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There are 5 modules in this course
Database management systems are a crucial part of most large-scale industry and open-source systems. This course will introduce you to important concepts of database systems and design. We will learn what relational databases are, what they are used for, the theory underlying their design, and how to query and modify a database using the declarative SQL language.
At the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Describe what relational databases are, and how they are used.
- Master the Relational Database Model.
- Demonstrate proficiency in formal relational database theory.
- Demonstrate comprehensive SQL skills.
- Apply database knowledge to practical problems.
Software Requirements: Jupyter Notebooks, SQL
Welcome to Introduction to Relational Databases! In this course, we will cover the foundational topics of databases including Database Overview, Relational Algebra, and SQL. This module introduces relational databases, their components, and real-world applications. You will explore database schemas (relations, attributes, keys), and develop an understanding of essential concepts like records, data retrieval/modification, and primary/foreign keys. Real-world examples support practical understanding and schema design.
Introduction to Relational Databases - Part 1•6 minutes
Introduction to Relational Databases - Part 2•6 minutes
Introduction to Relational Databases - Part 3•6 minutes
Introduction to Relational Databases - Part 4•5 minutes
Introduction to Relational Databases - Part 5•6 minutes
Introduction to Relational Databases - Part 6•8 minutes
Relational DBMS - Part 1•7 minutes
Relational DBMS - Part 2
•4 minutes
Relational DBMS - Part 3•8 minutes
Relational DBMS - Part 4•7 minutes
Keys•9 minutes
Relational Data Model - Part 1•6 minutes
Relational Data Model - Part 2•8 minutes
Relational Model Constraints - Part 1•5 minutes
Relational Model Constraints - Part 2•5 minutes
Relational Model Constraints - Part 3•7 minutes
Relational Model Constraints - Part 4•8 minutes
5 readings•Total 270 minutes
Syllabus•10 minutes
Introduction to Relational Databases•120 minutes
Relational DBMS•120 minutes
The Relational Model•10 minutes
Module 1 Summary•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 420 minutes
Practice Assessment Quiz 1.1•180 minutes
Practice Assessment Quiz 1.2•30 minutes
Practice Assessment Quiz 1.3•30 minutes
Module 1 Summative Assessment•180 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Meet and Greet Discussion•10 minutes
3 ungraded labs•Total 180 minutes
Sample Database Setup•60 minutes
Test Sample Database•60 minutes
Relational Data Model Practice Lab•60 minutes
Module 2: Relational Algebra
Module 2•13 hours to complete
Module details
This module explores the fundamental concepts and operations of relational algebra and the theoretical foundation of relational databases. Students will first learn the core elements of relational algebra, such as relations, tuples, and operations. The module then delves into basic operations (selection and projection) and advanced operations techniques (joins and division). The module also covers composite and aggregation operations and touches on query optimization techniques. By the end, students will have a strong theoretical understanding to work with relational databases effectively.
What's included
12 videos4 readings3 assignments
Show info about module content
12 videos•Total 84 minutes
Module 2 Introduction•1 minute
Relational Algebra - Part 1•8 minutes
Relational Algebra - Part 2•6 minutes
Relational Algebra - Part 3•9 minutes
Relational Algebra - Part 4•8 minutes
Set Operations - Part 1•9 minutes
Set Operations - Part 2•9 minutes
Set Operations - Part 3•6 minutes
Set Operations - Part 4•5 minutes
Relational Algebra - RelaX Tool - Part 1•8 minutes
Relational Algebra - RelaX Tool - Part 2 •7 minutes
Relational Algebra - RelaX Tool - Part 3•9 minutes
4 readings•Total 160 minutes
The Relational Algebra•60 minutes
Advanced Relational Algebra Operations•60 minutes
Relational Algebra Tool (RelaX)•30 minutes
Module 2 Summary•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 540 minutes
Practice Assessment Quiz 2.1•180 minutes
Practice Assessment Quiz 2.2•180 minutes
Module 2 Summative Assessment•180 minutes
Module 3: Introduction to SQL (Foundations)
Module 3•20 hours to complete
Module details
This module introduces SQL (Structured Query Language), the industry-standard language for managing relational databases. Students will first learn the role of SQL and its categories, then dive deeper into Data Definition Language (DDL) for creating/modifying schemas and finally practice Data Manipulation Language (DML) to query and modify data using the Chinook database.
