What tools will I use in SQL Foundations?

You’ll use Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to write queries, manage databases, and analyze data.

What will I be able to do after completing SQL Foundations?

You’ll be able to write SQL queries, retrieve and filter data, understand relational databases, and perform basic data analysis tasks.

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

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.

What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

SQL Foundations

This course is part of Microsoft Data Analysis with SQL, Excel & Power BI Specialization

Instructor: Microsoft

Included with

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

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

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Microsoft Data Analysis with SQL, Excel & Power BI Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

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.

Module details

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 videosTotal 19 minutes

Welcome to SQL with Microsoft SQL Server Certificate3 minutes
Welcome to SQL Foundations3 minutes
The Power of Data2 minutes
How Data is Organized in the Chinook Database7 minutes
The Power of SQL2 minutes
Working with SQL Queries Using Pseudocode3 minutes

4 readingsTotal 40 minutes

Course Structure and Learning Outcomes10 minutes
Course Accessibility Information10 minutes
Introduction to Databases10 minutes
What is SQL?10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Exploring Table Structures30 minutes
Understanding SQL Basics for Interacting with Data30 minutes

2 ungraded labsTotal 50 minutes

Examine Tables in a Sample Database20 minutes
Query a Database using Pseudocode30 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 videosTotal 27 minutes

The Power of SQL Queries2 minutes
Writing and Executing Simple Queries6 minutes
Real-world Scenarios for Data Filtering2 minutes
Demonstration of Filtering Data with the WHERE Clause6 minutes
The Power of Combining Data2 minutes
Demo on Writing Basic JOIN Queries4 minutes
The Importance of Data Organization2 minutes
Sorting Demo in SQL4 minutes

4 readingsTotal 40 minutes

SQL SELECT Statements 10 minutes
Using Comparison and Logical Operators with the WHERE Clause10 minutes
Understanding JOINS in SQL10 minutes
Sorting Query Results with ORDER BY10 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 120 minutes

SQL Syntax and Query Construction30 minutes
Filtering in SQL30 minutes
Understanding Basic JOINs30 minutes
Sorting Functions in SQL30 minutes

4 ungraded labsTotal 210 minutes

Retrieve Data from a Database Using SELECT30 minutes
Practice Filtering Data in a Sample Database60 minutes
Practice Writing JOIN Queries60 minutes
Sort Data in a Real-world Dataset60 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 videosTotal 16 minutes

Transforming Data for Analysis1 minute
Demo on Using SQL Functions for Transformations4 minutes
Simplifying Queries with Aliases3 minutes
Demo on Using Aliases in Queries4 minutes
Creating Powerful and Efficient Queries1 minute
Case Study on Combined Query Strategies3 minutes

3 readingsTotal 40 minutes

Common SQL Functions for Data Transformation15 minutes
SQL Aliases Usage and Benefits10 minutes
Crafting Combined Queries for Better Results15 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Understanding Data Transformation in SQL30 minutes
Using Aliases in SQL30 minutes
Combining Transformations and Aliases30 minutes

3 ungraded labsTotal 180 minutes

Apply SQL Functions to Transform Data60 minutes
Simplify Complex Queries Using Aliases60 minutes
Combine and Optimize Queries in Practice60 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.