HUMPHREYS COLLEGE

STOCKTON , CALIFORNIA

Relational Database

Course Outline 12 Week Quarter

CATALOG NUMBER: ADM 141

CREDIT: 4 UNITS

Professor: Jim DeCosta

Email address: jdecosta@humphreys.edu

Office hours: Current Schedule, and by appointment.

Administrative Management Department Learning Objective - Business Technology Skills

A solid foundation in current software and use of the Internet are absolute necessities in the modern office. A series of software courses in areas such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software with progressive degrees of difficulty are required to prepare students to function effectively in the computer-oriented workplace.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

ADM 141 Relational Database, 4 units

Prerequisite: ADM 120.

A comprehensive course in Microsoft Access, covering introductory through post- advanced database concepts and skills. This course covers all the skills required for successful mastery of the Microsoft Office User Specialist Access Examination.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course provides instruction in the use of a Microsoft Access in life like business settings. Microsoft’s Office Suite has become a near standard for business software. This comprehensive course provides a complete set of the application skills necessary for successful completion of the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification. The course does not guarantee that the student will successfully pass the Microsoft Certification but the materials covered in the course cover all concepts and skills addressed in the Specialist online examinations developed by Microsoft.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Utilizing Microsoft Access 2003, the student will be able to:

  • Create and use a database

  • Query a database using the select query

  • Maintain a Database using the design and update features of Access

  • Create reports, forms, and combo boxes

  • Enhance forms with OLE fields, hyperlinks, and subforms

  • Create switchboards, PivotTables and PivotCharts

  • Utilize advanced report and form techniques

  • Use Visual Basic for Applications and create multi-page forms

  • Administer a database system

  • Share data among applications and create data access pages

PREREQUISITE:

Completion or test out of ADM120 with keyboarding skills of 25 wpm or greater.

WRITING ACROSS THE CURRICULUM: Students will focus on the following writing skills and objectives:

  • Develop editing and proofreading skills for Access documents.

HOURS OF INSTRUCTION:

Online environment, asynchronous, students should expect to spend 8 to 12 hours per week viewing lecture-demonstrations, skill set demonstration, completing projects, in the labs, practice skill set building and online tests.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:

This class is an online skills lab, and as such students, are working at a weekly pace, self-teaching utilizing the required text, aided by lecture-demonstrations, skill set demonstrations and online and email help from the instructor.

Instruction is Composed of Two Major Areas

Skill Attainment - These are the individual operations necessary in order for the application (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher) to respond appropriately to what you are asking it to do. Typically this depends on you (the operator) recognizing the present state that the application is in, and what steps are necessary for you to complete one or more operations through keyboard and/or mouse movements which is your way of communicating with the software (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher).

Application - This is the ability to bring the skill set (see above) into the real world in order to help facilitate the calculation, presentation, and communication of useful information. This part of the instruction is designed to help you see (by example) how the business application software is used in the real world. Your job is to spend time noting the format and design of the individual application documents and what they are attempting to accomplish and to convey to others who may have access to them. This requires what is known in the psychological and educational literature as higher order thinking skills, i.e. your ability to take what you have practiced and experienced in one situation or environment and extrapolate it to new situations and environments, like your home, school, and place of employment.

Course Components Related to the Two Major Areas

Skill Attainment -

Text Projects - Text projects identify the skill learning objectives that will be covered within the project and each subsequent project builds on the other to some degree but not to the degree that would require you to complete all previous projects before attempting a later project. The textbook moves the student from one small step to the next in a sequence of steps to complete a successful operation. The text is filled with numerous visual aids that closely represent what should be on your monitor as you follow along with the instructional set. Often the text will include side-bars and or additional comments that inform you of alternative methods of completing an individual task, pay attention to these as you may find these methods more to your liking. Moving through each project takes patience, time and a full understanding of where you are going and where you have been in order to fully appreciate what the project is trying to convey to you the student. So take time to look at the completed document presented at the beginning of each project and understand that you will be creating that document during the completion of the project, many times beginning from a blank document, spreadsheet or database.

Skill Set Demonstrations - Skill set demonstrations are examples of the individual items that make up the skill learning objectives for each project. These skills are the skills that the sam2003 online environment assess and make up the complete set of all items that you could be tested on during the project of study. The demonstrations themselves are flash or windows media presentations of your instructor completing the items individually and correctly. They are presented individually (flash version) or as progressive downloads (windows media) so that you can choose what skills you need to work on without having to view them all. Skills like keyboarding and software have traditionally been taught through the techniques known as drill and practice, the skill set demonstrations in conjunction with the practice tests are designed to be used in conjunction to give you drill and practice experience within the learning objectives for each project.

Practice Tests - Practice tests are made available on the sam2003 testing site. You may take each practice test up to 5 times. Practice tests include every skill that is presented during the project of study and usually two or three items from a previously completed project. Use your practice test to assess your learning after you complete the project.

Application -

Text Projects - Projects are presented as cases, cases are real world examples of how the document might be used in a home or business environment. Take special note of how documents are formatted (layout) and what information they are designed to convey.

