Introduction to Data Modeling (55305A)

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to data modeling, focusing on the principles and techniques used to design structured data models for relational databases. Ideal for database professionals, analysts, and developers, this course covers essential data modeling concepts, normalization techniques, and the implementation of database relationships, equipping you with the skills needed to design efficient and scalable database structures.

The course begins with Understanding Data Modeling, where you'll learn the fundamental concepts of data modeling, including definitions of entities, attributes, and relationships. You’ll explore the importance of normalization and get hands-on experience with relational databases and data models. This foundational module sets the stage for designing effective data models that represent complex data structures.

Next, in the Exploring Normalization module, you’ll dive into the fundamentals of normalization, including its benefits, key concepts, and dependencies. You will learn how to identify candidate keys and progress through the different normal forms, from the first to the Boyce-Codd normal form, with demonstrations of how to normalize data to the third normal form. Additionally, you’ll explore denormalization, learning when and how to apply it to optimize performance, and gain insights into the benefits and considerations of denormalizing databases.

The course concludes with Delving into Database Relationships, which focuses on the essential concepts of database relationships and referential integrity. You’ll learn about one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many relationships, and how to implement referential integrity within your data models. You’ll also explore cascading referential integrity and gain hands-on experience with foreign keys through demonstrations, enhancing your ability to manage data dependencies and maintain data consistency.

By the end of this course, you will have developed a solid understanding of data modeling, normalization, and the implementation of database relationships. You’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to design well-structured, efficient, and reliable database models, making you a valuable asset in any data-driven environment.

1. Understanding Data Modeling
   1. What is Data Modelling
      1. Definition of Data Modelling
      2. Definition of Entities and Attributes
      3. Definition of Relationships
      4. Definition of Normalization
      5. Demonstration: Exploring Relational Databases and Models
2. Exploring Normalization
   1. Fundamentals of Normalization
      1. Benefits of Normalization
      2. Keys
      3. Dependencies
      4. Demonstration: Identifying Candidate Keys
   2. Normal Form
      1. First Normal Form
      2. Second Normal Form
      3. Third Normal Form
      4. Demonstration: Normalizing to Third Normal Form
      5. Boyce-Codd Normal Form
   3. Denormalization
      1. Introduction to Denormalization
      2. Benefits of Denormalization
      3. Techniques for Denormalizing Databases
      4. Considerations for Denormalization
3. Delving into Database Relationships
   1. Introduction to Relationships
      1. Referential Integrity
      2. One-to-One Relationships
      3. One-to-Many Relationships
      4. Many-to-Many Relationships
   2. Planning Referential Integrity
      1. Implementing Referential Integrity
      2. Cascading Referential Integrity
      3. Demonstration: Implementing Referential Integrity with Foreign Keys

Each student receives a comprehensive set of materials, including course notes and all class examples.

Experience in the following is required for this SQL class: