SQL for Data Science with R from Coursera

Much of the world's data resides in databases. SQL (or Structured Query Language) is a powerful language which is used for communicating with and extracting data from databases. A working knowledge of databases and SQL is a must if you want to become a data scientist.

The purpose of this course is to introduce relational database concepts and help you learn and apply foundational knowledge of the SQL and R languages. It is also intended to get you started with performing SQL access in a data science environment.

The emphasis in this course is on hands-on and practical learning. As such, you will work with real databases, real data science tools, and real-world datasets. You will create a database instance in the cloud. Through a series of hands-on labs, you will practice building and running SQL queries. You will also learn how to access databases from Jupyter notebooks using SQL and R.

No prior knowledge of databases, SQL, R, or programming is required.

Anyone can audit this course at no charge. If you choose to take this course and earn the Coursera course certificate, you can also earn an IBM digital badge upon successful completion of the course.

What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started with SQL

Structured Query Language, or SQL, provides a standard language for selecting and manipulating data in a relational database. Understanding SQL is a foundational skill that you must have when applying data science principles in R because SQL is the key to helping you unlock insights about the information stored deep inside relational databases. In this module, you will learn some basic SQL statements and practice them hands-on on a live database.

Introduction to Relational Databases and Tables

In this module, you will explore the fundamental concepts behind databases, tables, and the relationships between them. You will then create an instance of a database, discover SQL statements that allow you to create and manipulate tables, and then practice them on your own live database.

Intermediate SQL

In this module, you will learn how to use string patterns and ranges to search data and how to sort and group data in result sets. You will also practice composing nested queries and execute select statements to access data from multiple tables.

Getting Started with Databases using R

In this module, you will learn the benefits of using R to connect to relational databases and how to persist R database objects in files. You’ll also learn some of the similarities between R data frames and relational databases, including how data types compare and when you must convert from one type to another to improve the effectiveness of your data analysis. Finally, you’ll learn different methods for connecting to a database from R.

Working with Database Objects using R

In this module, you will learn the full process of accessing and querying databases using R. You’ll learn how to create the logical and physical model of the database and then implement the model by creating the physical database objects and loading them with data. Finally, you’ll examine an example of accessing and querying the database.

Course Project

In this assignment, you will be working with multiple real-world datasets for the Canadian Crop Data and Exchange Rates. You will be asked questions that will help you understand the data just as you would in the real world. You will be assessed on the correctness of your SQL queries and results.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for beginners due to a comprehensive introduction to relational database concepts and foundational SQL

Utilizes practical, hands-on labs to reinforce learning and build hands-on competencies

Positions learners to connect to live databases and strengthen their knowledge in a data science environment

Covers relevant industry concepts such as structured query language (SQL), data analysis, and relational databases, making it applicable to real-world scenarios

Offers a comprehensive project that bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application of SQL techniques

Lays the groundwork for further learning in SQL and database management

Reviews summary

Engaging sql for data science with r

Learners say that the SQL for Data Science with R course is an engaging and well-structured course that provides a strong foundation in SQL and data science. Students appreciate the practical labs, especially for practicing R functions. However, some learners found the course material to be overwhelming at times, and others experienced technical issues while completing labs and assignments.

Straightforward instructions help learners follow along.

"The instructions are simple and you get to practice everything in the lab sections."

"This course is quite thorough and made me fall in love with SQL."

"The course was well-structured, informative and easy to follow."

Students found the hands-on labs to be beneficial for practicing skills.

"The labs are quite helpful in practice for the test."

"I really like the course."

"This skills in this course are easy to learn, the simplicity of the materials is what I like the most about IBM courses."

A few learners found the material to be overwhelming at times.

"I felt like a whole lot of functions with R were being introduced all at once."

"While some of the course material is great, there are some parts that require you to have more knowledge than what is being taught."

"The main problem with this course was that they threw at you a lot of complex concepts..."

Some learners experienced technical difficulties with labs and assignments.

"I have problem while accessing IBM cloud I had written to the service center many times but the problem still exist."

"Videos are informative, praticing lab very helpful but one thing is not good about this course that is getting so many errors while running the queries."

"The teaching part is not so good when it comes to teach how to install the drivers and create a connection and the project part is the worst of all the staff..."

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 SQL for Data Science with R with these activities:

Review SQL commands

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Review basic SQL commands to strengthen your foundation before starting the course.

Browse courses on Structured Query Language

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Read through online tutorials on SQL basics.
Practice writing simple SQL queries on a sample database.

Write SQL queries to manipulate data

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Practice writing SQL queries to insert, update, and delete data from a database.

Browse courses on Data Manipulation

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Set up a database and populate it with sample data.
Write SQL queries to perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations.
Test your queries and ensure they are working correctly.

Follow online tutorials on advanced SQL techniques

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Expand your knowledge of SQL by following online tutorials that cover advanced techniques.

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Identify online tutorials that cover advanced SQL topics.
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises provided.
Apply the techniques learned to your own database projects.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Build a data visualization using SQL and R

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Apply your SQL and R skills to create a data visualization that communicates insights from a dataset.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Choose a dataset and identify the insights you want to communicate.
Design the data visualization using appropriate charts and graphs.
Write SQL queries to extract the necessary data.
Use R to create the data visualization and customize its appearance.
Share your visualization and explain the insights it reveals.

Answer questions and provide guidance on SQL forums

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Contribute to the SQL community by answering questions and providing guidance on online forums.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Join online SQL forums or communities.
Monitor forums for questions related to SQL.
Provide thoughtful and helpful responses to the questions.

Participate in open-source SQL projects

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Enhance your SQL skills and make a meaningful contribution by volunteering for open-source SQL projects.

Browse courses on Open-Source

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Explore open-source SQL projects on platforms like GitHub.
Identify projects that align with your interests and skills.
Reach out to the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing.

Build a personal database project

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Apply your SQL skills by designing and building a personal database project.

Browse courses on Database Design

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Identify a problem or need that can be solved using a database.
Design the database schema and create the necessary tables.
Populate the database with data.
Write SQL queries to interact with the database and extract insights.
Share your project and demonstrate its functionality.

Career center

Learners who complete SQL for Data Science with R will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, clean, and analyze data. They use their findings to help businesses better understand their customers, improve their marketing campaigns, and make better decisions. This course is an excellent foundation for a career as a data analyst. It teaches you the basics of SQL and R, two essential tools for data analysts. You will also learn how to connect to databases from R and how to work with database objects. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in data analytics and help you advance your career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Administrator

Database administrators maintain and optimize databases. They ensure that databases are running smoothly and that data is secure. This course is a great way to learn the basics of database administration. You will learn about relational databases, SQL, and how to work with databases using R. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in database administration and help you advance your career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Data Scientist

Data scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. This course is a great way to learn the basics of data science. You will learn about SQL and R, two essential tools for data scientists. You will also learn how to connect to databases from R and how to work with database objects. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in data science and help you advance your career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Analyst

Business analysts use data to help businesses make better decisions. They work in a variety of industries, including consulting, finance, and healthcare. This course is a great way to learn the basics of business analysis. You will learn about SQL and R, two essential tools for business analysts. You will also learn how to connect to databases from R and how to work with database objects. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in business analysis and help you advance your career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Software Engineer

Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This course is a great way to learn the basics of software engineering. You will learn about SQL and R, two essential tools for software engineers. You will also learn how to connect to databases from R and how to work with database objects. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in software engineering and help you advance your career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Engineer

Data engineers build and maintain the infrastructure that supports data science and analytics. They work with big data technologies, such as Hadoop and Spark, to store and process large amounts of data. This course is a great way to learn the basics of data engineering. You will learn about SQL and R, two essential tools for data engineers. You will also learn how to connect to databases from R and how to work with database objects. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in data engineering and help you advance your career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to analyze financial data. They work in a variety of industries, including investment banking, hedge funds, and asset management. This course is a great way to learn the basics of quantitative analysis. You will learn about SQL and R, two essential tools for quantitative analysts. You will also learn how to connect to databases from R and how to work with database objects. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in quantitative analysis and help you advance your career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Market Researcher

Market researchers collect and analyze data about consumer behavior. They use their findings to help businesses develop new products and services and improve their marketing campaigns. This course is a great way to learn the basics of market research. You will learn about SQL and R, two essential tools for market researchers. You will also learn how to connect to databases from R and how to work with database objects. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in market research and help you advance your career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They work in a variety of industries, including government, academia, and healthcare. This course is a great way to learn the basics of statistics. You will learn about SQL and R, two essential tools for statisticians. You will also learn how to connect to databases from R and how to work with database objects. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in statistics and help you advance your career.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts use mathematical and analytical methods to solve problems in business and industry. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. This course is a great way to learn the basics of operations research. You will learn about SQL and R, two essential tools for operations research analysts. You will also learn how to connect to databases from R and how to work with database objects. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in operations research and help you advance your career.

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Financial Analyst

Financial analysts use financial data to make investment decisions. They work in a variety of industries, including investment banking, asset management, and insurance. This course is a great way to learn the basics of financial analysis. You will learn about SQL and R, two essential tools for financial analysts. You will also learn how to connect to databases from R and how to work with database objects. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in financial analysis and help you advance your career.

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Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk. They work in a variety of industries, including insurance, finance, and healthcare. This course is a great way to learn the basics of actuarial science. You will learn about SQL and R, two essential tools for actuaries. You will also learn how to connect to databases from R and how to work with database objects. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in actuarial science and help you advance your career.

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Data Management Analyst

Data management analysts plan, implement, and maintain data management systems. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and government. This course is a great way to learn the basics of data management. You will learn about SQL and R, two essential tools for data management analysts. You will also learn how to connect to databases from R and how to work with database objects. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in data management and help you advance your career.

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Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access. They work in a variety of industries, including government, finance, and healthcare. This course is a great way to learn the basics of information security. You will learn about SQL and R, two essential tools for information security analysts. You will also learn how to connect to databases from R and how to work with database objects. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in information security and help you advance your career.

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Computer Network Architect

Computer network architects design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They work in a variety of industries, including government, finance, and healthcare. This course is a great way to learn the basics of computer network architecture. You will learn about SQL and R, two essential tools for computer network architects. You will also learn how to connect to databases from R and how to work with database objects. This course will give you the skills you need to get started in computer network architecture and help you advance your career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect