SQL Foundations
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What you'll learn
Write SQL queries using SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY, and built-in SQL functions to retrieve and analyze data
Understand relational database concepts including schemas, tables, views, and structured data organization
Use Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio to create, filter, sort, and transform data efficiently
Apply generative AI tools to support SQL query writing, debugging, and data analysis workflows
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
May 2026
12 assignments
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There are 4 modules in this course
Learn the fundamentals of SQL with Microsoft SQL Server in this introductory course. You'll learn to write basic and intermediate queries to extract and analyze data while understanding relational database concepts. Through hands-on exercises with SQL Server Management Studio, you'll practice filtering data with WHERE clauses, sorting results with ORDER BY, and transforming data with built-in functions. This course also introduces you to database schemas, tables, and views, providing a foundation for understanding data structure. Additionally, you'll explore how generative AI tools can assist with SQL query development, reflecting modern workplace practices. By completing this course, you'll build confidence writing T-SQL queries and be prepared for more advanced data manipulation techniques.
This module introduces you to SQL and outlines the entire course framework. You will understand the importance and applications of SQL in data management. You will become familiar with the course structure and available resources while gaining a basic understanding of SQL syntax and executing simple queries. This foundational module sets the stage for more advanced concepts in subsequent modules, ensuring you are well-prepared to delve deeper into SQL.
What's included
6 videos4 readings2 assignments2 ungraded labs
6 videos•Total 19 minutes
- Welcome to SQL with Microsoft SQL Server Certificate•3 minutes
- Welcome to SQL Foundations•3 minutes
- The Power of Data•2 minutes
- How Data is Organized in the Chinook Database•7 minutes
- The Power of SQL•2 minutes
- Working with SQL Queries Using Pseudocode•3 minutes
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
- Course Structure and Learning Outcomes•10 minutes
- Course Accessibility Information•10 minutes
- Introduction to Databases•10 minutes
- What is SQL?•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 60 minutes
- Understanding SQL Basics for Interacting with Data•30 minutes
- Exploring Table Structures•30 minutes
2 ungraded labs•Total 50 minutes
- Examine Tables in a Sample Database•20 minutes
- Query a Database using Pseudocode•30 minutes
This module focuses on enhancing your data retrieval skills through SQL queries. You will master basic SQL syntax and query structures, enabling you to execute SELECT statements for data retrieval and apply filtering techniques using WHERE clauses. Additionally, you will learn to sort data effectively. Practical exercises, quizzes, and discussions will reinforce these skills, providing you with the groundwork to extract relevant data from databases efficiently.
What's included
8 videos4 readings4 assignments4 ungraded labs
8 videos•Total 27 minutes
- The Power of SQL Queries•2 minutes
- Writing and Executing Simple Queries•6 minutes
- Real-world Scenarios for Data Filtering•2 minutes
- Demonstration of Filtering Data with the WHERE Clause•6 minutes
- The Power of Combining Data•2 minutes
- Demo on Writing Basic JOIN Queries•4 minutes
- The Importance of Data Organization•2 minutes
- Sorting Demo in SQL•4 minutes
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
- SQL SELECT Statements •10 minutes
- Using Comparison and Logical Operators with the WHERE Clause•10 minutes
- Understanding JOINS in SQL•10 minutes
- Sorting Query Results with ORDER BY•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 120 minutes
- Sorting Functions in SQL•30 minutes
- SQL Syntax and Query Construction•30 minutes
- Filtering in SQL•30 minutes
- Understanding Basic JOINs•30 minutes
4 ungraded labs•Total 210 minutes
- Retrieve Data from a Database Using SELECT•30 minutes
- Practice Filtering Data in a Sample Database•60 minutes
- Practice Writing JOIN Queries•60 minutes
- Sort Data in a Real-world Dataset•60 minutes
In this module, you will delve into data transformation techniques using SQL functions. You will write and execute JOINs to combine data from multiple tables, utilizing aliases to enhance readability and clarity. You will combine filtering, transformations, and aliases to create more efficient queries, focusing on formatting and presenting results for improved data interpretation. Through hands-on activities and assessments, you will develop the capability to manipulate complex datasets effectively.
What's included
6 videos3 readings3 assignments3 ungraded labs
6 videos•Total 16 minutes
- Transforming Data for Analysis•1 minute
- Demo on Using SQL Functions for Transformations•4 minutes
- Simplifying Queries with Aliases•3 minutes
- Demo on Using Aliases in Queries•4 minutes
- Creating Powerful and Efficient Queries•1 minute
- Case Study on Combined Query Strategies•3 minutes
3 readings•Total 40 minutes
- Common SQL Functions for Data Transformation•15 minutes
- SQL Aliases Usage and Benefits•10 minutes
- Crafting Combined Queries for Better Results•15 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
- Combining Transformations and Aliases•30 minutes
- Understanding Data Transformation in SQL•30 minutes
- Using Aliases in SQL•30 minutes
3 ungraded labs•Total 180 minutes
- Apply SQL Functions to Transform Data•60 minutes
- Simplify Complex Queries Using Aliases•60 minutes
- Combine and Optimize Queries in Practice•60 minutes
The final module introduces advanced concepts in SQL, including views for encapsulating complex queries. You will learn to create, modify, and drop views to streamline and maintain efficient database structures. Additionally, the module explores the integration of Generative AI tools, like GitHub Copilot, to assist in writing and optimizing SQL queries. You will reflect on the benefits and limitations of AI in SQL query development, preparing you for a future where AI-driven tools play a significant role in database management. The module concludes with a review of key learnings and a preview of the next course, setting new learning goals.
What's included
6 videos4 readings3 assignments4 ungraded labs
6 videos•Total 25 minutes
- Views for Better Data Insights•2 minutes
- Creating and Using Views•5 minutes
- Updating and Removing Views•6 minutes
- Exploring AI in SQL•2 minutes
- Demo on Using GitHub Copilot for SQL•9 minutes
- Wrap-Up•2 minutes
4 readings•Total 45 minutes
- Overview of SQL Views•15 minutes
- Updating and Removing Views•10 minutes
- How to Use GitHub Copilot to Create SQL Queries•10 minutes
- Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
- Understanding and Applying AI in SQL•30 minutes
- Understanding and Creating Views•30 minutes
- Understanding Modifying and Dropping Views•30 minutes
4 ungraded labs•Total 240 minutes
- Use Views in Practice•60 minutes
- Modifying and Dropping Views in a Practice•60 minutes
- Accessing GitHub Copilot by Microsoft•60 minutes
- Implement AI-assisted SQL Queries•60 minutes
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Frequently asked questions
You’ll use Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to write queries, manage databases, and analyze data.
You’ll be able to write SQL queries, retrieve and filter data, understand relational databases, and perform basic data analysis tasks.
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
More questions
Financial aid available,