Overview

Develop expertise in relational database design principles and implementation using SQL Server. This course teaches normalization techniques, entity-relationship modeling, and schema optimization to create efficient database structures. You'll use DDL (Data Definition Language) statements to build and modify database objects while enforcing data integrity through constraints. The advanced querying section covers complex joins, subqueries, CTEs, and aggregate functions that enable sophisticated data analysis. You'll also explore data warehousing concepts and learn to leverage GenAI to assist with complex query development from natural language descriptions. By the end of this course, you'll be able to design normalized databases from scratch and write advanced queries that extract meaningful insights from complex data structures.

Syllabus

Module 1: Fundamentals of Relational Database Design

In this module, you will delve into the importance and application of relational database design principles to optimize data integrity and performance. You will explore normalization techniques to structure databases and implement key constraints to maintain data integrity. The lessons include practical exercises, such as analyzing existing database structures for improvement opportunities, and emphasize the real-world business impact of effective database design.

Module 2: Advanced Query Techniques

This module equips you with the skills to construct complex SQL queries, utilizing joins and subqueries to retrieve data from multiple tables efficiently. You will learn how to use aggregate functions and grouping techniques for data summarization, and how to evaluate and optimize SQL queries for improved performance. Through hands-on activities, you will practice these advanced querying techniques using real-world scenarios, supporting efficient data analysis in large-scale databases.

Module 3: Designing and Implementing Database Schemas

In this module, you will apply Data Definition Language (DDL) commands to create and modify database schemas, ensuring alignment with business requirements. You will learn to implement relational constraints to enforce data integrity and explore the use of Generative AI tools to assist in schema design and optimization. Through activities and practical applications, you will gain hands-on experience managing dynamic database schemas, ensuring they can adapt to evolving business needs.

Module 4: Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence with SQL Server

This module introduces you to the concepts of data warehousing and business intelligence, focusing on the role of data warehouses in modern analytics. You will explore star schema modeling and engage in hands-on activities to create and query data warehouses. The module also covers integrating SQL Server data warehouses with business intelligence tools like Power BI to visualize trends, supporting strategic decision-making through comprehensively presented insights from warehouse data.