Relational Database Administration (DBA) from Coursera

Get started with Relational Database Administration and Database Management in this self-paced course!

This course begins with an introduction to database management; you will learn about things like the Database Management Lifecycle, the roles of a Database Administrator (DBA) as well as database storage. You will then discover some of the activities, techniques, and best practices for managing a database.

You will also learn about database optimization, including updating statistics, slow queries, types of indexes, and index creation and usage. You will learn about configuring and upgrading database server software and related products. You’ll also learn about database security; how to implement user authentication, assign roles, and assign object-level permissions. And gain an understanding of how to perform backup and restore procedures in case of system failures.

You will learn how to optimize databases for performance, monitor databases, collect diagnostic data, and access error information to help you resolve issues that may occur. Many of these tasks are repetitive, so you will learn how to schedule maintenance activities and regular diagnostic tests and send automated messages of the success or failure of a task. The course includes both video-based lectures as well as hands-on labs to practice and apply what you learn.

This course ends with a final project where you will assume the role of a database administrator and complete a number of database administration tasks across many different databases.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Database Management

Welcome to your first module on database administration. During this module, you’ll be introduced to a wide variety of information, including an overview of the types of tasks involved in database management and what a typical workday may look like. You will see that many tasks revolve around activities ranging from designing databases to planning and troubleshooting errors. At the end of the module, there will be several labs where you will gain hands-on experience learning about server objects, configurations, and database objects, including schemas, tables, triggers, and events.

Managing Databases

During this module, you will learn how to back up and restore databases. These processes are essential aspects of any organization's health and its ability to respond quickly to changes in the system. Through hands-on labs, you will learn why it is vital to create backups and define policies and procedures. In this module, you’ll also learn about database security and user management, including creating and resetting user passwords, creating groups, and more!

Monitoring and Optimization

In this module, you will learn how to create and keep baselines, performance metrics, standards, and finally, monitor RAM and disk usage, connections, and cache stats. You will also learn about database optimization, including updating statistics, slow queries, types of indexes, and index creation and usage.

Troubleshooting & Automation

In this module you will learn about some basic troubleshooting processes that help data engineers find frequently occurring issues such as connectivity, login, configuration, and whether the instance is running. You'll also learn how to automate many database functions, from managing alerts to generating and sending reports using standard Linux and Unix shell commands or cron jobs.

Final Assignment and Final Exam

In this module, you’ll complete your final course project, which brings together concepts and practices you previously learned in the first four modules. In this three part assignment, you will perform database administration tasks across 3 different databases. You will start by installing and configuring a database, managing users and performing a backup. You will move on to recovery, indexing, optimization and automation of routine tasks. Finally you will restore a database, create an index, create a view and connect to a database from the command line.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Rav Ahuja and Ramesh Sannareddy, who have experience managing databases

Provides a strong foundation in relational database administration and database management

Develops skills in database optimization, including updating statistics, slow queries, and index creation

Covers database security, including user authentication, role assignment, and object-level permissions

Includes hands-on labs to practice and apply what is learned

Suitable for beginners with no prior experience in database administration

Reviews summary

Relational database administration (dba)

Learners say that Relational Database Administration (DBA) provides a good overview of the subject with a focus on hands-on learning and great labs. Many say it's a great course offering useful knowledge, while others note it's a difficult course with hard quizzes and challenging exams. Although it's recommended for beginners, some say it may be better suited for learners with some database knowledge.

Students appreciate the hands-on learning opportunities.

"Good learning course"

"Simple and straight to the point"

"Well explained and practical based"

"Great labs"

Overall, learners say it's a great course.

"Great course"

"Excellent course"

"Very complete course"

"Great practice and learning experience"

While intended for beginners, some say it's better for learners with some existing knowledge.

"The materials are not clearly defined"

"I do not recommend this course to people who have no knowledge of databases"

Learners note that the course can be challenging.

"Intensive"

"Difficult"

"Hard quizzes"

"Challenging"

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 Administration (DBA) with these activities:

Review SQL Syntax and Commands

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Refresh your memory on the syntax and commands used in SQL, ensuring that you have a solid foundation for working with databases.

Browse courses on SQL Queries

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Review online resources or tutorials on SQL syntax and commands.
Practice writing basic SQL queries to select, insert, update, and delete data.