What's included
13 videos4 readings2 assignments11 ungraded labs
Show info about module content
13 videos•Total 114 minutes
Module 3 Introduction•1 minute
What is SQL?•3 minutes
SQL Categories•4 minutes
SQL Data Types & Naming Conventions•10 minutes
Creating a Database and Tables •8 minutes
Modifying Table Structure with ALTER•14 minutes
Managing Relationships•14 minutes
DDL - Removing Objects: TRUNCATE, and DROP•8 minutes
Retrieve Data - The SELECT Statement•15 minutes
Filter Data - Using the WHERE Clause•13 minutes
Add Data - The INSERT Statement •11 minutes
Modify Data - The UPDATE Statement •9 minutes
Remove Data - The DELETE Statement•5 minutes
4 readings•Total 190 minutes
SQL Overview, Categories, and Data Type •60 minutes
Data Definition Language (DDL)•60 minutes
Data Manipulation Language (DML)•60 minutes
Module 3 Summary•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 240 minutes
Module 3 Practice Assessment•60 minutes
Module 3 Summative Assessment•180 minutes
11 ungraded labs•Total 660 minutes
Creating Tables Lab•60 minutes
Altering Tables Lab•60 minutes
Dropping Tables Lab•60 minutes
Structured Query Language Lab•60 minutes
SELECT queries 101 Lab•60 minutes
Queries with expressions Lab•60 minutes
Queries with constraints (Pt. 1) Lab•60 minutes
Queries with constraints (Pt. 2) Lab•60 minutes
Inserting Rows Lab•60 minutes
Updating Rows Lab•60 minutes
Deleting Rows Lab•60 minutes
Module 4: Complex SQL
Module 4•19 hours to complete
Module details
This module builds on foundational SQL skills, introducing advanced querying techniques for complex data retrieval and analysis. Students will learn subqueries (correlated and non-correlated), multi-table joins (INNER, OUTER, CROSS, SELF), aggregations with GROUP BY and HAVING, and set operations (UNION, INTERSECT, EXCEPT). The module also covers derived tables, common table expressions (CTEs), views, indexing, and database access control.
What's included
18 videos6 readings2 assignments7 ungraded labs
Show info about module content
18 videos•Total 180 minutes
Module 4 Introduction•1 minute
Joins and Relationships - INNER JOIN•14 minutes
Joins and Relationships - OUTER JOIN•12 minutes
Avoiding the Cartesian Trap - CROSS JOIN vs Wrong Joins•5 minutes
Using SELF JOINs - Intra-table Joins•5 minutes
Aggregation Functions (10 min)•9 minutes
GROUP BY vs HAVING (7 min)•15 minutes
Set Operations - Using UNION, UNION ALL•8 minutes
Set Operations - Using INTERSECT, INTERSECT ALL•9 minutes
Set Operations - Using EXCEPT, EXCEPT ALL•8 minutes
Subqueries and Set Memberships Operations (IN, NOT IN)•20 minutes
Set Comparison Operations (ANY, COME, ALL)•7 minutes
Correlated Subqueries and EXISTS/NOT EXISTS•14 minutes
Common Table Expressions (CTEs)•14 minutes
Complex SQL - Views•10 minutes
Referential Integrity - Maintaining Data Consistency•11 minutes
Indexes - Making Data Retrieval Faster•10 minutes
Access Control - Database Security Management•8 minutes
6 readings•Total 310 minutes
Joins and Relationships•60 minutes
Aggregations•60 minutes
Set Operations•60 minutes
Subqueries, Sets, and Views•60 minutes
Referential Integrity, Indexes, and Access Control•60 minutes
Module 4 Summary•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 240 minutes
Module 4 Practice Assessment•60 minutes
Module 4 Summative Assessment•180 minutes
7 ungraded labs•Total 420 minutes
Select Queries with Joins Lab•60 minutes
Select Queries with Outer Joins Lab•60 minutes
Select Queries with Nulls Lab•60 minutes
Select Queries with Aggregates Lab•60 minutes
Select Queries with Aggregates part 2 Lab•60 minutes
Select Queries with Joins Lab•60 minutes
Select Queries with Joins Lab•60 minutes
Summative Course Assessment
Module 5•3 hours to complete
Module details
This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course.
What's included
1 assignment
Show info about module content
1 assignment•Total 180 minutes
Summative Course Assessment•180 minutes
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This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by Illinois Tech. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
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Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by Illinois Tech. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.
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