In The Lab Assignments - These assignments are shorter versions of the project itself. They typically are cases based on alternative businesses or alternative home uses that utilize the very same skill sets developed during the project. These additional assignments help you to gain additional perspective on how similar documents are used in settings other than the one presented in the Text Project Lesson. These assignments typically include less detailed instruction than the project itself and your critical thinking and problem solving skills are needed for the successful completion of these assignments.

Lecture Demonstrations - Lecture/Demonstrations are of two basic types; the first being discussions of the completed documents, relating how the particular document is utilized in business situations and the second type is an actual demonstration by the instructor on how an In The Lab assignment is to be completed. Often the instructor will verbalize the problem solving process in order to help the student integrate just how the skill sets presented in the project can be used to create the desired final product with the software application under study.

How to be successful in this computer applications course

Suggestions For What To Do When

  • View/Pay Attention to the Lecture/Demonstration

  • Complete the Project in the textbook

  • Go online and take the skill set practice test

  • Go online and review the sill set demonstrations

  • Go online and take the skill set practice test

  • Complete the In The Lab assignments for the project

  • Go online and re-take the skill set practice test, returning to the skill set demonstration as necessary

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS:

Microsoft Office Access 2003: Comprehensive Concepts and Techniques

Shelly Cashman Vermaat (ISBN: 1-4188-4363-6)

SAM2003 Course Testing Software, Course Technology, Thomson Learning. Students may use their seat license obtained in ADM120 for this and all computer business application courses here at Humphreys College .

Earphones – needed to hear audio presentations. If you have earphones that came with a CD player or MP3 player you most likely will be able to use them. If you plan on utilizing the computer workstations on campus, you will need to plug them in to the audio out jack on the back of the computer case (green jack).

USB Drive for saving files done at home or on Library workstations.

COURSE CONTENT:

The class will be set up a lecture/lab basis. Students will be required to work on the personal computers to complete lab projects assigned each week. WARNING: You should expect to spend one to two hours outside of regular class time on the computer for every hour spent in the classroom.

BASIS OF EVALUATION:

Attendance: On time completion of all assignments – No late turn ins

Exercises: 725 Points (25 points each – Projects and In The Labs)

Quizzes (sam2003 and or written): 500 Points (50 points each week– sam2003 and/or written)

Final: 300 Points

Total Points 1525 Points

GRADING

A

90% and above

B

80 – 89%

C

70 – 79%

D

60 – 69%

F

Below 60%

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Ten points will be deducted from the attendance portion of the grade for any days’ absence during a scheduled class meeting, or missing 1-1/2 hours of any night class meeting.

LATE ASSIGNMENT POLICY: Late assignments will not be graded until the current weeks assignment has been completed, the instructor notified that the current weeks work is in the student folder, the instructor has then given the student permission to submit specific late assignments and the assignments committed to by the student are in the student’s folder at the agreed upon time. All late work will be penalized.

PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism is not condoned or excused. Term papers, research reports and essays are expected to be the individual work of the student. References and sources of information should be identified and accurately documented within the body of any written work. Violation of the honor code or plagiarism is cause for dismissal.

STUDENT SERVICES: Reading, writing, researching, and math tutorial services are available from the Libraries Student Service Center . The Computer Labs are open on the main campus from 1-6 p.m. daily and the Library has workstations available during all business hours.

CLASS SCHEDULE:

Since the students work at their own pace, this schedule is to be used as a guideline for minimum standards. Students are encouraged to work as accurately and rapidly as they can to complete the course. Tests dates are permanent unless changed by the instructor during the quarter. Students absent on test days are required to contact instructor on the assigned testing day in order to be eligible for a makeup test.

Wk

Lessons

Exercise Objectives

Assignments/Test Dates

1

Introduction, Syllabus, testing environments,

  • Using course materials

  • Introduction to Relational databases

  • Submitting files online

  • Forum participation

  • Sam2003 testing environment

SAM2003 PRE testing

Syllabus Quiz

Forum Participation

2

ACCESS:

Project 1

Create a Database Using Design and Datasheet View

  • Start Access

  • Open and Close a Database

  • Save a Table, Form, and Report

  • Create a Table

  • Add Additional Records to a Table

  • Complete and Create a Report

  • Define Fields in a Table

  • Obtain Help Using the Office Assistant

  • Select Fields for a Report

  • Switch from Form View to Datasheet View

  • Use the New Object: AutoForm Button to Create a Form

Project Assignments

Project 1 – Ashton James College Database

In the Lab 1: Birds2U Database

In the Lab 2: Babbage Bookkeeping Database

3

ACCESS

Project 2

Querying a Database Using the Select Query Window

  • Create a Query

  • Save and Close a Query

  • Clear a Query

  • Calculate Statistics

  • Include fields in a Query

  • Include Fields in the Design Grid

  • Join Tables

  • Omit Duplicates

  • Restricts the Records in a Join

  • Run a Query

  • Sort Data in a Query

  • Sort in Multiple Keys

  • Using a Comparison Operator in a Criterion

  • Use a Compound Criterion Involving AND or OR

  • Use a Calculated Field in a Query

  • Use a Number in a Query

  • Use a Number in a Criterion

  • Use a Wildcard

  • Use Criteria for a Field Not Included in the Results

  • Use Criteria in Calculating Statistics

  • Use Grouping

  • Use Group Text in a Criterion

Project 1 Quiz (sam2003)

