Microsoft Access

Detailed college-level relational database notes, 20 projects, examination and separate marking scheme.

Detailed Notes

1. Database Concepts

A database is an organized collection of related information. A DBMS provides tools for storing, retrieving, updating and presenting information. Access is a relational desktop DBMS.

2. Database Objects

Tables store records. Queries retrieve, calculate or modify data. Forms provide user-friendly data entry and navigation. Reports present organized information.

3. Fields and Records

A field is a category such as StudentName or Course. A record is a complete row describing one entity.

4. Data Types

Common Access types include Short Text, Number, Date/Time, Currency, Yes/No and AutoNumber. Select types based on how data will be stored and used.

5. Primary Keys

A primary key uniquely identifies records. It should be unique and normally not blank. AutoNumber can generate identifiers.

6. Relationships

Relationships connect tables. A one-to-many relationship allows one parent record to relate to many child records. Referential integrity helps maintain valid relationships.

7. Tables in Design View

Define field names, data types and properties, set the primary key, save the table and then enter records in Datasheet View.

8. Select Queries

Add tables, select fields, enter criteria, set sorting and run the query. Examples include Marks>=50, Course="ICT" and Marks Between 50 And 79.

9. Calculated Queries

Calculated fields can perform operations such as Total: [Quantity]*[UnitPrice]. Aggregate functions include Sum, Avg, Min, Max and Count.

10. Action Queries

Update queries modify records, append queries add records, delete queries remove records and make-table queries create a new table. Back up data before action queries.

11. Forms and Reports

Forms simplify data entry and reports organize information for presentation. Use meaningful labels, validation, sorting and grouping.

Teaching exercise: Build a Student Management Database with Students, Courses and Results tables, relationships, queries, a form and a performance report.

20 Practical Projects

Project 1: Student registration database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 2: College course database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 3: Student results database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 4: Library database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 5: Inventory database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 6: Employee database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 7: Customer database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 8: Sales database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 9: Hospital practice database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 10: Hotel booking database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 11: School fees database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 12: Attendance database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 13: Examination database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 14: Payroll database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 15: Assets database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 16: Supplier database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 17: Vehicle records database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 18: Membership database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 19: Related-tables database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Project 20: Final college management database

Task: Complete this project using the skills taught in the module. Plan the work, enter accurate information, apply professional formatting, save the file correctly and submit it to your instructor.

Assessment: accuracy, completeness, formatting, practical skills and final presentation.

Examination – 100 Marks

Instructions: Answer all questions. Complete practical tasks using the relevant Microsoft application.

Section A – Short Answer

1. Define database and DBMS.
2. State four Access objects.
3. Differentiate field and record.
4. Define primary key.
5. Explain six data types.
6. Explain table creation in Design View.
7. Describe select query creation.
8. Explain query criteria with examples.
9. Differentiate select, update, append and delete queries.
10. Explain calculated fields.

Section B – Structured Questions

11. Explain aggregate functions.
12. Explain one-to-many relationships.
13. Explain referential integrity.
14. State five uses of forms.
15. State five uses of reports.

Section C – Practical Questions

16. Practical: create student table with 15 records.
17. Practical: query students scoring 50 or above.
18. Practical: calculate average marks.
19. Practical: create form and report.
20. Practical: create final related-table database.

Answers / Marking Scheme – Teacher Section

Marking Scheme

Assess database terminology, Design View procedures, correct criteria, calculations, relationships, forms and reports. Practical work should be checked directly in the database file for accuracy and functionality.