SQL for researchers: demystifying databases - online

Description:

Many organisations store their data in relational databases rather than spreadsheets or CSV files, requiring SQL (Structured Query Language) to access, extract and analyse data. This hands-on course introduces researchers to essential database concepts and fundamental SQL skills for data extraction and analysis, empowering participants to confidently engage with data providers and collaborate effectively with technical teams. Through practical workshops, participants will learn how to write queries, combine data from multiple tables, and integrate SQL into their research workflows. No prior database or SQL experience is required.

This one day (10:00 - 16:30) online course covers: 

• Database concepts and why organisations use relational databases

• Writing SQL queries to extract, filter and sort data

• Connecting data from multiple tables using joins

• Summarising and aggregating data

• Integrating SQL with statistical software (e.g. R, Stata, Python, Excel)

• Resources and tools for continued learning

By the end of the course participants will:

• Understand what distinguishes relational databases from other data storage methods, and why organisations choose them over spreadsheets or flat files
• Be aware of the four main types of SQL operations (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE) and their purposes
• Be able to write SELECT queries to extract, filter and sort data
• Be able to use aggregate functions and GROUP BY to summarise data
• Be able to combine data from related tables using INNER JOIN and LEFT JOIN
• Be able to extract data from a database for further analysis using statistical software
• Be aware of tools and methods for connecting to databases relevant to their own fields
• Understand how SQL skills fit into typical research and data analysis workflows, and know where to find resources for continued learning

Pre-requisites

This course assumes some prior experience working with quantitative datasets (e.g., filtering, sorting, and summarising data), but no prior SQL or database knowledge is required. We will explore examples using common analysis tools like R, Stata, Python and Excel. Participants with experience in at least one of these will be able to make the most of these examples, but this is not essential for the core SQL content.

IMPORTANT: Please note that this course includes computer workshops. Before registering please check that you will be able to access the software noted below. Please bear in mind minimum system requirements to run software and administration restrictions imposed by your institution or employer with may block the installation of software.

The practical workshops in this course will be conducted using SQLiteOnline, a free web-based database tool that runs entirely in your browser. No software installation is required – participants only need a modern web browser (e.g. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) and an internet connection.

Sample database files will be provided in advance for use during the workshops. These can be easily uploaded to the SQLiteOnline platform during the session.

Cost:

The fee per teaching day is £60 per day for students / £150 per day for staff working for academic institutions, Research Councils and other recognised research institutions, registered charity organisations and the public sector / £350 per day for all other participants.

In the event of cancellation by the delegate a full refund of the course fee is available up to two weeks prior to the course. NO refunds are available after this date.

If it is no longer possible to run a course due to circumstances beyond its control, NCRM reserves the right to cancel the course at its sole discretion at any time prior to the event. In this event every effort will be made to reschedule the course. If this is not possible or the new date is inconvenient a full refund of the course fee will be given. NCRM shall not be liable for any costs, losses or expenses that may be incurred as a result of its cancellation of a course, including but not limited to any travel or accommodation costs. The University of Southampton’s Online Store T&Cs also continue to apply.

Website and registration:

Register for this course

Region:

Scotland

Keywords:

Analysis of administrative data, Data linkage, SQL, Data analysis, Databases, Data science

Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:

Analysis of administrative data
Data linkage

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