Research Software Learning Online: SQL

These courses are suitable for researchers who are completely new to using SQL. Courses that require you to install SQL interface software will go through the steps to install the relevant programme. If you are using a University-managed PC please see the access information at the top of this page. 

SQL Commands, Joins and Views. (1hr 30 mins)

This is short introductory Learning Path course that covers:

• Getting started with databases and SQL
• Using SQL to select and filter data
• Joining tables
• Data modification
• Creating and altering database objects 

SQL Essential Training (4.75 hours)

In this course, you will learn how to leverage SQL to enhance your data handling skills. This course covers:

• Define and describe relational databases, SQL, and DB Browser.
• Learn how to run DB Browser and write basic queries.
• Understand how to use WHERE clauses to filter data effectively.
• Explore different types of joins like inner, left, and right JOIN clauses.
• Master the use of aggregate queries for data analysis.

Learning SQL (3 hours)

This is a video course for those new to SQL. However, much of the teaching is on SQL Server rather than one of the free downloadable platforms. Nevertheless, the course is clearly taught and will take you through the basic syntax needed for you to get started with using SQL for your research. The course covers: 

• Introduction to SQL and relational databases
• Retrieving data with SELECT
• Sorting your data with ORDER BY
• Filtering data using WHERE
• Advanced data filtering and using wildcards for filtering
• Creating calculated fields
• Using data manipulation functions
• Working with subqueries
• Joining tables and different types of joins
• Combining queries using UNION
• Inserting, updating and deleting data in tables

SQL for Non-Programmers (3 hours)

In this course, you will learn how to use SQL to access and analyze data, efficiently query databases for research purposes, extract specific information, perform data analysis, and generate reports.

Course Content Overview:

• Introduction to SQL and its importance in data management
• Basics of relational databases, SQL commands, and data query language
• Retrieving and filtering data using SELECT, ORDER BY, and WHERE statements
• Working with aggregate functions, grouping data, and filtering groups using HAVING
• Performing multiple table joins to combine data from different sources
• Advanced commands such as CASE statements, wildcards, and UNION for data manipulation

SQL Fundamentals – LiveLessons (8 hours)

This is a video course for those who already have access to an SQL programme. We would recommend this as a second 'getting started' course, or one that you dip into to learn to use specific commands as you might not need to use all of the skills presented within this course.  The course using the MySQL software that you can download. You will need to ask your IT supporter to load this onto your device if you are using a University manager PC or laptop. The course covers: 

• Introduction to MySQL interface
• Extracting data from the database
• Data management
• Aggregation and grouping
• Working with multiple tables 
• Altering data in tables
• Some advanced functions

For those who already have a basic understanding of SQL there are a range of learning path and video courses to expand your skills and knowledge of SQL. Many of these are quite ‘techy’ in nature and some concentrate more on database design and management than on using SQL for manipulating data.

SQL: Beyond the Basics (4.5 hours).

This video course assumes a basic knowledge of SQL and will increase your knowledge and skills base to improve your SQL programming. The course covers: 

• Converting datatypes​
• Using indexes to speed up your queries
• Using subqueries and finding duplicates
• Using the CASE statement
• Using functions
• Creating and using views
• Creating a stored procedure

SQL for Data Analysis (1.25 hours)

In SQL for data analysis, you can learn about streamlining the process of extracting insights from large datasets, helping you make informed decisions and support research projects effectively. In this course you will learn about:
 

• Fundamental SQL queries used in data analysis.
• Working with different data types and identifying incorrect data types.
• Lessons on working with dates and filtering data based on dates.
• Common SQL functions for string manipulation and data aggregation.
• Presenting SQL results through data visualization techniques.

Intermediate to Advanced SQL: Move Beyond the Basics to Master Complex Concepts (1.5 hours)

This is an intermediate to advanced course for experienced users of SQL. It has a strong focus on working with data from multiple tables with a variety of different join statements. The course covers: 

• The use of BETWEEN, IN, LIKE, NOT LIKE 
• The use of HAVING, ORDER BY 
• A wide range of advanced join statements including:
  • Cross joins
  • Natural joins
  • Condition joins
  • Column name joins 
  • Self joins
  • Inner and outer joins 

Level Up: Advanced SQL (0.75 hours)

In this course you will learn about how you can use advanced SQL techniques to efficiently query and analyze research data, streamline data collection processes, and generate insightful reports to support research projects effectively.

Key topics covered in the course include:

• Creating complex database queries
• Utilizing different types of joins for data retrieval
• Grouping data for analysis
• Implementing advanced select options like Common Table Expressions (CTE)
• Using windowing functions for data analysis and reporting