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Access Courses

A few years ago, I developed a series of Microsoft Access courses and taught them at UC Extension. I no longer teach at UC Extension, but I continue to distribute the course materials here. If you're learning Access, feel free to download the course notes and exercises.

Access Courses

Basic Access Databases

The first course in the series offers an in-depth introduction to Microsoft Access. The course starts with a discussion of relational database theory and continues with an exploration of tables, queries, forms, and reports. By the end of the course, students will build a simple application using all of these elements. Every class consists of a lecture and hands-on lab time. During the lab period, students will be given the opportunity to work on and discuss their own database projects.

The course is for people who have never built a database before; for those who need a hands-on introduction to Microsoft Access; and for anyone who would like to have relational database theory explained in a simple, down-to-earth style using an applied approach. There are no prerequisites for the course, but it is highly recommended that all students have a copy of Microsoft Access available to them outside of course hours.


Intermediate Access Databases

This course picks up where the Basic course leaves off. The course starts with a review of relational database theory, then addresses the Access fundamentals - tables, queries, forms, and reports - in greater depth. Sophisticated query techniques, such as outer joins, aggregate queries, crosstab queries, and action queries, are covered, as are the intricacies of form design. Students learn to automate the functions of a database using macros, and will be introduced to the event model. They will also learn how to apply the sophisticated security features of Access. In sum, students will learn about all the important aspects of database development in Access.

This course is for people who understand the fundamentals of Access, but need to learn how to apply their knowledge toward the construction of a functional database. As a prerequisite for the course, students must know how to create tables, queries, forms, and reports in Access and be able to use these objects together in a database. Students who complete Basic Access Databases meet these prerequisites.


Programming in Access

Programming in Access covers the advanced features of Access. It starts with an introduction to Visual Basic programming, then goes on to show how VB programming may be used effectively within Access. Students learn how to automate forms, how to parse data, and how to perform various other tasks using code.

The course is for people who want to start programming but may not have had programming experience; for those who want to move beyond macros; and for those familiar with a programming language but who need a quick overview of writing code in Access. Students who wish to take the course should have a strong familiarity with all Access objects (i.e. the design and application of tables, queries, forms, reports, and macros). They should have a good grasp of overall application design and relational database theory, and they should be acquainted with the Access Event Model for triggering macros and procedures. Previous programming experience is helpful, but not required. Successful completion of Intermediate Access Databases meets the prerequisites.