INFO20003 Database Systems
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- Final exam 60%: exam-heavy
Is INFO20003 hard?
INFO20003: About average. Makes it harder: Final exam 60%, 2 other hurdle tasks. No student reviews yet — based on the Handbook only.
What you learn
How databases are designed and work, with lots of practice writing SQL.
After it you can
- Model data for a database
- Write efficient SQL queries
- Use transactions and tune slow queries
What you need first
(COMP10001 or COMP20005 or COMP10002 or COMP10003) or a programming competency test
- COMP10001 Foundations of Computing
- COMP20005 Intro. to Numerical Computation in C
- COMP10002 Foundations of Algorithms
- COMP10003 Media Computation
What it leads to
Can’t be taken together with
- INFO90002
- INFO20001
- SINF90001
How it’s assessed
Assignments 30%, Final exam 60%, Quizzes 10%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 10 students on StudentVIP (2018–2025)
- Well organised with very responsive staff on the discussion board and full tutorial solutions provided.
- Covers ER modelling, SQL and query processing; the second half is more theory-heavy and dry.
- Assignments are fair: ER modelling is subjective but leniently marked; practise SQL early.
- The open-book exam tests small details, so bring well-organised notes, tutorial solutions and the formula sheet.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate INFO20003
Quick answers
- When is INFO20003 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking INFO20003?
- Needs (COMP10001 or COMP20005 or COMP10002 or COMP10003) or a programming competency test.
- Does INFO20003 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 60% of the mark. Assessment: Assignments 30%, Final exam 60%, Quizzes 10%.
- Is INFO20003 hard?
- From 10 student reviews on StudentVIP: Well organised with very responsive staff on the discussion board and full tutorial solutions provided.
- What do students say about INFO20003?
- Well organised with very responsive staff on the discussion board and full tutorial solutions provided. Covers ER modelling, SQL and query processing; the second half is more theory-heavy and dry. Assignments are fair: ER modelling is subjective but leniently marked; practise SQL early.
- Can I take INFO20003 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.
- What can I take after INFO20003?
- 3 subjects need it first, for example COMP30022, INFO30005, ISYS30008.
- Can I rate INFO20003?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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