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Dr. Michael Brown
and
Dr. Augusto Casas
In this course you will learn how to design relational databases and model those designs for others to understand. All forms of Normal Form will be covered so your database designs conform to best practices and are optimal.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/avgyaj/relational
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Identify physical and logical models.
- Create entity relationship diagrams (erd), including tools to create erds.
- Create schema diagrams, including tools to create them.
- Create databases in normal forms 1 through 5 plus boyce–codd normal form (bcnf).
- Identify physical and logical models.
- Create entity relationship diagrams (erd), including tools to create erds.
- Create schema diagrams, including tools to create them.
- Create databases in normal forms 1 through 5 plus boyce–codd normal form (bcnf).
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores database design principles and best practices
Teaches relational database design techniques
Covers all forms of Normal Form to ensure optimal database design
Provides tools for creating Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) and Schema Diagrams
Builds a strong foundation in database design for beginners
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Reviews summary
Solid foundation in database design
According to students, this course provides a solid foundation in relational database design, making it ideal for beginners. Learners frequently praise the instructor's clear explanations and the thorough coverage of Normal Forms (1NF-5NF, BCNF). While strong in theoretical principles, some feedback points to a need for more hands-on practical application. Recent reviews also suggest ongoing course updates, indicating responsiveness to learner feedback.
Evidence of content updates based on learner feedback.
"I noticed some sections have been updated since last year, which is a big plus and shows commitment."
"The instructor seems responsive to feedback, refining and improving content over time based on reviews."
"It's great to see new examples and clearer explanations added to the modules. The course is evolving."
Good coverage of ERD and Schema Diagram tools.
"Learning to create ERDs and Schema Diagrams with the recommended tools was very practical for me."
"The course provided clear steps and examples for using diagramming software effectively in my projects."
"I can now confidently create professional database models using the taught techniques and tools."
Best suited for those new to database design concepts.
"As a complete beginner to database design, I found this course incredibly accessible and a great starting point."
"It builds from the ground up, perfect if you have no prior database design experience whatsoever."
"If you already know the basics, some parts might feel repetitive or too slow-paced for your level."
Excellent depth on database normalization principles.
"This course covers 1NF to 5NF and BCNF really well, which is exactly what I needed for my work."
"I appreciate how detailed the explanations for each Normal Form were; I now feel confident applying them."
"Finally, a course that demystifies Boyce-Codd Normal Form so effectively. My understanding improved significantly."
Highly praised for clear, digestible teaching style.
"The instructor made complex concepts like normalization incredibly easy to understand and follow."
"I found the lectures to be very clear and well-paced, especially for someone new to databases."
"The teaching style helped me grasp relational database design principles quickly and effectively."
Strong theoretical foundation, but limited practical exercises.
"While the theoretical parts are well-explained, I really wished for more practical exercises and real-world database building."
"The course provides a strong conceptual understanding, but I felt it lacked enough hands-on work with actual database systems."
"I was hoping for more coding examples or projects to apply the normalization rules, but it was mostly conceptual."
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 Relational Database Design with these
activities:
Review SQL
Show steps
Reviewing SQL before taking this course will help you refresh your memory and make learning the material easier.
Browse courses on
SQL
Show steps
-
Take an online SQL tutorial
-
Complete some practice exercises
-
Review your notes from a previous SQL course
Read 'Database Systems: The Complete Book'
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of relational database concepts and is a valuable resource for understanding the topics covered in this course.
View
Database Systems: The Complete Book
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read Chapter 1-5
-
Take notes on the key concepts
-
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter
Join a study group
Show steps
Joining a group of fellow students can help you stay motivated, learn from others, and improve your understanding.
Show steps
-
Find a study group or create your own
-
Meet regularly to discuss the course material
-
Work together on assignments and projects
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Identify data elements
Show steps
Practice identifying data elements in real-world scenarios to solidify understanding of data modeling concepts.
Show steps
-
Gather real-world data sources such as news articles or financial reports.
-
Extract and list the key pieces of information from the data sources.
-
Classify each piece of information as a data element based on its characteristics.
Practice ERD creation
Show steps
Practice creating ERDs regularly. This will go a long way in solidifying your understanding of the normalization forms and help you master this skill.
Browse courses on
Entity Relationship Diagram
Show steps
-
Choose a simple real-world scenario
-
Identify the entities involved
-
Identify the relationships between the entities
-
Create an ERD using a tool of your choice
Create a database schema
Show steps
Creating a database schema will help you practice the skills you learn in this course and gain a deeper understanding of database design.
