1 Getting started with Access

Aims of this session

To give you a general understanding of database management systems, the use of databases and the meaning of a relational database. Also to enable you to operate an Access database.

On completion of this module you should be able to

• Understand the term database management system
• Understand the advantages of using databases
• Start Access and open an existing database
• Open objects from the Access database window
• Close an Access database

2 Access databases and database design

Aims of this session

To develop an understanding of the importance of sound database design to the effective functioning of any Access database.

On completion of this module you should be able to

• Understand database design terms
• Understand relational tables
• Understand the principles of database design
• View and create relationships between existing tables
• Apply referential integrity

3 Tables

Aims of this session

To develop the use of Access tools for creating tables, and viewing and arranging data.

On completion of this module you should be able to

• Create tables
• Use field types and properties
• Create indexes and primary keys
• Enter data and navigate through records
• Filter by form and selection
• Sort data

4 Introducing Forms

Aims of this session

To introduce all form operations and controls, and use the wizard to create basic forms.

On completion of this module you should be able to

• Understand all form operations
• Understand all form controls
• Enter data and navigate through records in a form
• Use the form wizard

5 Creating forms

Aims of this session

To create basic forms, create selection lists and use relational tables to create main form/ sub form pairs.

On completion of this module you should be able to

• Create forms in design view
• Use relational tables to provide selection lists
• Use relational tables in main form / sub form
• Use Autoformat
• Save a form template

6 Queries

Aims of this session

To learn to extract precise sets of data from the database using the Query Builder.

On completion of this module you should be able to

• Create select queries on multiple related tables
• Use the query wizard
• Use criteria to limit query results
• Format query output
• Understand other query types

7 Reports

Aims of this session

This session aims to develop report building skills in Access

On completion of this module you should be able to

• Understand the components of a report page
• Use Report wizard to create report
• Customise a report and save format
• Group data in a report and apply totalling and other summary functions