• University of Southampton

Introduction to Linked Data and the Semantic Web

Learn the power of Linked Data, explore how it’s revolutionising the web and get to grips with it by writing queries in SPARQL.

7,338 enrolled on this course

A graphic representing Linked Data and the Semantic Web
  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Understand what Linked Data is

Linked Data, a term coined by Sir Tim Berners-Lee, is a way of publishing data online so it can be easily interlinked and managed using semantic queries. This helps the exposure and interlinking of datasets so that data can be exchanged, reused and integrated.

On this course you will learn the basics of Linked Data and the Semantic Web - exploring how this new Web of Data isn’t about creating a big collection of standalone datasets, but is instead about using a common format to ensure data is interrelated.

Explore why Linked Data is important

Through linking datasets, applications can vastly improve their user experience - thanks to having access to a wider range of knowledge.

Increasing numbers of organisations and initiatives are starting to appreciate the power of Linked Data. It provides significant power and potential to the growing domain of data science and web science.

Get practical experience of Linked Data

This course will introduce you to the knowledge and skills around using Linked Data – skills that are in increasing demand as the Web evolves from a Web of Documents to a Web of Data.

You will learn how you can use Linked Data technologies and more than that you’ll learn how to write queries in SPARQL, so you can use these technologies in your own work.

Learn from industry leaders

The Web and Internet Science Group at the University of Southampton is playing a leading role in the European Data Science Academy (EDSA) project. This course is one of a number being produced by the project, and aims to provide you with an introduction to Linked Data that you can use to prepare for further training opportunities.

Other University of Southampton web science-related courses are Web Science: How the Web is Changing the World and The Power of Social Media.

(Course image: derivative work based on Businessman hand using mobile phone with digital layer effect as business strategy concept © everything possible/Shutterstock.)

What topics will you cover?

  • Why is linked data important?
  • History of linked data
  • Technologies and standards behind linked data
  • RDF
  • SPARQL, concepts and queries
  • Linked data tools and applications
  • Linked data principles and 5-Star linked open data

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Reflect on why linked data is important for structuring the Web of Data
  • Summarise the background technologies behind linked data
  • Describe the various background standards behind linked data
  • Explain what linked data is and what 5-star linked open data means
  • Describe the basic concepts of SPARQL
  • Apply knowledge of SPARQL to formulate SPARQL queries
  • Design more advanced SPARQL queries
  • Describe the practical applications for SPARQL and Linked Data

Who is the course for?

This course is intended for those who already have some experience of web development or data science.

The course is aimed at those who wish to further their understanding about Web-technologies, data and how Linked Data is becoming more important as the Web moves from the Web of Documents to the Web of Data.

It’s also intended for anyone wanting to gain a basic understanding of Linked Data, before seeking out further study opportunities, or as part of their existing training. It will appeal to many computer science, web science, or data science graduates, students and practitioners wishing to expand their knowledge.

Who will you learn with?

Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton, interested in data-driven decision making and human computation

Research Fellow in Linked Open Data and Semantic Web at the University of Southampton.
Ph.D. in Informatics from University of Nantes (France)
Interested in collaborative data spaces.

Who developed the course?

University of Southampton

Southampton is a place for ambitious people keen to stretch their intellectual abilities and help change the world.

Endorsers and supporters

endorsed by

European Data Science Academy

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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