Refund Guidelines in the Open Universities Australia handbook or the website
www.open.edu.au for further information.

Exam invigilation Information

It is suggested that any students that have any enquiries about exam invigilation should contact
OUA Examination Services. You can find their email address in a document which includes all
detailed explanation on Invigilated OUA exams and sent to you with other course materials in the
beginning of the study period.

To learn more about the OUA Exam Service and what you will need to do to select your exam
venue please read the extensive FAQs found on the OUA exam services web site
www.open.edu.au/exams

Further Information
For further information on OUA through Swinburne University of Technology a website has been
provided. The address for this site is: http://www.ld.swin.edu.au/oua/

Contacts
Swinburne University of Technology, Lilydale Student Advisers - Open Universities Australia
Locked Bag 218 GPO Box 5387
Lilydale VIC 3140 Level 1, 131 Queen St.,
ouald@swin.edu.au Melbourne VIC., Australia 3001
Phone: (+613) 9215 7206 http://www.open.edu.au/contactus
Fax: (+613) 9215 7254 Phone (+61) 1300 36 36 52
Fax (+613) 8628 2955

Page 14 of 14