IBM: SQL for Data Science course Syllabus

Overview: This beginner-friendly course introduces the fundamentals of SQL for data science, designed by IBM to equip learners with essential skills for data analysis. Through hands-on practice, you'll learn to query databases, manipulate data, and perform real-world analysis tasks. The course spans approximately 8–10 weeks with a weekly commitment of 3–5 hours, combining theory, exercises, and a final project to solidify your skills.

Module 1: Introduction to Databases and SQL

Estimated time: 8 hours

• Understand what databases are and their role in data science
• Learn core database concepts: tables, rows, columns, and keys
• Write basic SELECT statements to retrieve data
• Explore the role of SQL in analytics and data-driven decision-making

Module 2: Filtering, Sorting, and Aggregating Data

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Use WHERE clause to filter query results
• Sort data using ORDER BY and limit output with LIMIT
• Apply aggregate functions: COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX
• Group data using GROUP BY and filter groups with HAVING

Module 3: Working with Multiple Tables

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Understand table relationships and primary/foreign keys
• Perform inner joins to combine related tables
• Use left joins to retain unmatched records
• Write subqueries for nested data retrieval

Module 4: SQL for Data Analysis

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Analyze real-world datasets using SQL queries
• Perform descriptive data analysis directly in databases
• Prepare and transform data for visualization and reporting

Module 5: Applying SQL in Data Science Scenarios

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Solve practical data science problems using SQL
• Integrate SQL skills into analytics workflows
• Build foundational knowledge for data analyst and data science roles

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 15 hours

• Query a real-world relational database
• Perform multi-step data analysis using joins and aggregations
• Generate insights and present findings from raw data

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic computer operations
• No prior programming or database experience required
• Interest in data analysis or data science careers

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Write and execute SQL queries to retrieve and manipulate data
• Analyze data stored in relational databases
• Combine data from multiple tables using joins and subqueries
• Perform descriptive analytics using aggregate functions and grouping
• Apply SQL skills to real-world data science and analytics challenges