Browse courses on
Database Schema
Show steps
-
Choose a real-world scenario
-
Design the ERD for the scenario
-
Create the database schema based on the ERD
Compile your notes
Show steps
Compile all your notes and other course materials including assignments, past quizzes, and practice exams to maximize retention.
Show steps
-
Gather all your course materials
-
Organize your materials by topic
-
Review your materials on a regular basis
Review SQL
Show steps
Reviewing SQL before taking this course will help you refresh your memory and make learning the material easier.
Browse courses on
SQL
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Take an online SQL tutorial
- Complete some practice exercises
- Review your notes from a previous SQL course
Read 'Database Systems: The Complete Book'
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of relational database concepts and is a valuable resource for understanding the topics covered in this course.
View
Database Systems: The Complete Book
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read Chapter 1-5
- Take notes on the key concepts
- Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter
Join a study group
Show steps
Joining a group of fellow students can help you stay motivated, learn from others, and improve your understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group or create your own
- Meet regularly to discuss the course material
- Work together on assignments and projects
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Identify data elements
Show steps
Practice identifying data elements in real-world scenarios to solidify understanding of data modeling concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather real-world data sources such as news articles or financial reports.
- Extract and list the key pieces of information from the data sources.
- Classify each piece of information as a data element based on its characteristics.
Practice ERD creation
Show steps
Practice creating ERDs regularly. This will go a long way in solidifying your understanding of the normalization forms and help you master this skill.
Browse courses on
Entity Relationship Diagram
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a simple real-world scenario
- Identify the entities involved
- Identify the relationships between the entities
- Create an ERD using a tool of your choice
Create a database schema
Show steps
Creating a database schema will help you practice the skills you learn in this course and gain a deeper understanding of database design.
Browse courses on
Database Schema
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a real-world scenario
- Design the ERD for the scenario
- Create the database schema based on the ERD
Compile your notes
Show steps
Compile all your notes and other course materials including assignments, past quizzes, and practice exams to maximize retention.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all your course materials
- Organize your materials by topic
- Review your materials on a regular basis
Career center
Learners who complete Relational Database Design will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts translate data into insights to help organizations make better decisions. As organizations continue to amass more data than ever before, these professionals will be in high demand. With your background in relational database design, you'll be well-equipped to manage large and complex databases, extract meaningful insights, and present your findings to stakeholders. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of data analysis.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
Database Administrators ensure that databases are running smoothly and efficiently. They are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining databases, as well as developing and enforcing security measures to protect the data. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role.
Data Architect
Data Architect
Data Architects design and develop the blueprints for data management systems. They work with business stakeholders to understand their data needs and design databases that meet those needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to create efficient and scalable data architectures.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help organizations identify and solve problems by analyzing data and developing solutions. They work with stakeholders to understand their business needs and design solutions that meet those needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with users to understand their needs and design software that meets those needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role.
Web Developer
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. They work with users to understand their needs and design websites that meet those needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop products that meet those needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop projects that meet those needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Intelligence Analysts help organizations make better decisions by analyzing data and developing insights. They work with stakeholders to understand their business needs and develop insights that meet those needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They work with stakeholders to understand their business needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role.
Statistician
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They work with stakeholders to understand their business needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical models to solve problems and make decisions. They work with stakeholders to understand their business needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help organizations improve their performance. They work with stakeholders to understand their business needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts analyze financial data to make investment recommendations. They work with stakeholders to understand their investment needs and develop recommendations that meet those needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role.
Actuary
Actuary
Actuaries use mathematics to assess risk and uncertainty. They work with stakeholders to understand their risk needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/avgyaj/relational
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Relational Database Design.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of database systems, covering both theoretical foundations and practical implementation techniques. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
This practical guide to database design is written in a clear and engaging style. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn how to design effective and efficient databases.
Provides a comprehensive overview of SQL, the standard language for accessing and manipulating data in relational databases. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn how to write efficient and effective SQL queries.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of data modeling and database design. It covers both the theoretical foundations and practical techniques of database design.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of database systems, covering both theoretical foundations and practical implementation techniques. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Provides a practical guide to database design for beginners. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn how to design effective and efficient databases.
Save
Provides a concise and practical reference to SQL, the standard language for accessing and manipulating data in relational databases. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn how to write efficient and effective SQL queries.
Provides a comprehensive overview of database systems, covering both theoretical foundations and practical implementation techniques. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/avgyaj/relational
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Effort
8 to 10 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
edX
Institutions
University System of Maryland
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Instructors
Dr. Michael Brown
Dr. Augusto Casas
Language
English
Transcript
English
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