Ankeny Campus

http://www.dmacc.edu

Welcome to BCA 164 WWW

Basic Databases

Kathleen Zimmerman, Instructor

 

 

Welcome to Class!

Is Online for You?!

Course Info

Course Description

Course Competencies

Textbook and Software

DMACC E-mail

Contact Instructor

Day 1, Getting Started

Assignments

Course Content

Course Policies

Grades

 

DMACC Links

Academic Integrity

 

Welcome to Class!

The software we will be using for this “basic databases” class is MS Access.  Most likely you have heard about Access but have never had a chance to use it.  Access is one of the programs within the Microsoft Office Suite.  Access falls into the category of “relational database management” software.  A reason for using Access is to be able to create, store, sort, and retrieve data.  Access is a very popular program within the business arena.  It can also be used for personal purposes such as keeping track of your CD and DVD collection. 

 

This course will introduce you to the basics of establishing a database.  You will create tables, queries, forms, and reports.  You will learn to manipulate the data in order to make the data more meaningful.  The reason for making data more meaningful is so that decisions can be made based on the data.  In a business environment, management decisions are based on information obtained from data.

 

I’m convinced you will enjoy learning about Access.  I believe you will like the textbook which is well illustrated.  For those of you thinking about starting your own business or who are (or will be) in a business environment, Access will serve you well for years to come.

 

This course is for persons who have had no previous database experience. It is also for persons who want a fast-track for getting  into” Access to learn what it can do.   This is a 1-credit class which lasts ten weeks.  For a 1-credit college class you can expect to dedicate 2-4 hours of your time per week.  Some people are misled to believe a 1 credit class takes 1 hour per week to complete. 

 

Welcome aboard!  I look forward to meeting you in class!                       Return to Top

 

 

Is On-Line for You?

For some of you this may be the first time you have taken an online course. Taking an online course is not for everyone.  Internet classes are not easier than traditional classes; in fact, they can be more difficult in some respects.  More of the responsibility is placed on you, the student, in an online course because you must depend upon your own study skills, reading skills, computer skills, and time management skills.  This online course will require self-motivation on your part, and at times you may find that taking an online course can have some frustrating moments.  At those times, I want you to email me at mailto:mkzimmerman@dmacc.edu or call me at (515) 965-7136. 

 

It is suggested that you go to the following website to determine if you are a candidate for an online class:

  http://www.dmacconline.org/index.learn?action=Quiz

 

DMACC is offering this course; WebCT is the Internet site hosting the course.  To get to WebCT, use this address:  http://webct.dmacc.edu   First-time WebCT users will log in using your usual DMACC logon which is first initial, middle initial, last name (example:  gwbush).  Your password is the last four digits of your social security number.  Once you enter WebCT, all the DMACC classes in which you are enrolled will be listed along the left side of your screen.  Locate BTEC351 WWW Access and click.  Spend some time “investigating” the site.  All the details and information for the course are at this site.  You may want to print the syllabus and the assignments to keep with your textbook.

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Instructor Information

Name

Kathleen Zimmerman

E-mail address

mkzimmerman@dmacc.edu

Phone number

515 . 965 . 7136

Fax number

515 . 965 . 7135

Office location

Bldg. 8, Rm. 6, Ankeny

Office hours

M/W 12:15-1:15, or appt

T/R/F by appointment.

I check voice mail and email during regular office hours.  If I happen to be teaching off-campus or at a different campus, I may not have an opportunity to return your call or email until the next business day.

 

Course Information

Course title

Basic Databases

Course number

BCA 164

Credits

1

Section number

WW1

CRN number

23090 for Spring ‘07

Days & Time

On-line

Location

http://webct.dmacc.edu/

To Register

http://www.dmacc.org/potienti.htm  First register with DMACC.

Next, check your DMACC WebMail account for an email from me which contains all details for accessing the course.  OR see Getting Started (below) for further instructions.

Course description

This course is designed to provide introductory hands-on learning using Microsoft Access 2003 in the Windows environment.  Topics include creating, editing, querying, using forms, reports, customizing and managing data and files.  Because this is an introductory course, prior database experience is not required.    It is, however, helpful to be familiar with using the mouse and using Windows.  You can expect to spend two to four hours per week on assignments.  This course lasts ten weeks.

http://www.dmacc.edu/courses/descriptions.htm        Return to Top

Prerequisites

Keyboarding is recommended.  Also, an email account, internet access, and a basic comfort level using email and accessing the internet are recommended for this course.

 

Important Dates

Midterm/Final

Academic Calendar

http://www.dmacc.edu/academiccal.asp (15-week course dates)

 

 

Textbooks & Materials

Required textbooks

Microsoft Access 2003 Illustrated, Introductory, by Lisa Friedrichsen, Course Technology.  Textbooks can be purchased only from the DMACC Ankeny campus bookstore, as follows:

 

You can purchase a book in person, Building 5, Ankeny Campus on the open racks with other WEB textbooks.  Online textbooks are shelved separately from textbooks for face-to-face classes!

