Database Programming Fundamentals
We built this program because too many developers struggle with database work. You know—slow queries, confusing joins, data that doesn't make sense when you need it most.
Our autumn 2025 cohort runs September through December. Classes meet twice weekly in the evenings, with weekend lab sessions for hands-on work. It's designed for working professionals who can't drop everything but want real skills.
What You'll Actually Learn
This isn't theory for theory's sake. We focus on stuff you'll use next week at work—writing efficient queries, designing schemas that won't fall apart six months in, and understanding why your database suddenly grinds to a halt.
- SQL fundamentals with PostgreSQL and MySQL hands-on practice
- Schema design patterns that hold up under real-world pressure
- Query optimization techniques when performance starts mattering
- Transaction management and concurrency without the headaches
- Indexing strategies that actually work in production environments
- NoSQL basics with MongoDB for when relational isn't the answer
- Database security practices that protect your data properly
- Backup and recovery planning before disasters happen
Who's Teaching This Program
Kai Lindström
Lead Instructor
Spent twelve years building database systems for financial services. Now he teaches because watching people struggle with the same problems he solved years ago felt wasteful.
Thiago Valtonen
Performance Specialist
His whole career has been about making slow databases fast. He's the one you call when a query takes three minutes and should take three seconds.
Sanna Bergqvist
Schema Design Lead
She's seen every database architecture mistake possible—because she made most of them early in her career. Now she helps others skip those painful lessons.
Program Timeline and Milestones
Foundation Phase
September 8 - October 3, 2025
We start with SQL basics and relational theory. Nothing fancy yet—just building the foundation properly so you don't get confused later when things get complex.
Practical Application
October 6 - November 7, 2025
Now we dig into real scenarios. You'll design schemas for actual business problems, write queries that need to perform under load, and learn when to break the rules you just learned.
Advanced Techniques
November 10 - December 5, 2025
Performance tuning, replication strategies, and handling the weird edge cases that break systems. This is where theory meets messy reality.
Capstone Project
December 8 - December 19, 2025
You'll build and optimize a complete database solution from scratch. Something you can show potential employers or use to improve your current job situation.
Ready to Get Started?
Applications for our autumn 2025 cohort open in June. Space is limited to 24 students because we want everyone to get actual attention from instructors—not just watch videos in a giant class.