Microsoft Access

About This Course

The Introduction to Access course provides a comprehensive foundation for students looking to learn about the Access database management system. This course covers the basics of Access, including its user interface, fundamentals, tables, queries, forms, and reports. Students will also gain insights into databases, Access terms, and relational databases. By the end of this course, students will have a solid understanding of Access and be prepared to use it effectively for managing and organizing data in various applications.

Access Version: This course primarily targets Access 2019; however, it can be used to teach Access 365 as well as earlier versions of Access. We draw attention to features that are not supported in earlier versions of Access, and point out alternative options, when available.

Audience Profile

This course is intended for students who have little or no familiarity with Microsoft Access 2019 or more experienced Access users who want to learn the topics covered in this course in the  interface.

Benefits

1. Comprehensive Coverage: This course offers a thorough introduction to Access, covering all key aspects of the software, from user interface to tables, queries, forms, and reports.
2. Hands-on Learning: Through practical exercises, students will gain firsthand experience using Access, allowing them to build confidence in their skills and understanding of the software.
3. Database Knowledge: In addition to learning about Access, students will also gain insights into databases, relational databases, and related terms, providing a well-rounded understanding of database management systems.
4. Real-world Applications: The course prepares students to use Access effectively for managing and organizing data in various real-world applications, enhancing their overall data management capabilities.
5. Experienced Authors: The course material is developed by experienced authors who have in-depth knowledge and expertise in Microsoft Access, ensuring that students receive accurate and valuable information.

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Quick Overview of the Access User Interface

This module explains how to become familiar with the Access user interface.

Lessons

• Access Ribbon
• Quick Access Toolbar
• Object Navigation Pane
• Access Work Surface
• Object Overview
• Process Overview
• Create a Database Using a Wizard

Lab 1: Getting Around the Access Environment

• Getting Around the Access Environment

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Understand the organization of the Access ribbon.
• Understand context tabs in the ribbon.
• Understand the Quick Access Toolbar and how to customize.
• Understand the Navigation Pane.
• Understand the objects and creation process.
• Understand the Access work surface.
• Understand how to create databases using a wizard.

Module 2: Fundamentals

This module explains how to think about some database fundamentals before diving into database creation.

Lessons

• Questions to Ask Before You Starat
• Approaches to Database Design
• Gathering Information
• A Few Words about Naming Conventions
• Normalization
• Table Relationships

Lab 1: Fundamentals Exercises

• Asking Questions
• Normalizing Data

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Ask questions to consider before you create a database application.
• Understand common approaches to database design: top-down and bottom-up.
• Go from paperwork and data samples to categorized data (data mapping).
• Understand naming conventions for tables and other objects.
• Understand what normalization is.
• Understand some basic concepts of normalization and how to apply them.
• Understandbout primary and foreign keys.
• Understand relationships and establishing them among tables.

Module 3: Tables and Their Views

This module explains how to work with tables and their views in Microsoft Access.

Lessons

• Definition and Purpose
• Datasheet View
• Design View

Lab 1: Working with Tables in Datasheet View

• Working with Tables in Datasheet View

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Understand tables and table views in Access.
• Work with tables in Datasheet view.
• Add and Edit data records in Datasheet view.
• Understand the purpose of Design view.

Module 4: Tables

This module explains how to work with tables in Microsoft Access.

Lessons

• Creating an Access Database
• Data Types
• Create a Table in Design View

Lab 1: Tables Exercises

• Creating a New Database
• Determining Data Types
• Creating a Table in Design View

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Creat an Access database.
• Create a table in Design view.
• Understand data types.
• Assign a key field.
• Understand input masks.
• Use expressions to define validation rules.

Module 5: Queries

This module explains how to work with queries in Microsoft Access.

Lessons

• Queries
• Select Queries
• Select Queries with Criteria
• Logical Operators
• Group and Total with Queries

Lab 1: Creating Select Queries

• Creating Select Queries

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Use queries and query views.
• Create a simple query.

Module 6: Forms

This module explains how to work with forms in Microsoft Access.

Lessons

• Forms
• Alter a Form
• Form Record Navigation
• Layout View and Design View
• One-click Forms
• Form Wizard

Lab 1: Forms Exercises

• Adding Data Records in Form View
• Creating a Form with the Form Wizard

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Understand types of forms.
• Add records using a form.
• Understand one-click forms.
• Create a form using the Form Wizard.

Module 7: Reports

This module explains how to work with reports in Microsoft Access.

Lessons

• Reports
• Report Wizard

Lab 1: Creating a Report with the Report Wizard

• Creating a Report with the Report Wizard

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Understand reports.
• Use the one-click report.
• Use the Report Wizard to create reports.