Introduction to Relational Databases from Coursera

Database management systems are a crucial part of most large-scale industry and open-source systems. This course will introduce you to important concepts of database systems and design. We will learn what relational databases are, what they are used for, the theory underlying their design, and how to query and modify a database using the declarative SQL language.

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

- Describe what relational databases are, and how they are used.

- Master the Relational Database Model.

- Demonstrate proficiency in formal relational database theory.

- Demonstrate comprehensive SQL skills.

- Apply database knowledge to practical problems.

Software Requirements: Jupyter Notebooks, SQL

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Database Overview

Welcome to Introduction to Relational Databases! In this course, we will cover the topics of: Database Overview, Relational Algebra, SQL. This learning module provides a comprehensive introduction to relational databases, their applications, and components. Starting with an introduction to databases and their diverse applications, the module discusses the components of relational database schemas, including relations, attributes, and keys. Students will learn to design simple database schemas and understand key database concepts such as records, data retrieval and modification, and primary/foreign keys. The module includes real-world examples for practical understanding.

Module 2: Relational Algebra

This learning module explores the fundamental concepts and operations of relational algebra, the theoretical foundation of relational databases. It introduces basic relational algebra concepts such as 'relation', 'tuple', and 'operation', and then dives into fundamental relational algebra operations, including selection, projection, and union. Students will also learn about more advanced operations like joins and division, expanding their understanding of how complex data relationships can be managed. Further, the module will cover composite and aggregation operations to handle more intricate data manipulations, as well as operations for modifying relations. This module gives students a firm theoretical foundation to work with relational databases.

Module 3: SQL

This learning module provides an in-depth understanding of SQL (Structured Query Language), the standardized language used for managing relational databases. Starting with the fundamentals, students will learn to utilize SELECT and set operations to extract relevant information from database tables. The module then transitions into more complex queries involving joins, enabling students to locate and amalgamate information from multiple database tables. It further delves into modifying database tables, defining their structures, creating referential integrity constraints to maintain database consistency, and controlling user database access via SQL commands. Learning SQL will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and manipulate data in relational databases .

Summative Course Assessment

This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course. Be sure to review the course material thoroughly before taking the assessment.

Good to know

Know what's good

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Delves into the fundamentals of relational database management systems

Imparts comprehensive SQL proficiency for data management and manipulation

Provides a practical foundation for applying database knowledge to real-world problems

Emphasizes foundational relational database theory and formalization

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Relational Databases with these activities:

Relational Algebra Review

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Refresh your foundational knowledge of relational algebra concepts to enhance your understanding of SQL and database theory.

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Review your notes
Work through practice problems

Organize Course Resources

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Ensure optimal learning by organizing course materials, streamlining access, and solidifying your understanding.

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Gather notes, assignments, and quizzes
Organize materials by topic
Create a study guide

SQL Tutorial

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Enhance your SQL proficiency through structured tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance and practical examples.

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Work through the guided tutorials
Practice writing SQL queries

Five other activities

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Fundamentals of Database Systems

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Gain a deeper understanding of core database concepts and principles by exploring a comprehensive reference text.

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Read the assigned chapters
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter

SQL Query Practicals

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Engage with hands-on exercises to reinforce and solidify your understanding of SQL and relational algebra concepts.

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Set up your SQL environment
Execute a variety of SQL queries
Analyze the results and refine your queries

SQL Study Group

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Collaborate with peers to discuss SQL concepts, share knowledge, and engage in problem-solving.

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Join a study group
Attend regular meetings
Participate in discussions

Database Design Project

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Apply your knowledge to a practical project by creating a fully normalized database schema that meets specific requirements.

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Define the data requirements
Design the database schema
Normalize the schema
Implement the database in an RDBMS

Personal Database Application

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Challenge yourself to build a custom database application that incorporates advanced SQL techniques and showcases your mastery.

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Define the application requirements
Design and implement the database
Develop the application interface
Deploy and test the application

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Relational Databases will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Database Designer

Database Designers design and implement database systems. As a Database Designer, you must have a strong understanding of database systems, and their underlying theories. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of database systems and design and may be useful if you want to become a Database Designer.

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Data Architect

Data Architects design, implement, and manage database systems. As a Data Architect, you must have a strong understanding of database systems, and their underlying theories. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of database systems and design and may be useful if you want to become a Data Architect.

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ETL Developer

ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining ETL processes, which are used to move data from one system to another. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as an ETL Developer.

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Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines and systems that process and store large amounts of data. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Data Engineer.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists combine their understanding of advanced mathematics, statistics, machine learning, and databases to extract meaningful insights from data. Proficiency in SQL, which this course teaches, can help you succeed as a Data Scientist.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts scour company databases to extract actionable insights for companies to optimize their strategies and operations. This course will help you master relational database theory and SQL, and will help you build a foundation for a career as a Data Analyst.

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Data Steward

Data Stewards ensure that data is accurate, consistent, and complete. As a Data Steward, you must have a strong understanding of database systems. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of database systems and design and may be useful if you want to become a Data Steward.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and maintain machine learning models. As a Machine Learning Engineer, you must have a strong understanding of database systems, and their underlying theories. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of database systems and design and may be useful if you want to become a Machine Learning Engineer.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts use their knowledge of business processes and data analysis to help businesses improve their operations and make better decisions. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Business Analyst.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as an Information Security Analyst.

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Business Intelligence Analyst

Business Intelligence Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses improve their operations and make better decisions. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Business Intelligence Analyst.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts study the needs of an organization and design and implement new systems. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Systems Analysts and need a background in databases.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the lifecycle of a product, from its conception to its launch and beyond. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Product Manager.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators plan, implement, and maintain database systems. As a Database Administrator, you must have a strong understanding of database systems, and their underlying theories. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of database systems and design and may be useful if you want to become a Database Administrator.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. As a Software Engineer, it can be useful to have a background in database systems and this course can help provide you with a foundational understanding.

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