Desktop Applications

Microsoft Access 2003 – Introduction (Course Code: 715)

Course Schedule:

Please call 8622 8900 or email us for further information

Overview:

The skills and knowledge covered in this course are sufficient to create real-world database applications that collect data, permit data to be queried, produce reports and display information in forms.

Learning Method:

This course uses a combination of instructor presentation, and student hands-on practical exercises. Participants will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom throughout the course.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course is primarily designed for people who need to know how MS Access to create databases. It is ideal for people who work in a variety occupations where the assembly and collection of data is important.

Pre-requisites:

This course assumes no prior knowledge of Microsoft Access. However, it would be beneficial to have a general understanding of personal computers and the Windows operating system as you will be required to start applications, work with and copy files, and locate file folders.

What can you expect to gain from this course?

After completing this course, you will be able to:

start and exit Access and understand how Access works
understand some elementary database theory.
design relational databases
create relational databases
set table relationships in a database
add records to a relational database
import data into an Access table from a variety of sources
work with records in a relational database
use a range of data validation techniques to protect data integrity
create simple queries using more than one table
create select queries for a relational database
add calculated fields to queries
add parameters to queries to capture criteria data
create forms using the Form Wizard
create reports using the Report Wizard
use the Switchboard Manager to create a menu system
access the computer's help system and safely work with a computer.

Course Content:

Module 1:Access 2003 Orientation

Starting Access 2003
Opening an existing database
The Access 2003 database screen
The database window
Working with database objects
Using menu commands
Using keyboard shortcuts
Exiting from Access 2003

Module 2:Database Theory

Understanding databases
How Access stores data
Spreadsheets versus databases

Module 3:Database Design

Designing a relational database
Scoping the system
Determining the inputs
Normalising a table
First normal form
Second normal form
Case Study: Second normal form
Third normal form

Module 4:Creating Relational Databases

Creating a new database file
Access 2003 Data types
Creating a new table
Changing field properties
Creating a table from a shortcut
Creating a table with numbers and currency
Assignment: creating tables

Module 5:Setting Table Relationships

Understanding table relationships
Accessing the relationships window
Table joins in the Alpheius case study
Creating table joins
Assignment: creating relational joins
Editing an existing relationship
Printing table relationships

Module 6:Adding Relational Records

Adding records in a table
Adding records using an autoform
Assignment: adding records
Data entry key violations
Data integrity violations

Module 7:Importing Records

Importing from a spreadsheet
Importing from a text file
Backing up a table
Importing and key violations
Deleting an unwanted table
Data integrity and importing

Module 8:Working With Records

Navigating in a table
Editing a record
Deleting a record
Deleting several records
Finding and replacing
Undoing an error
Compacting a database
Printing records
Assigning a sub datasheet
Working with sub datasheets

Module 9:Data Validation

Assigning default values
Marking a required field
Validation rules and text
Creating a lookup field
Working with validations

Module 10:Relational Queries

Relational queries - how they work
Queries for viewing data
Creating a query design
Selecting fields for the query grid
Different views of a query
Adding more tables to a query
Modifying fields in a query
Selecting records using a query
Running a query from the database window

Module 11:Relational Select Queries

Creating AND queries
Clearing the criteria from a query
Selecting numeric data
Selecting dates in a query
Creating OR queries
Using a range expression
Selecting opposite values
Using wildcards
Problem selects

Module 12:Calculated Fields

Creating a calculated field
Formatting calculations
Calculating across two tables
Calculating dates
Using criteria in calculations
Concatenating string fields

Module 13:Parameter Queries

Creating a parameter query
Displaying all records
Using parameters to display a record range
Nominating specific data types
Using parameters in expressions

Module 14:Creating Forms

Forms - how they work
Creating a single table form
Working with a form
Creating a subform
Creating a linked form

Module 15:Creating Reports

Reports - how they work
Creating a single table report
Previewing a report
Creating a multi-table report
Creating a report from a query

Module 16:Using the Switchboard

Creating a switchboard
Creating subsidiary menus
Creating a menu item
Returning to another menu
Creating a number of menu items
Linking the menus
Modifying the menu forms
Changing the startup