Project Assignments

Project 2 – Ashton James College Database

In the Lab 1: Birds2U Database

In the Lab 2: Babbage Bookkeeping Database

4

ACCESS

Project 3

Add a Field to a Table

Change the Size of a Field

Create a Multiple-Field Index

Create a Single-Field Index

Delete a Record

Filter Records

Remove Filter

Resize a Column

Save Validation Rules, Default Values, and Formats

Search for a Record

Specify a Collection of Legal Values

Specify a Default Value

Specify a Format, Range, Required Field, Referential Integrity

Switch from Form to Datasheet View

Update the Contents of a Field

Use Delete Query to Delete a Group of Records

Use Form to Add Records

Use a Subdatasheet

Use an Update Query to Update All Records

Use the Sort Ascending to Order Records

Project 2 Quiz (sam2003)

Project Assignments

Project 3 – Ashton James College Database

In the Lab 1: Birds2U Database

In the Lab 2: Babbage Bookkeeping Database

5

Access Project 4

Reports, Forms and Combo Boxes
Create a query for a report
Use the Report Wizard to create a report
Use the Report window to modify a report design
Move between Design view and Print Preview
Recognize sections in a report
Save, close, and print a report
Create a report with grouping and subtotals
Change headings in a report
Move and resize controls on a report
Use the Form Wizard to create an initial form
Use the Form window to modify a form design
Move fields on a form
Place a calculated field on a form
Change the format of a field on a form
Place a combo box on a form
Place a title on a form
Change colors on a form
View data using a form

Project 3 Quiz (sam2003)

Project Assignments

Project 4 – Ashton James College Database

In the Lab 1: Birds2U Database

In the Lab 2: Babbage Bookkeeping Database

6

Access Project 5

Enhancing Forms with OLE Fields, Hyperlinks, and Subforms

Use date, memo, OLE, and hyperlink fields
Change the row and column spacing in tables
Save table properties
Create and use a form with a subform
Move and resize fields on a form
Change the styles and colors of labels
Use special effects on forms
Use date and memo fields in a query
Compact a database.

Project 4 Quiz (sam2003)

Project Assignments

Project 5 – Ashton James College Database

In the Lab 1: Birds2U Database

In the Lab 2: Babbage Bookkeeping Database

7

Access Project 6

Creating an Application System Using Macros, Wizards, and the Switchboard Manager
Use the Lookup wizard to create a lookup field
Use the Input Mask Wizard to create an input mask
Update a field using an input mask
Use a Lookup wizard field
Add a control for a single field to a report
Add a calculated control to a report
Add a control for a single field to a form
Create a macro
Add actions and comments to a macro
Modify arguments in a macro
Create a copy of a macro
Create a switchboard, modify switchboard pages and items

Project 5 Quiz (sam2003)

Project Assignments

Project 6 – Ashton James College Database

In the Lab 1: Birds2U Database

In the Lab 2: Babbage Bookkeeping Database

8

Access Project 7

Advanced Report and Form Techniques
Work in Design View to create and modify reports and forms
Add command buttons to forms
Modify VBA code associated with a command button
Create and print mailing labels

Project 6 Quiz (sam2003)

Project Assignments

Project 7 – Ashton James College Database

In the Lab 1: Birds2U Database

In the Lab 2: Babbage Bookkeeping Database

9

Access Project 8

Create and test functions
Use functions in a query
Associate code with an event
Create Sub procedures
Add tab and subform controls to a form
Add a chart to a form
Add an ActiveX control to a form

Project 7 Quiz (sam2003)

Project Assignments

Project 8 – Ashton James College Database

In the Lab 1: Birds2U Database

In the Lab 2: Babbage Bookkeeping Database

10

Access Project 9

Administering a Database System

Use Table analyzer

Enable and use automatic error checking

Create a custom input mask

Create and use smart tags

Split a database

Specify user-level security

Project 8 Quiz (sam2003)

Project Assignments

Project 9 – Ashton James College Database

In the Lab 1: Birds2U Database

In the Lab 2: Babbage Bookkeeping Database

11

Integration Feature

Data Access Pages

Integration Feature

Import or Link an Excel Worksheet

Export data to Excel or Word

Create report snapshots

Export and import XML data

Data Access Pages

Create a data access page using the wizard

Create a grouped data access page in Design view

Create a PivotTable in a data access page

Save a PivotChart to a data access page

Project 9 Quiz (sam2003)

Access Specialist Certification Exam (sam2003)

Project: Harton-James Clinic

Project: Ashton James College

No in the labs due this week.