What is the course about?
Using the free version of Microsoft SQL Server, one of the top 3 Relational Database Management Systems used by 98 of the Fortune 100 companies we will cover all the necessary skills to build, maintain and interrogate a relational database system.
What will we cover?
The fundamental building block of a relational database is the table. We will use SQL to produce a series of tables and link them to build an efficient storage system for our data that avoids data duplication and redundancy. We will also learn how to maintain data once stored in our database using the Data Manipulation Language components of SQL.
Finally, we will learn how to interrogate our database, an activity central to nearly all organisations, to carry out mission critical tasks such as inventory management, order processing, tracking and booking amongst many others. We also need these skill to for the business intelligence process, data science and analysis.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Define key terminology and concepts related to all RDBMS
• Use the Data Definition Language commands in SQL to create a series of linked database tables that can store data of various data types.
• Use the Data Manipulation Language commands in SQL to add, update and delete data stored across related tables
• Use the Data Query Language commands in SQL to interrogate our data, including using:-
- Join operations
- Logical and comparison operations
- Fuzzy Search
- The Null operator
• Date functions
• Created aliases and calculated fields with the data in our tables
• Format currency and dates.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Though the course does not require any previous knowledge of SQL or Relational Database Management Systems it is quite fast paced and you will not only need good computing skills and a high level of typing accuracy, but would also benefit from having some experience in coding, (it doesn’t matter which language), such as having attended one of our many Python or HTML and CSS courses. If you haven’t coded before you might consider our Beginner's Guide to SQL course first as an introduction to the topic.
You should also be able to follow spoken instructions, read written instructions and information, and discuss work with your tutor in English.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
There will be some theoretical underpinning to the course, but it is nearly all practical, through Teacher demonstration and practical programming and problem solving activities. There is no official work set outside the class but it is a good idea to practise the skills you have learnt to reinforce classroom learning.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Computers are provided for each student with all the necessary software installed. All the software used on the course is free to download and use and your tutor will recommend where to find this software for home use. Unfortunately due to the range of hardware and software used by students at home, the College is unable to provide advice on installation issues.
If you wish to copy the programs you produce on the course please bring a USB key or have access to a cloud service such as Google Drive or Dropbox. A pen and notepad for note taking is also advised.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might be interested in learning a programming language such as Python, R, C++ or C#.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 19:00.
See the course guide for term dates and further details
