The Nature of Data and Relational Database Design

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/nature-of-data-relational-database-design

Introduction

### Course Review and Recommendation: "The Nature of Data and Relational Database Design" on Coursera In today’s data-driven world, understanding how to manage and analyze data is crucial for professionals across various fields. “The Nature of Data and Relational Database Design” offered on Coursera is an invaluable course that caters to beginners as well as those looking to solidify their foundational knowledge in data and database management. #### Course Overview This course effectively unpacks the intricate world of data and relational database design, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding data types, storage mechanisms, and data manipulation techniques using SQL (Structured Query Language). By completing this course, learners will not only grasp the concept of business intelligence but also distinguish it from business analytics and data science, conduct basic statistical analyses, and become adept at database design and SQL operations. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Module 1: Overview of Business Intelligence** - This module sets the stage by defining business intelligence and distinguishing it from business analytics and data science. You will learn about decision support systems and how to navigate both OLTP (Online Transaction Processing) and OLAP (Online Analytical Processing). The quiz at the end reinforces your understanding of these concepts. 2. **Module 2: Nature of Data & Descriptive Statistics** - Here, the course delves into types of data—structured and unstructured—while covering essential statistical concepts. You will engage in hands-on activities using Microsoft Excel’s Data Analysis Toolpak to perform and articulate findings from a basic descriptive statistical analysis, ultimately solidifying your understanding of data preparation. 3. **Module 3: Relational Database Design (ERD and Normalization)** - This module is fundamental for anyone looking to design databases. By exploring the essential concepts of conceptual, logical, and physical database design, you will practice creating an Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) and learn about normalization—a process crucial for eliminating redundancy in relational databases. 4. **Module 4: Structured Query Language (SQL) Overview** - In the final module, you will explore the depths of SQL, including Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML). Engaging in practical activities, you will write SQL scripts to create databases and tables, enabling you to extract and analyze relevant data. This hands-on experience is vital for reinforcing theoretical concepts. #### Review The **"The Nature of Data and Relational Database Design"** course stands out for its structured approach and practical applicability. The blend of theory with hands-on activities ensures that learners not only understand the what and why of data and databases but also experience how to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios. The use of quizzes and activities at the end of each module encourages an interactive learning environment, allowing you to assess your comprehension and foster a deeper understanding of complex concepts. The course is well-paced and designed for a diverse audience, making it accessible for beginners yet insightful for those with prior knowledge. #### Recommendation I highly recommend **"The Nature of Data and Relational Database Design"** for anyone looking to embark on or advance their journey in data management and analysis. This course is perfect for business professionals, aspiring data analysts, and anyone interested in extracting meaningful insights from data. By the end of the course, individuals will not only enhance their understanding of data frameworks but also gain practical skills to utilize SQL effectively, a highly sought-after skill in today’s job market. Enroll in this course to empower yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly data-centric business landscape!

Syllabus

Overview of Business Intelligence

Welcome to Module 1: Overview of Business Intelligence! In our first module, we will define business intelligence and differentiate it from business analytics and data science. We will also overview decision support systems and practice working with them through our activity. Finally, we will differentiate between OTLP and OLAP as well as identify the goals of business intelligence through a short quiz.

Welcome to Module 2: Nature of Data & Descriptive Statistics. In this module, we will dive into the types of data, the process of data preparation and descriptive and inferential statistics. We will differentiate between descriptive and inferential statistics as well as structured and unstructured data with a short quiz. Finally, we will use Microsoft Excel Data Analysis Toolpak to conduct a basic descriptive statistical analysis and share our findings.

Welcome to Module 3: Relational Database Design (ERD and Normalization). In this module, we will define relational databases and overview the process of designing databases. We will differentiate between conceptual, logical and physical design with a short quiz. In addition, we will create an ERD that shows progression from conceptual to logical to physical design through our activity.

Welcome Module 4: Structured Query Language (SQL) Overview. In our final module, we will overview SQL as well as define Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML). Through a short quiz, we will define DDL, DML, DCL, and TCL, as well as differentiate between varying MySQL keywords and data types. In our final activity, we will write SQL scripts to create a database and some associated tables. We will then extract and articulate useful information from the data that we can share with fellow students.