Course Syllabus

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PREFIX, NUMBER, AND TITLE:

CSC 206 Adv. Computer Appl: Access

CREDIT HOURS:

1

UNIVERSITY NAME:

Dakota State University

ACADEMIC TERM/YEAR:

Fall 2009 - October 6 to November 10

Last day to Drop and receive 100% refund:

October 8, 2009

Last day to Withdraw and earn a grade of 'W':

October 30, 2009

COURSE MEETING TIME AND LOCATION:

Section D33 Internet

INSTRUCTOR'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Name: Christopher J. Olson
Office: East Hall Room 104B
Phone: 605-256-5688 (office) 605-256-5165 (secretary)
Office hours: Virtual - *see Description of Instructional Methods --- Physical - please email for appointment
Email address: chris.olson@dsu.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Catalog Description:

This course covers advanced features of the Microsoft Access 2007 database program.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

Technology Skills:

Word processing, Internet Desire2Learn, and electronic mail. Students will be required to use email for communication. Desire2Learn will be used to deliver course materials and weekly assignments, as well as serve as a communication tool between students and faculty.

Course Prerequisite:

CSC 105 - Students are expected to be proficient in the basics of Access when the course starts.

*DESCRIPTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS:

Students will be given lab assignments, quizzes, and exams through an online medium. Students should expect to login to the Desire2Learn site several times a week. Students must be motivated to stay on task and complete the coursework without benefit of lecture sessions. Keeping up on reading the assigned chapters and notes will be absolutely necessary for completing the labs (assignments) on time.

You are expected to use the steps in the textbook to complete the files in the tutorials. Doing so should give you the skills you need in order to successfully complete the lab assignments. Looking the textbook over or reading it several times is not the same as actually using the steps to create the desired documents.

Because this is an online class delivered through Desire2Learn, it is crucial that you have reliable access to the Internet on a regular basis. You should have a backup plan if needed, as the inability to connect to the Internet is NOT a valid excuse for missing a submission deadline.

I will be available most afternoons and evenings to answer questions. Email is my preferred form of communication and I check regularly throughout the day. While I cannot guarantee you an immediate answer to your inquiry, I will always do my best to reply in a timely manner. It is unlikely that you will ever have to wait more than a day for a response.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Required Textbook And Other References:

New Perspectives on Microsoft Office Access 2007, Introductory
Joseph J. Adamski, Kathy Finnegan
ISBN 13: 978-1-4239-0588-2
ISBN 10: 1-4239-0588-1

Textbook purchasing options:

• DSU Bookstore
• CourseSmart

Required Software:

• You will need some version of Microsoft Access 2007 for this class. You can download a free 60 day trial or see the link on the Desire2Learn course page for instructions on purchasing Microsoft Office 2007 (which includes Access) for $20 from Dakota State University.
• The Respondus LockDown Browser must be used when taking a test for this class or viewing its results. A link where it can be downloaded for free appears on the Desire2Learn course site.

System Requirements:

To run the software required for this class, you will need a computer with either Windows XP or Windows Vista. The table below lists the hardware requirements:

As strongly as I can, I suggest having access to a high speed broadband Internet connection. Dial up is unreliable for tests and won't handle streaming Internet videos that should be extremely helpful.

POLICIES:

Attendance Policy:

Attendance is expected through Desire2Learn and the submission of assignments, quizzes, and tests. You will not be successful in this course without regular participation and attendance through Desire2Learn.

ADA STATEMENT:

If you have a documented disability and/or anticipate needing accommodations (e.g., non-standard note taking, test modifications) in this course, please arrange to meet with the instructor. Also, please contact Dakota State University's ADA coordinator, Keith Bundy in the Student Development Office located in the Trojan Center Underground or at 605-256-5121, as soon as possible. The DSU website containing additional information, along with the form to request accommodations is http://www.departments.dsu.edu/disability_services/. You will need to provide documentation of your disability. The ADA coordinator must confirm the need for accommodations before officially authorizing them.

Academic Integrity Policy:

Cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty run contrary to the purpose of higher education and will not be tolerated in this course. Please be advised that, when the instructor suspects plagiarism, the Internet and other standard means of plagiarism detection will be used to resolve the instructor's concerns. DSU's policy on academic integrity (DSU Policy 03-22-00) is available online.

All forms of academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade (as in absolutely no credit) on the assignment. If you copy from another or allow another to copy from you, you have cheated. Any student who does so will automatically be penalized so that a B will be the highest letter grade he or she may earn for an overall course grade. A formal acknowledgement that you violated academic integrity policies will be placed in your permanent academic records. If there is a second offense by the same student(s), they will fail the course.

FREEDOM IN LEARNING STATEMENT:

Students are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled. Under Board of Regents and University policy, student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis and students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study. It has always been the policy of Dakota State University to allow students to appeal the decisions of faculty, administrative, and staff members and the decisions of institutional committees. Students who believe that an academic evaluation is unrelated to academic standards but is related instead to judgment of their personal opinion or conduct should contact the dean of the college which offers the class to initiate a review of the evaluation.

