The Path to Insights: Data Models and Pipelines from Coursera

This is the second of three courses in the Google Business Intelligence Certificate. In this course, you'll explore data modeling and how databases are designed. Then you’ll learn about extract, transform, load (ETL) processes that extract data from source systems, transform it into formats that enable analysis, and drive business processes and goals.

Google employees who currently work in BI will guide you through this course by providing hands-on activities that simulate job tasks, sharing examples from their day-to-day work, and helping you build business intelligence skills to prepare for a career in the field.

Learners who complete the three courses in this certificate program will have the skills needed to apply for business intelligence jobs. This certificate program assumes prior knowledge of foundational analytical principles, skills, and tools covered in the Google Data Analytics Certificate.

By the end of this course, you will:

-Determine which data models are appropriate for different business requirements

-Describe the difference between creating and interacting with a data model

-Create data models to address different types of questions

-Explain the parts of the extract, transform, load (ETL) process and tools used in ETL

-Understand extraction processes and tools for different data storage systems

-Design an ETL process that meets organizational and stakeholder needs

-Design data pipelines to automate BI processes

What's inside

Syllabus

Data models and pipelines

You’ll start this course by exploring data modeling, common schemas, and database elements. You’ll consider how business needs determine the kinds of database systems that BI professionals implement. Then, you’ll discover pipelines and ETL processes, which are tools that move data and ensure that it’s accessible and useful.

Dynamic database design

You’ll learn more about database systems, including data marts, data lakes, data warehouses, and ETL processes. You’ll also investigate the five factors of database performance: workload, throughput, resources, optimization, and contention. Finally, you’ll consider how to design efficient queries that get the most from a system.

Optimize ETL processes

You’ll learn about optimization techniques including ETL quality testing, data schema validation, business rule verification, and general performance testing. You’ll also explore data integrity and learn how built-in quality checks defend against potential problems. Finally, you’ll focus on verifying business rules and general performance testing to make sure pipelines meet the intended business need.

Course 2 end-of-course project

You’ll complete an end-of-course project by creating a pipeline process to deliver data to a target table and developing reports based on project needs. You’ll also ensure that the pipeline is performing correctly and that there are built-in defenses against data quality issues.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores data modeling, a standard in business intelligence

Taught by Google employees who work in business intelligence

Develops skills needed to apply for business intelligence jobs

Provides hands-on activities that simulate job tasks

Covers data pipelines and ETL processes, which are essential for business intelligence

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 The Path to Insights: Data Models and Pipelines with these activities:

Create a Course Materials Repository

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Organize and review course materials for better understanding and retention.

Browse courses on Data Models

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Gather lecture notes, slides, and assignments.
Create a digital or physical repository for the materials.
Review the materials regularly to reinforce learning.

Review Database Systems Concepts

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Review the fundamentals of database systems, including data models, database design, and query processing.

View Database Systems: The Complete Book on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1-3 of the book.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.

Attend a Data Science Meetup

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Connect with professionals in the field and learn about current industry trends.

Browse courses on Data Science

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Find a data science meetup in your area.
Attend the meetup and introduce yourself to others.
Participate in discussions and ask questions.

Five other activities

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Build a Simple Data Model

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Apply your understanding of data models to create a simple database design.

Browse courses on Data Modeling

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Identify the entities and relationships in a business process.
Create an ER diagram to represent the data model.
Translate the ER diagram into a SQL schema.
Create a database and tables based on the schema.
Populate the database with sample data.

Practice Data Extraction and Loading

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Reinforce your understanding of data extraction and loading through hands-on practice.

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Use SQL queries to extract data from a database.
Use Python or other programming language to load data into a database.
Complete coding exercises and challenges related to data extraction and loading.

Follow Tutorials on Data Visualization

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Enhance your skills in data visualization by following guided tutorials.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Search for tutorials on data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step to create interactive visualizations.
Practice creating different types of charts and graphs to represent data.

Write a Blog Post About ETL Processes

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Demonstrate your understanding of ETL processes by writing a comprehensive blog post.

Browse courses on ETL Processes

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Research ETL processes and best practices.
Outline the components and steps of an ETL process.
Write the blog post, explaining the concepts clearly.
Include examples and case studies to illustrate the benefits of ETL.
Proofread and publish the blog post.

Develop a Data Pipeline for a Business Case

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Apply your knowledge to create a practical data pipeline that addresses a real-world business need.

Browse courses on Data Pipelines

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Identify a business case where a data pipeline is required.
Design the data pipeline architecture.
Develop the data pipeline using appropriate tools and technologies.
Test and deploy the data pipeline.
Monitor and maintain the data pipeline.

Career center

Learners who complete The Path to Insights: Data Models and Pipelines will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Engineer

Data Engineers build and maintain the infrastructure that stores and processes data. They work closely with Data Analysts to design and implement data pipelines that can handle the increasing volume and complexity of data. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Data Engineer by teaching you how to design and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They use their knowledge of statistics and machine learning to build models that can predict future trends and identify new opportunities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Data Scientist by teaching you how to create and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with businesses to identify and solve problems. They use their knowledge of business processes and data analysis to develop solutions that can improve efficiency and profitability. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Business Analyst by teaching you how to create and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Business Intelligence Analyst

Business Intelligence Analysts use data to help businesses make better decisions. They use their knowledge of data analysis and visualization to create reports and dashboards that can communicate insights to decision-makers. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Business Intelligence Analyst by teaching you how to create and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers develop and manage products. They work with customers and stakeholders to define product requirements, develop product roadmaps, and launch new products. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Product Manager by teaching you how to create and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Data Analyst

Data Analysts design and build data models that transform raw data into useful information. They use their knowledge of data structures and algorithms to create efficient pipelines that can handle large volumes of data. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Data Analyst by teaching you how to create and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. They work with Data Analysts and Data Engineers to ensure that data is stored and processed efficiently. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Database Administrator by teaching you how to design and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals and objectives, develop project plans, and track project progress. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Project Manager by teaching you how to create and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Data Architect

Data Architects design and build data architectures. They work with stakeholders to define data requirements, develop data models, and implement data governance policies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Data Architect by teaching you how to create and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with stakeholders to define software requirements, develop software architectures, and implement software code. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Software Engineer by teaching you how to create and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with stakeholders to identify security risks, develop security policies, and implement security controls. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as an Information Security Analyst by teaching you how to create and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Compliance Analyst

Compliance Analysts ensure that organizations comply with laws and regulations. They work with stakeholders to identify compliance risks, develop compliance plans, and implement compliance controls. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Compliance Analyst by teaching you how to create and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts analyze financial data to make investment recommendations. They work with stakeholders to identify investment opportunities, develop investment strategies, and manage investment portfolios. This course may help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Financial Analyst by teaching you how to create and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Sales Analyst

Sales Analysts analyze sales data to improve sales performance. They work with stakeholders to identify sales opportunities, develop sales strategies, and measure sales effectiveness. This course may help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Sales Analyst by teaching you how to create and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Analyst

Marketing Analyst

Marketing Analysts analyze marketing data to improve marketing campaigns. They work with stakeholders to identify marketing opportunities, develop marketing strategies, and measure marketing effectiveness. This course may help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Marketing Analyst by teaching you how to create and optimize data models and pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst