3.00 Credits
Data and databases are ubiquitous, that is, they are everywhere'in businesses, in our phones, in computer games, in smart devices, and in all manner of modern applications. This class assumes no prior knowledge of databases and starts with hands-on exploration of the pervasive nature of data in technology, business, science, sociology, psychology, sports, linguistics, art, music, games, politics, social media, etc. Once we have grounded ourselves in our understanding of how data fits into our lives and compelling interests, we will turn our attention to the software and systems that make it all possible. You will learn how to identify different sources and types of data, types of databases, and the software and systems on which they reside. You will learn to install and set up database software on your computer. You will learn to create databases, to load them with data, and interact with them using MySQL as well as with common software applications, such as Microsoft Excel, Tableau, and others. You will also learn to work with databases directly using Structured Query Language (SQL). Along the way, you will use these tools, hands-on, in the context of several of the topic areas listed above. This class is an initiative to expose new generations of students at the University of Utah to learning Digital Literacy so as to arm them with strong skills for future employment. The primary purpose is to supplement the student's core major in making it relevant for today's competitive and technology-dependent job market.