Practical Data Analysis with SQL Course Syllabus

Overview: This hands-on course teaches practical data analysis using SQL through real-world datasets and business use cases. You'll learn to write advanced queries, analyze trends, and generate insights for data-driven decision making. With approximately 3.5 weeks of content and interactive coding exercises, this course is designed for beginners with basic familiarity with databases and SQL syntax. By the end, you’ll be equipped to handle common data analyst tasks and build portfolio-ready projects.

Module 1: Foundations of SQL for Analysis

Estimated time: 6 hours

• SELECT and filtering data with WHERE
• Sorting results using ORDER BY
• Using comparison and logical operators
• Hands-on: Extract and sort key information from sample datasets

Module 2: Aggregation & Grouping

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Aggregating data with COUNT, SUM, AVG
• Grouping rows using GROUP BY
• Filtering groups with HAVING clause
• Hands-on: Analyze sales, revenue, and user engagement metrics

Module 3: Working with Multiple Tables

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Understanding relational keys and table relationships
• Performing INNER JOINs and OUTER JOINs
• Merging datasets from multiple tables
• Hands-on: Build comprehensive reports using multi-table joins

Module 4: Advanced SQL Logic

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Writing conditional logic with CASE statements
• Constructing nested subqueries
• Applying window functions for rankings and running totals
• Hands-on: Create segmented summaries and complex analytical outputs

Module 5: Real-World Analysis Projects

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Conducting cohort analysis to track user behavior over time
• Building retention curves and funnel analysis reports
• Evaluating A/B test results using SQL
• Hands-on: Use SQL to power dashboards and track business KPIs

Module 6: Optimization & Best Practices

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Refactoring queries for performance and readability
• Applying indexing basics for faster queries
• Writing clean, maintainable SQL code
• Hands-on: Optimize complex queries in real-world scenarios

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic database concepts
• Some prior exposure to SQL syntax (not for absolute beginners)
• Comfort with logical thinking and problem-solving

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Perform practical data analysis using SQL on real-world datasets
• Write advanced queries with JOINs, GROUP BY, CASE, and window functions
• Analyze trends, patterns, and key performance indicators from databases
• Build SQL workflows for business reporting and decision support
• Apply SQL skills to common analyst tasks like cohort, funnel, and A/B test analysis