University Policy Regarding the Use of Tablets in the Classroom (when applicable):

The Tablet PC platform has been adopted across the DSU campus for all students and faculty, and tablet usage has been integrated into all DSU classes to enhance the learning environment. Tablet usage for course-related activities, note taking, and research is allowed and encouraged by DSU instructors. However, inappropriate and distracting use will not be tolerated in the classroom. Instructors set policy for individual classes and are responsible for informing students of class-specific expectations relative to Tablet PC usage. Failure to follow the instructor's guidelines will hinder academic performance and may lead to disciplinary actions. Continued abuse may lead to increased tablet restrictions for the entire class.

Because tablet technology is an integral part of this course, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that his/her Tablet PC is operational prior to the beginning of each class period.

COURSE GOALS:

Chapter Topics

Tutorial 1: Creating a Database

• Define the terms field, record, table, relational database, primary key, and foreign key
• Create a blank database
• Identify the components of the Microsoft Access window
• Create and save a table in Datasheet view
• Enter field names and records in a table datasheet
• Open a table using the Navigation Pane
• Open an Access database
• Copy and paste records from another Access database
• Navigate a table datasheet
• Create and navigate a simple query
• Create and navigate a simple form
• Create, preview, navigate, and print a simple report
• Learn how to manage a database by compacting, backing up, and restoring a database

Tutorial 2: Building a Database and Defining Table Relationships

• Learn the guidelines for designing databases and setting field properties
• View and modify field data types and formatting
• Create a table in Design view
• Define fields and specify a table's primary key
• Modify the structure of a table
• Import data from an Excel worksheet
• Create a table by importing an existing table structure
• Delete, rename, and move fields
• Add data to a table by importing a text file
• Define a relationship between two tables

Tutorial 3: Maintaining and Querying a Database

• Find, modify, and delete records in a table
• Learn how to use the Query window in Design view
• Create, run, and save queries
• Update data using a query datasheet
• Create a query based on multiple tables
• Sort data in a query
• Filter data in a query
• Specify an exact match condition in a query
• Change the font size and alternating row color in a datasheet
• Use a comparison operator in a query to match a range of values
• Use the And and Or logical operators in queries
• Create and format a calculated field in a query
• Perform calculations in a query using aggregate functions and record group calculations
• Change the display of database objects in the Navigation Pane

Tutorial 4: Creating Forms and Reports

• Create a form using the Form Wizard
• Modify a form's design in Layout view
• Change a form's AutoFormat
• Add a picture to a form
• Change the color, line type, and position of items on a form
• Navigate a form and find data using a form
• Maintain table data using a form
• Preview and print selected form records
• Create a form with a main form and a subform
• Create a report using the Report Wizard
• Modify a report's design in Layout view
• Move and resize fields in a report
• Insert a picture in a report
• Change the font color of a report title
• Use conditional formatting in a report
• Preview and print a report

Tutorial 5: Creating Advanced Queries and Enhancing Table Design

• Review table and object naming standards
• Use the Like, In, Not, and & operators in queries
• Filter data using an AutoFilter
• Use the IIf function to assign a conditional value to a calculated field in a query
• Create a parameter query
• Use query wizards to create a crosstab query, a find duplicates query, and a find unmatched query
• Create a top values query
• Modify table designs using lookup fields, input masks, and data validation rules
• Identify object dependencies
• Review a Memo field's properties
• Designate a trusted folder

Tutorial 6: Using Form Tools and Creating Custom Forms

• Change a lookup field to a Text field
• View and print database documentation
• Create datasheet, multiple items, and split forms
• Modify a form and anchor form controls in Layout view
• Plan, design, and create a custom form in Design view and in Layout view
• Select, move, align, resize, delete, and rename controls in a form
• Add a combo box to a form
• Add form headers and footers to a form
• Add a combo box to a form to find records
• Add a subform to a form
• Add calculated controls to a form and a subform
• Change the tab order in a form
• Improve the appearance of a form

Tutorial 7: Creating Custom Reports

• View, filter, and copy report information in Report view
• Modify a report in Layout view
• Modify a report in Design view
• Design and create a custom report
• Sort and group data in a report
• Add, move, resize, and align controls in a report
• Add lines to a report
• Hide duplicate values in a report
• Add the date, page numbers, and title to a report
• Create and modify mailing labels

EVALUATION PROCEDURES:

Assessments:

Grading Scale:

Make-up Policy for Missed Submission Deadlines:

• Tests: Make-up examinations will not be given unless prior approval is granted from the course instructor. Tests will be given via Desire2Learn and only made available at certain times. I have tests available for a full week, so plan accordingly so you can take the test before the deadline passes.
• Assignments: Late labs will be penalized 5 points per school day and will not be accepted after 4 days. The deadlines for assignments will be followed. Exceptions may be granted in special situations, but this will be the exception rather than the rule. Those with extenuating circumstances should ask for an extension before the due date.
• Quizzes: Quizzes cannot be made up.

Last date and time to submit coursework:

The class officially ends Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 5 PM Central. The last test and all coursework must be completed before that time. No exceptions.

TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:

The instructor reserves the right to make adjustments in the course outline to better meet the needs of the students.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Modifications to the Course:

The instructor reserves the right to make adjustments to this syllabus during the course of the semester in order to better meet the needs of the students.