What You'll Learn

This course teaches you to think in terms of data structures and relationships. You'll understand not just how to write SQL queries, but why databases are designed the way they are.

Core SQL Skills

SELECT queries and filtering
JOINs across multiple tables
Aggregations and GROUP BY
Subqueries and derived tables
INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE operations

Database Concepts

Relational model fundamentals
Primary and foreign keys
Normalization principles
Data integrity constraints
Transaction basics

Course Philosophy

Databases are built on mathematical principles that don't change with trends. This course teaches you the conceptual foundation that makes everything else make sense. We prioritize understanding over memorization, clarity over speed.

You'll learn to read table structures like a language, to see relationships between entities, and to write queries that express exactly what data you need. These skills transfer across database systems and remain relevant throughout your career.

Educational Content Only

This course provides structured learning materials on database fundamentals. It does not guarantee job placement, specific career outcomes, or salary levels. Learning outcomes depend on individual effort, practice, and application of concepts.

Course Details

Prerequisites

None. Designed for complete beginners. Basic computer literacy helpful.

Time Commitment

5-7 hours per week recommended for 8-10 weeks. Self-paced.

What's Included

Video lectures and written content
Practice exercises and solutions
Real-world examples
Lifetime access to materials

Tools Needed

Free database software (guidance provided). Computer with internet access.

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Course Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to Databases

What are databases and why they matter
Relational vs non-relational approaches
Understanding tables, rows, and columns
Database management systems overview

Module 2: Basic SQL Queries

SELECT statement fundamentals
Filtering data with WHERE clauses
Sorting results with ORDER BY
Limiting and pagination

Module 3: Working with Multiple Tables

Understanding relationships between tables
INNER JOIN fundamentals
LEFT and RIGHT JOINs
FULL OUTER JOIN and CROSS JOIN
Self-joins and joining multiple tables

Module 4: Aggregations and Grouping

COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX functions
GROUP BY clause and its purpose
HAVING clause for filtering groups
Understanding aggregation logic

Module 5: Subqueries and Derived Tables

What subqueries are and when to use them
Scalar subqueries in SELECT and WHERE
Correlated subqueries
Using subqueries with IN and EXISTS
Common table expressions (CTEs)

Module 6: Data Modification

INSERT statements and adding data
UPDATE operations and their risks
DELETE statements with care
Best practices for data modification

Module 7: Database Structure Fundamentals

Understanding data types
PRIMARY KEY constraints
FOREIGN KEY relationships
UNIQUE and NOT NULL constraints
DEFAULT values and their use

Module 8: Normalization Principles

What normalization is and why it matters
First normal form (1NF)
Second normal form (2NF)
Third normal form (3NF)
When to denormalize and trade-offs

Module 9: Indexes and Performance Basics

How databases find data
What indexes are and how they work
When to add indexes
Index trade-offs and costs

Module 10: Transactions and Consistency

What transactions are
ACID properties explained
COMMIT and ROLLBACK
Why consistency matters

Module 11: Advanced Query Techniques

Window functions introduction
UNION and set operations
CASE expressions for conditional logic
String and date functions

Module 12: Real-World Application

Designing a small database from requirements
Writing complex queries for reporting
Common patterns and anti-patterns
Next steps in database learning

Is This Course Right for You?

This Course Is For You If:

You're new to databases and want to learn from scratch
You need to work with data in your job but lack formal training
You've written queries before but don't understand the underlying concepts
You want to strengthen your foundation before learning advanced topics
You prefer structured, conceptual learning over quick tutorials
You're willing to invest time in understanding fundamentals deeply

This Course May Not Be For You If:

You're looking for advanced performance tuning techniques
You need specific training in a particular database system's unique features
You're seeking certification preparation materials
You want quick tips without understanding core concepts
You're already comfortable with SQL and need specialized knowledge
You prefer video-only content without reading or exercises

After Completing This Course

You'll have a solid conceptual foundation in relational databases and SQL. You'll be prepared to learn more advanced topics like query optimization, database administration, or move into related fields like data engineering or analytics.

Note: Course completion does not guarantee job placement, specific career outcomes, or skill proficiency levels. Outcomes depend on individual practice, application, and continued learning.

SQL & Relational Database Fundamentals