Discipline: Computer Information Systems Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Computer Information Systems 28A


COURSE DESCRIPTION
28A MS Access Programming Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite(s): None.

Advisory: CIS 5
Use of the data management program, MS Access, in writing command file programs to automate database management applications with the use of Visual Basic Applications variables, expressions, and functions. This course shows students how event driven programs operate. 54 hours lecture and 18 hours lab.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Learn advanced skills of Microsoft Access with Visual Basic for Applications.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
Before entering the course, students will be able to:
  1. Have a good working knowledge computer programming equivalent to CIS 5, as the course involves programming in Visual Basic for Applications.

  2. Register for CIS-96/97. CIS-96/97 are self-paced, competency-based, skill development computer labs. They provide the computer practice times to master the skills taught in the lecture classes. There is one-on-one instructor assistance available with additional help provided by student aides. Basically, the skills that are presented in the lecture classes have to be practiced to be mastered and that is the purpose of CIS-96/97.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Design and document a database.

2.   Demonstrate the use of import wizards, advanced queries, and
      SQL.

3.   Design complex Forms and Reports.

4.   Customize the user interface.

5.   Apply VBA code at various locations within a database.

6.   Demonstrate error trapping and automating ActiveX Controls with
         VBA.

7.   Demonstrate how to secure a database.

8.   Connect to the World Wide Web using MS Access.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 

1.   Overview of Database objects
      a.   Table and Field Properties, naming conventions
      b.   Various types of Queries
      c.   Forms and Reports
      d.   Data Access Pages
      e.   Macros and Modules
2.   Designing and Documenting a Database
      a.   Data Redundancy and Integrity
      b.   Relationships between tables
            1.   Primary and Foreign Keys 
            2.   Indexes
            3.   Referential Integrity
      c.   Documenting the database
3.   Queries
      a.   Importing and linking data
      b.   Action Queries: Update and Delete
      c.   SQL specific Queries
            1.   Data Definition, Pass Through, Union Queries
            2.   SQL statements
4.   Designing Complex Forms
      a.   Creating a Form Template
      b.   Toolbox Controls
      c.   Form Masters
      d.   Creating Switchboards
            1.   Working with Macros
            2.   Events
5.   Designing Complex Reports
      a.   Creating a Report Master
      b.   Domain Aggregate Functions
      c.   Grouping within a Report
      d.   Event Properties: Print Event and No Data Event
      e.   Converting Macros to VBA Code
      f.   Numbered Lists and Running Sum Property
      g.   Sub-Reports
6.   Customizing the User Interface
      a.   Methods and Properties
      b.   Collections and Classes
      c.    Validating Data using an Event Procedure
      d.   DoCmd Object
      e.   Control Structures
      f.   Menus and Toolbars
      g.   Startup Properties
      h.   Disabling the Bypass key
      i.   Auto keys Macro Group
      j.   Splitting the database
7.   Using Visual Basic for Applications
      a.   Modules
            1.   Sub Procedures and Functions
            2.   Scope
      b.   Creating the Reports Switchboard
      c.   Variables
            1.   Scope
            2.   Types
      d.   Creating Combo Boxes
      e.   Building the WhereCondition
      f.   Immediate window and breakpoints
8.   Trapping Errors and Automating ActiveX Controls with VBA
      a.   Control structures in VBA
      b.   Collections
            1.   Dot vs. Bang notation
            2.   Me keyword
      c.   Errors
            1.   Types: Syntax, Run-Time and Logic Errors
            2.   Trapping Run-Time errors in VBA
            3.   Error and Timing Events
            4.   Determining the error number
            5.   Combo Box Programming
            6.   ActiveX controls
9.   Object Models and Securing the Database
      a.   DAO vs. ADO
            1.   DBEngine
            2.   Recordsets
      b.   Security
            1.   Workgroup Information File
            2.   Security Accounts
            3.   User Level Security Wizard
            4.   Permissions
10.   Connecting to the World Wide Web
      a.   Using Hyperlinks on a Form
      b.   Data Access Pages
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Lectures, discussions and PowerPoint presentations highlighting advanced skills using MS Access
  • Online tutorials on Access features such as Error Handling and Security on the Microsoft web site www.microsoft.com/tutorials.
  • Review of actual MS Access system Northwind.mdb provided with the MS Access software to look at custom forms and reports
  • PowerPoint presentations on various topics like Customization of the User Interface
  • Discussions to encourage student critical thinking and interaction on topics such as error trapping related to automation of database management
  • Handouts providing additional information about automation of database management applications and Visual Basic Application variables, expressions, and functions
  • Cooperative learning tasks to encourage teamwork and create customized forms and reports, advanced queries, and customizing the user interface
  • Individual conferences to assist students with specific areas of concern
  • Guest lecturers to explain and demonstrate the variety of uses of MS Access programming in the workplace
  • Distance Education: Online, Hybrid, and Web Enhanced
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Oral and written reports to assess understanding of various methods used to automate database management applications
  • Class exercises based on sample starting files to demonstrate student’s ability to appropriately modify the database to include the necessary revisions on topics like Customization of the User Interface
  • Written quizzes to assess student understanding of each topic covered in the course
  • Participation in classroom and/or online discussion board to access ability on various topics like Error Trapping
  • Class and individual projects to demonstrate ability to modify database applications appropriately
  • Final examination to summarize, synthesize, and evaluate learning experiences in creating error free and user friendly database management applications
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Briggs, Anthony. New Perspectives on Microsoft Access 2003 Visual Basic for Applications-Advanced. Boston, MA: Course Technology, 2005.
11/06
539