Explore how database systems allow data to be stored and updated in a robust manner, and queried conveniently using the SQL language and how MySQL can be installed and used from different operating environments.

Explore how tables in MySQL can be created to match entities and relationships as modeled in an E-R diagram and how MySQL allows the specification of different types of columns and column constraints.

Explore how data in MySQL tables can be queried using classic SQL syntax and also, how common types of queries tie closely to common patterns in table design.

Explore how joins can be used to combine data from different relations in meaningful ways and also, why joins are such a powerful and ubiquitous concept in data analysis.

Explore how grouping and aggregation operators can be used to analyze groups of rows rather than just individual rows and also, how filtering operations can be performed on such groups.

Explore how indexes work to speed up query execution, and also, how views can be used to abstract complex queries in a convenient fashion. Examine how these constructs make the most sense when applied to well-designed relations that comply with the normal forms in database design.

Explore how triggers can be used to react to specific conditions in your database, and also, how stored procedures can be used to achieve code reuse and code composition of SQL commands.

Explore how transactions can be used to execute groups of commands in an all-or-nothing fashion, and also, how locks can be a great tool for regulating table access in situations involving multiple clients accessing the database simultaneously.