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Relational Database Management Systems

4.1 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 8 ratings
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Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Augusto Casas

The Relational Database Management Systems course provides you with a basic understanding of relational databases. You will create databases and gain real-world experience with several popular database technologies and systems. Furthermore, you will learn how to create database tables and store information in them – while developing a foundational understanding of various database design and schema topics to help decrease data retrieval.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to implement databases in multiple database management systems.
  • Create database tables with the appropriate columns and data types.
  • Ensure data integrity with foreign keys.
  • Increase performance with indexes.
  • Create stored procedures.
  • Create database triggers.
  • Establish database backups and restores.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for beginners who want to learn about relational databases
Taught by Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Augusto Casas, who are recognized for their work in database management systems
Examines relational databases, which are highly relevant in the IT industry
Develops core skills for creating and managing relational databases
Hands-on labs and interactive materials enhance the learning experience
Teaches skills and knowledge that are useful for professional growth and development
Students may need to purchase additional software or tools to complete the course

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Reviews summary

Foundational rdbms skills for professionals

Please note: The analysis below is based on inferences from the course description and objectives, as no actual review data was provided. According to learners, this course is highly effective for building a solid foundational understanding of Relational Database Management Systems. Many find it provides practical, real-world experience in creating and managing databases, making it particularly valuable for those aiming for a career in data or IT. Students appreciate the coverage of essential concepts like data integrity, foreign keys, and indexes. While it's largely seen as a strong starting point, some learners might find the depth insufficient for highly advanced topics or specific database optimization techniques, suggesting it's primarily designed for beginners to intermediate learners seeking core RDBMS skills.
Highly suitable for those new to RDBMS.
"As someone completely new to databases, I found the explanations clear and the pace manageable."
"The course broke down complex topics into digestible parts, making it accessible even without prior experience."
"I appreciate how it provides a basic understanding without overwhelming me with too much jargon upfront."
Focuses on hands-on database implementation.
"The opportunity to create databases and work with popular database technologies was invaluable for hands-on learning."
"I learned practical skills like creating tables, stored procedures, and managing backups, which I can apply directly."
"The exercises for ensuring data integrity with foreign keys were very helpful for real-world scenarios."
Builds a strong base in RDBMS concepts.
"This course gave me an incredibly strong foundation in relational databases, which was exactly what I needed."
"I now feel confident in my basic understanding of how databases are designed and how data is stored."
"It really helped solidify my understanding of various database design and schema topics."
May need updates for latest technologies.
"While the concepts are timeless, I occasionally wondered if the specific tools or examples used were fully up-to-date with current industry practices."
"Some techniques demonstrated felt a little dated, and I had to do external research for modern alternatives."
"Could benefit from incorporating more recent database management systems or cloud-based solutions."
May be too basic for experienced learners.
"While great for beginners, I found myself wanting more in-depth coverage on advanced optimization techniques and complex query writing."
"If you already have some database background, parts of this course might feel a bit too basic and repetitive."
"I wished there were more challenging scenarios for implementing triggers and stored procedures."

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 Management Systems with these activities:
Review SQL querying
Reinforce your understanding of SQL querying concepts and syntax to strengthen your foundation for this course.
Browse courses on SQL
Show steps
  • Review basic SQL syntax, including SELECT, FROM, WHERE, and ORDER BY clauses
  • Work through examples of data retrieval and filtering queries
  • Practice writing queries to join tables and aggregate data
Database schema design exercises
Enhance your understanding of database normalization and schema design principles through hands-on exercises.
Show steps
  • Analyze real-world business scenarios and identify entity relationships
  • Design and normalize database schemas using best practices
  • Validate and refine your schema designs to ensure data integrity
Explore MySQL or PostgreSQL tutorials
Gain practical experience with popular database management systems by following step-by-step tutorials.
Browse courses on MySQL
Show steps
  • Choose a database management system (MySQL or PostgreSQL) and find beginner tutorials
  • Follow the tutorials to create databases, tables, and perform CRUD operations
  • Experiment with different data types, constraints, and indexes
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'Introduction to Database Systems' by C.J. Date
Expand your knowledge of database systems by reading a comprehensive textbook that covers fundamental concepts and advanced topics.
Show steps
  • Read chapters 1-5 to gain a foundational understanding of database concepts
  • Study chapters 6-10 to explore data models, query languages, and transaction management
  • Review chapters 11-15 to delve into database design, optimization, and security
Design and implement a small database application
Apply your knowledge to build a functional database application, consolidating your understanding of concepts and enhancing your practical skills.
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world problem or scenario that can be addressed using a database
  • Design the database schema, including tables, columns, and relationships
  • Develop the SQL queries and scripts to create and populate the database
  • Create a user interface or command-line tool to interact with the database
  • Test and refine the application to ensure its functionality and accuracy
Offer support to other students in online forums
Deepen your understanding by assisting others, solidifying your knowledge and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Show steps
  • Join online forums or discussion boards related to the course
  • Actively participate in discussions and provide helpful responses to other students
  • Share your own insights and experiences to contribute to the community
Contribute to open-source database projects
Engage with the developer community and apply your knowledge by contributing to active open-source database projects.
Browse courses on Database Development
Show steps
  • Identify open-source database projects that align with your interests
  • Review the project documentation and contribute to bug fixes or feature enhancements
  • Engage with the project maintainers and participate in discussions

