IS141 – Desktop Databases (Access)

Instructor: Patrick Bailey (pmb4@calvin.edu)

Required Text: Access 2010 – The Missing Manual; Matthew MacDonald, ISBN: 978-1449382377

General Description:  An introduction to information processing with databases. This course introduces table structure, keys, queries, reports, forms and the relational database model. Prerequisite: Interdisciplinary 110.

Course Approach:  The course will initially describe the structure of a database, followed immediately by discussions and exercises on how to use an existing database.  In the later part of the course, the instructor will assign a project.  In that project, the instructor will walk the students through the design process.  Using the knowledge from that process, students will be required to utilize that design for implementing tables and relations, data population, creating queries and producing a report and a form.

General Outcomes:

• Understand the fundamentals of a relational database such as tables, primary and foreign keys.
• Be able to implement a pre-designed multi-table database in Access.
• Understand distinct data types.
• Be able to create filters and queries based on the Access visual interface.
• Understand how to define criteria for record selection using comparison operators and logical operators.
• Understand how to define queries using aggregate information.
• Understand how to define relational constraints using the Access interface.
• Be able to create action queries.
• Understand the appropriate use of Access and when to consider other options
• Be able to create simple reports and forms