Course Description

This course will explore the fundamentals of relational databases as they relate to business analytics, including normalization, data modeling, and Structured Query Language to extract meaning from data for decision making. The topics of data quality and integrity will be considered, as well as the impact of big data on analytics and the traditional relational database model.

Rationale

It is important for analysts to be able to query and manipulate data in a database. This course will teach fundamental SQL skills that will enable the student to create, query, and manipulate data using DDL and DML statements.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

A. Transform raw data into a normalized data model. Program Learning Outcome 2, Introduced

B. Use Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML) to create and modify a database. Program Learning Outcome 2, Introduced

C. Generate effective queries using SQL. Program Learning Outcome 2, Reinforced

• Create different queries and apply them to case studies
• Range of complexity

D. Discuss the application of query results in a business context for decision-making. Program Learning Outcome 3, Emphasized

E. Discuss the relevance of course material in the context of a biblical worldview. Program Learning Outcome 1, Emphasized

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Discussion

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided promptly for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 250 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to the thread of at least 2 classmates. Each reply must be at least 150 words.

MySQL Database Setup Assignment

The student will submit a screenshot showing that a local Structured Query Language (SQL) database has been installed.

These assignments will be hands-on exercises where the student can practice the SQL topic(s) that were taught in that module. Students will complete a series of questions/scenarios and write and execute the appropriate SQL statement. These will be completed through the Cengage platform.

For each module, the student will take an open book quiz on the assigned reading. The quizzes will consist of multiple choice and true/false questions. These will be completed through the Cengage platform.

Throughout this course, you will complete Homework Assignments. These assignments will be accessed through the Cengage platform. The homework is based on the material in the text. In addition, Cengage may be accessed outside of Canvas. At the end of the assigned module, Cengage will automatically grade all of the Homework Assignments.

Case Exercise Assignments

Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the assigned reading through various tasks and questions. These assignments will be completed through the Cengage platform.

Project: Public Dataset Assignment

The student will find publicly available datasets or be given a dataset to analyze and use the SQL skills that they have learned in this course.

Project: Dataset Analysis Presentation Assignment

The student will analyze a dataset of COVID cases using the SQL skills that are taught in this course. The student will then create a professional presentation showing their findings.