CIT 203
Access Certification Preparation

The rules and guidelines for this class are based on this syllabus and theHow Do I Survive this Online Class document.

Textbook: MS Access 2007, New Perspectives, Comprehensive by Adamski, Finnegan, Hommel

  • SBN-10: 142390589X ISBN-13: 9781423905899
  • Available through the college bookstore or through the Internet.
  • Click here to see a list of sites offering used text books.
  • Order your copy NOW. You must have your copy by the second week of class.

Web Links

Download book files:
(If wanted) /
(I will supply any files needed for assignments)
Mous Access Test: /

Vital Questions

When do I work on this class? / How Do I Survive, General #4
When does the class begin? / How Do I Survive, General #5
When are assignments due? / How Do I Survive, Due #1
What if I am gone on the due date? / How Do I Survive, Due #2
Can I turn in late assignments? / How Do I Survive, Due #4
Where are the tests? / How Do I Survive, Other Questions #1
What is this individual project? / You will be expected to build a working database designed to solve a specific problem. It will be worth more than other assignments. It will be due on SUNDAY, May 15. More information will be given out half way through the semester.
When will I be able to see my cumulative class grade? / How Do I Survive, Other Questions #2
Can I do extra credit to improve my grade? / How Do I Survive, Other Questions #3
What version of Access is covered in this class? / This class covers Microsoft Access 2007.If you are using Access 2010, you will need to convert lesson instructions to cover this newer version of Access. You will also need to turn in Access databases in version 2007.
What if I do not have this software on my home computer? / How Do I Survive, Other Questions #8
What should I know as I begin this class? / This is a second course in Access. Students should have already worked with Access, either work experience, or have completed a class such as IS 201 or a one-credit Access class.
Why is it called Access Certification Preparation / Although not mandatory as part of the class, it is aimed toward students passing the Microsoft Office User Specialist Certification in Access 2007 Expert.
Each student is responsible for completing their assignments / How Do I Survive, Other Questions #7

Catalog Description
The concepts and capabilities of microcomputer database systems management. The course teaches the command and programming language of a typical system, together with specific experience in creating and using databases in typical applications. Prerequisite: IS 201 or instructor's approval. (3+1)
Course Objectives
At the end of the course, each student should be able to:

  • Maintain databases using Access 2003. /a,b,c
  • Design and build tables to solve business-oriented problems. /a,b,c
  • Build effective relationships between tables. /a,b,c
  • Design and build the various types of queries to solve business-oriented problems. /a,b,c
  • Build and use forms and subforms to solve business-oriented problems. /a,b,c
  • Build complex reports to solve business-oriented problems. /a,b,c
  • Build macros and switchboards to solve business-oriented problems. /a,b,c
  • Enter SQL commands into queries to solve business-oriented problems. /a,b,c
  • Develop Visual Basic modules to solve business-oriented problems. /a
  • Design entire database systems to solve business-oriented problems. /a,b,c
  • Use Access's advanced features to manage complex databases. /a,b,c
  • Work with team members in designing and building database systems. /b

The above goals will be measured using a combination of:

  1. Turn in database parts showing understanding of the principles used to solve the problem.
  2. Develop and build entire database systems as a group.
  3. Come up with a need, develop and build entire database system as an individual.

Instructions methods
Each lesson will introduce a new skill or concept. Students can practice by going through a tutorial in the textbook. Students can view videos on the concept. Assignments are then completed using the new skill or concept and turned in. The assignments will consist of exercises either from the instructor or the textbook. The assignments require substantial time spent on the student’s home computer or in one of the college’s computer labs to complete.

Projects
Besides the individual project, students will participate in two projects. They can be completed by each student or by a pair of students. If they are done by a pair of students, they will submit their combined efforts for a collective grade. After each project, students will rate their partners on their input into the project.

Assignment Hand-ins
Most assignments will be turned in by attaching a database file to a message sent to me. However, since database files can become quite large, some assignments will be turned in as a zipped file. Some assignments will be completed inside Word and turned in by attaching these Word files to an email message.

Spring 2011 / Revision date: Jan. 10, 2011
Instructor: Larry Hyslop
Office: High Tech Center- 132 / Office hours:
T-Th 9-10:30
(Call my cell phone to set up an appointment for other times)
Great Basin College
1500 College Pkwy. / Elko, NV 89801
Phone: 775-753-2305 (office)
/ 775-385-8870 (cell, any time before 8pm)
Email (outside of WebCampus):
Note: I check my email M-F only. / larryh (at) gwmail.gbcnv.edu

______

Assignments: The assignments will consist of exercises from the instructor and/or the book. Each assignment will be graded on a points system. The assignments can be completed on your own time, and will require substantial time spent in the computer lab to complete. Team assignments will require two students to work together in completing a task.

Grading: Cumulative grades will be determined as follows:

100-98 A+
97-93 A
92-90 A- Worth:
89-88 B+ Assignments: 66%
87-83 B Projects: 20%
82-80 B- Individual Project: 13%
79-78 C+
77-73 C
72-70 C-
69-68 D+
67-63 D
62-60 D-
<60 F

  • Cumulative grading will use + and - on assignments, tests and the final, recorded grade.
  • Of the final, official class grade, the highest recorded will be an A.
  • Sometimes, and for very good reasons, a student is not ableto finish a class, and needs to withdraw from the class.
  • Through week 12:
  • A grade of W (withdrawn) will be recorded for anyone whoformally withdraws by meeting with the instructor and filling out a withdraw form.
  • A grade of F will be recorded for anyone who simply doesnot come to class any more.
  • It is important to realize that for any one withdrawingfrom the class, the difference between earning an W on the official class record or earning an F is the process offormally withdrawing
  • After week 12:
  • Anyone withdrawing will receive a grade based on all assignments, including those missed.
  • Before doing anything regarding this class, please consult with me. It is my job to assist you in making class decisions.

Privacy:Some times during the class, your completed assignments may be displayed for the benefit of the entire class. If this bothers you, please notify me in writing during the first week of class.

Special Needs: Any student with a disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is requested to speak either with me or with the College Counselor, as soon as possible to arrange for appropriate accommodations.

Perseverance: This is a full semester class requiring considerable time spent on the computer each and every of the 16 weeks. You must be prepared to make this commitment.

Getting started:

  • Have your Internet access installed and ready before the semester begins. Call the WebCampus help line to get your username and password set up. Set up your WebCampus access using provided instructions. Remember your login name and password. Enter the WebCampus classroom.
  • Print and follow the instructions for lesson 1, found in the assignments folder.