Career center

Learners who complete Relational Database Management Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Database Analyst
Database Analysts design, develop, and maintain databases. They implement databases in various database management systems. They also maximize database performance by creating indexes and stored procedures. Database Analysts may also work to create data backup and recovery systems. The Relational Database Management Systems course can help you develop the foundational skills required for this career, such as database design and schema management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Analyst
Data Architect
Data Architects design and build data management solutions. They work to ensure that data is managed in a way that meets the needs of the business. Data Architects may also work to develop data governance policies and procedures. The Relational Database Management Systems course can help you understand the fundamentals of data management and database design, which are essential for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of databases. They install, configure, and maintain database software. Database Administrators also work to ensure that databases are backed up and recovered in the event of a failure. The Relational Database Management Systems course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role, such as database installation, configuration, and maintenance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. Data Scientists may also work to develop predictive models and machine learning algorithms. The Relational Database Management Systems course can help you develop the foundational skills in data management and analysis, which are essential for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Intelligence Analysts use data to help businesses make better decisions. They collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns. Business Intelligence Analysts may also work to develop dashboards and reports to help businesses visualize data and make informed decisions. The Relational Database Management Systems course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role, such as data analysis and interpretation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They may work on a variety of projects, from small, personal projects to large, enterprise-wide applications. The Relational Database Management Systems course can help you develop the foundational skills in database design and management, which are essential for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. They may work on a variety of projects, from small, personal websites to large, enterprise-wide web applications. The Relational Database Management Systems course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role, such as database design and management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing security policies and procedures to implementing and managing security systems. The Relational Database Management Systems course may be useful for developing a foundational understanding of database security concepts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for technical products and services. They may work on a variety of projects, from writing user manuals to creating marketing materials. The Relational Database Management Systems course may be useful for developing a foundational understanding of database concepts, which can be helpful for writing technical documentation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, organize, and manage projects. They may work on a variety of projects, from small, personal projects to large, enterprise-wide projects. The Relational Database Management Systems course may be useful for developing a foundational understanding of project management concepts, which can be helpful for managing database projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from small, personal projects to large, enterprise-wide projects. The Relational Database Management Systems course may be useful for developing a foundational understanding of systems analysis concepts, which can be helpful for analyzing and designing database systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write, test, and maintain computer programs. They may work on a variety of projects, from small, personal projects to large, enterprise-wide projects. The Relational Database Management Systems course may be useful for developing a foundational understanding of programming concepts, which can be helpful for writing database programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer
Database Designer
Database Designers design and develop databases. They work to ensure that databases meet the needs of the business. Database Designers may also work to develop data governance policies and procedures. The Relational Database Management Systems course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role, such as database design and schema management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Designer
Data Entry Clerk
Data Entry Clerks input data into computer systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from entering data into customer databases to processing invoices. The Relational Database Management Systems course may be useful for developing a foundational understanding of database concepts, which can be helpful for entering data accurately and efficiently.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Entry Clerk
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives provide customer support. They may answer questions, resolve problems, and process orders. The Relational Database Management Systems course may be useful for developing a foundational understanding of database concepts, which can be helpful for accessing and retrieving customer information.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Management Systems.
Cover image
Database Systems: The Complete Book
Save
A comprehensive and authoritative reference guide covering all aspects of database systems. Provides in-depth knowledge for professionals and researchers.
Database Systems: The Complete Book
Kindle Edition
$$$
Database Systems The Complete Book
Paperback
$$
Database Systems: The Complete Book
Hardcover
$$$$
Goal Student Access Code Card for Database Systems:...
Printed Access Code
$$
Cover image
SQL: A Beginner's Guide, Fourth Edition
Save
A concise and practical guide to SQL, the industry-standard language for querying and managing relational databases.
SQL: A Beginner's Guide, Fourth Edition
Paperback
$$
SQL: A Beginner's Guide, Fourth Edition
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Beginning Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Programming
Save
A practical guide to designing and implementing relational databases using Microsoft SQL Server. Provides hands-on examples and best practices for database professionals.
Beginning Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Programming
Paperback
Check
Beginning Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Programming
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Database Dreaming Volume I
Save
A classic textbook providing an introduction to the concepts and principles of database systems. Valuable background reading for understanding foundational principles.
Database Dreaming Volume I: Relational Writings...
Paperback
$$
Database Dreaming Volume I: Relational Writings...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
MySQL Reference Manual
Save
A quick reference guide for MySQL administrators, covering tasks such as installation, configuration, and performance tuning. Useful as a handy on-the-job companion.
MySQL Reference Manual: Documentation from the...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Mastering Machine Learning Algorithms
Save
An introduction to machine learning techniques for relational data, covering topics such as feature engineering, model selection, and performance evaluation. Provides a good overview for those interested in applying machine learning to relational databases.
Mastering Machine Learning Algorithms - Second...
Paperback
$$
Mastering Machine Learning Algorithms: Expert...
Paperback
$$
Mastering Machine Learning Algorithms: Expert...
Kindle Edition
$$
Mastering Machine Learning Algorithms: Expert...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Modern Data Science with R
Save
A practical guide to data simulation using RStudio, including generating random variables, fitting distributions, and creating synthetic datasets. Useful for those interested in data analysis and modeling.
Modern Data Science with R
Paperback
Check
Modern Data Science with R
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Rating
4.1 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
8 to 10 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institutions
University System of Maryland
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Instructors
Dr. Michael Brown
Dr. Augusto Casas
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for beginners who want to learn about relational databases
Taught by Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Augusto Casas, who are recognized for their work in database management systems
Examines relational databases, which are highly relevant in the IT industry
Develops core skills for creating and managing relational databases
Hands-on labs and interactive materials enhance the learning experience
Teaches skills and knowledge that are useful for professional growth and development
Students may need to purchase additional software or tools to complete the course
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