Review Database Concepts

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Begin by refreshing your memory on the core principles of database management, giving yourself a stronger footing when the course begins.

Browse courses on Database Management

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Review online tutorials on basic database concepts.
Go over your notes from previous database courses, if available.
Read a book or article summarizing the foundational principles of database management.

Participate in Database Discussion Forums

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Engage with fellow learners and experts by participating in online discussion forums dedicated to database topics, allowing you to clarify concepts and share knowledge.

Browse courses on Database Management

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Join online forums or communities related to database management.
Actively participate in discussions, asking questions and sharing your insights.
Collaborate with others to solve database-related problems.

Four other activities

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Complete Hands-on Database Exercises

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Boost your practical skills by following guided tutorials that provide valuable hands-on experience in database management.

Browse courses on Database Management

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Find tutorials that cover essential database operations, such as data manipulation and query optimization.
Work through the tutorials, implementing the concepts and techniques you learn.
Experiment with different database scenarios and test your understanding.

Solve Database Practice Problems

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Solidify your understanding of database concepts by solving practice problems that challenge your skills and reinforce your knowledge.

Browse courses on Database Management

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Find online platforms or textbooks that offer database practice problems.
Attempt to solve the problems on your own, referring to course materials or external resources as needed.
Review your solutions and identify areas where you need further clarification.

Develop a Database Design Document

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Deepen your understanding of database design principles by creating a comprehensive design document that outlines your approach to a specific database system.

Browse courses on Database Design

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Define the purpose, scope, and requirements of the database system.
Create an entity-relationship diagram (ERD) to model the data entities and their relationships.
Specify the database schema, including tables, fields, and constraints.
Develop a detailed description of the database's functionality and operations.

Design and Implement a Database Application

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Put your skills to the test by designing and implementing a fully functional database application that meets specific requirements, showcasing your ability to apply database concepts in a practical setting.

Browse courses on Database Management

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Identify a real-world problem or scenario that requires a database solution.
Design the database schema and create the necessary tables and relationships.
Implement the database application using an appropriate programming language and database management system.
Test and evaluate the application's functionality and performance.

Career center

Learners who complete Relational Database Administration (DBA) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Database Administrator (DBA)

A Database Administrator (DBA) is responsible for the maintenance and performance of databases. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a DBA, including database management, optimization, and security. In addition, this course will help you prepare for the DBA certification exam.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator (DBA)

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Data Analyst, including data management, analysis, and visualization. In addition, this course will help you prepare for the Data Analyst certification exam.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Developer

A Database Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining databases. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Database Developer, including database design, development, and administration. In addition, this course will help you prepare for the Database Developer certification exam.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Developer

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer is responsible for building and maintaining data pipelines. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Data Engineer, including data management, engineering, and analytics. In addition, this course will help you prepare for the Data Engineer certification exam.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Business Analyst, including data analysis, process improvement, and communication. In addition, this course will help you prepare for the Business Analyst certification exam.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Project Manager, including project management, communication, and leadership. In addition, this course will help you prepare for the Project Manager certification exam.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Software Engineer, including software development, design, and testing. In addition, this course will help you prepare for the Software Engineer certification exam.

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Computer Scientist

A Computer Scientist is responsible for conducting research in the field of computer science. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Computer Scientist, including computer science theory, algorithms, and data structures.

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Information Systems Manager

An Information Systems Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing information systems. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become an Information Systems Manager, including information systems management, business analysis, and project management.

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IT Manager

An IT Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing IT infrastructure. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become an IT Manager, including IT management, infrastructure, and security.

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Network Administrator

A Network Administrator is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing computer networks. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Network Administrator, including network administration, security, and troubleshooting.

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Computer Support Specialist

A Computer Support Specialist is responsible for providing technical support to computer users. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Computer Support Specialist, including computer hardware and software support, troubleshooting, and customer service.

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Database Technician

A Database Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing databases. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Database Technician, including database installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Technician

Data Entry Clerk

A Data Entry Clerk is responsible for entering data into a computer system. This course may not be directly relevant to becoming a Data Entry Clerk, but it can provide you with the basic computer skills needed for this role.

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Warehouse Worker

A Warehouse Worker is responsible for receiving, storing, and shipping goods. This course is not relevant to becoming a Warehouse Worker.

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