About this course
This course covers database design and the use of databases in applications, with a focus on applications in the life sciences. Topics include the relational model, database design principles, the structured query language (SQL), including temporal and spatial queries. Data lifecycle topics and contemporary issues for data scientists and practitioners are also introduced, i.e. big data, FAIR principles, data governance, licensing, and privacy.
The course includes extensive practical work in the design, construction, and use of databases in the students' field of study. Practical work involves MySQL and PowerBI. Students tend to value these hands-on database design and building skills as the most valuable part of the course.
Learning outcomes
After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- demonstrate a managerial perspective on an organization's memory;
- explain key concepts of data modelling and databases (i.e. entities, relationships, primary and foreign keys);
- interpret data model diagrams using different notations (E-R diagrams, UML class diagrams);
- compile database queries with SQL; including joins, subqueries, arithmetic, logical and spatial operations;
- analyse a realistic information system problem and propose a data design solution;
- design and implement a database for a problem in their field of study;
- debate some of the contemporary challenges in data management, such as FAIR principles, security, big data, privacy, licensing.
Required prior knowledge
Assumed Knowledge:
Fluency in English, at ease with computers, basic mathematics.