 

You can purchase a book via telephone.  Dial 515.964.6302.  The course is BCA-164 WW1 CRN 23090  Have credit card in hand.

 

You can purchase a book online at www.dmacc.edu .   Click the Student Life & Student Services bubble, then click Bookstore.  You’ll need your PIN—the number used when you registered for the course.  To find the textbook, search for BCA-164 WW1 23090.  Again, have credit card in hand.

 

Required materials

·       A PC (personal computer) with an Internet connection and with Microsoft Access 2003 software installed on it.

 

·       The purchase of a memory stick which plugs into the USB port of a computer is highly recommended.

Software applications

Access 2003

Software notice

“All the software on computers on campus which is used in this class is copyrighted; therefore, it is not for distribution, copying, or personal use.  This software is the property of Des Moines Area Community College.”  However, check the DMACC bookstore for educational discounts on software including Microsoft Office Suite, Professional edition for $10.  This Suite includes the complete 2003 version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook                                      Return to Top

 

Course competencies

During this course the student will be expected to:

  1. Describe Access features and terminology

1.1                Use toolbars and buttons

1.2               Use the menus and help

1.3               Identify the Windows Features

  1. Plan a simple database table

2.1               Use cue cards.

2.2              Demonstrate how to open and close a database and a database table

2.3              Create a database and a table

2.4              Create a primary key

2.5              Show how to add, edit, move, and delete and move among records

2.6              Explain adjusting column widths and hiding columns

2.7              Sort records

  1. Define query

3.1               Create a query

3.2              Explain editing, saving, and sorting queries

3.3              Match criteria

3.4              Practice creating multiple-table queries

  1. Define forms

4.1               Create an autoform

4.2              Create a new form from scratch

4.3              Show how to add headers and labels

  1. Produce a report

5.1               Develop a report using report wizards

5.2              Modify a report design

  1. Customize a database

6.1               Add controls to forms and reports

6.2              Connect separate tables by setting relationships

6.3              Create a multiple-page table query

6.4              Merge Access data with a Word document

6.5              Copy database objects

6.6              Copy data using the clipboard

6.7              Import data from other applications

6.8              Apply the OLE feature

http://www.dmacc.edu/competencies/

 

 

Course Policies

 

Assignments Due

All assignments are due by Monday at 11:55 p.m. for the unit which is due that week  Late assignments receive ZERO credit. 

 

Grades and Points

Each assignment is worth 5 points.  Quizzes and Exams vary in point value.  Your grade for the course is determined by total points earned throughout the course, as follows:

90% and above = A

80% and above = B

70% and above = C

60% and above = D

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Exams

Quizzes are conducted periodically throughout the course and appear on the weekly assignment schedule.  Quiz points are not weighted.

 

The final exam is a project which involves designing and creating a database from scratch.

 

 

Late assignments

Late assignments receive ZERO credit.

 

Extra credit

There are no extra-credit opportunities in this course. 

 

Study expectations

For each chapter, you can expect to spend up to two to four hours per week, on average, studying, completing assignments, and completing the exam.  You are responsible for meeting deadlines.

 

Evaluation

Evaluation is based on points accumulated from assignments, quizzes and the final exam.  Tests include objective questions as well as hands-on production.                                                                                                                             Return to Top

 

Academic Integrity

It is important that you are aware that engaging in any form of plagiarism is considered academic misconduct by the college and various disciplinary actions may be taken, including expulsion from the college. Plagiarism is defined as the appropriation of and use of another person's work and passing it off as the product of one's own efforts. If you copy someone's work and submit it as your own, it is plagiarism. (See DMACC's Student Handbook for further information).

 

Academic Integrity, doing ones own work in course assignments and on tests, is one of the most important values in higher education. Receiving credit for cheating violates that value. It is unacceptable for you to copy or submit another person's work as your own, allow another person to complete your work for you, complete work for another student, or use unauthorized resources for tests. If you participate in cheating or plagiarism you will receive a failing grade for the semester. 

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Academic dishonesty

Refer to the DMACC Student Handbook:

http://www.dmacc.edu/handbook/welcome.asp

 

DMACC WebMail

Each student at DMACC has an email account, free of charge.  Any communication from me to you will exclusively be via your DMACC Webmail account.  An easy way to access your DMACC WebMail account is to go to the DMACC Home page at http://www.dmacc.edu/.  Then click the WebMail link located on the right side of the screen. To enter Webmail, you will need your login and password.  Your login is your first initial, middle initial and last name.  Example:  mksmith.   Your password is the last four digits of your social security number.  If you are unable to get logged in, dial (515) 965-7300 or send an email to helpdesk.                                           Return to Top

 

Day 1, Getting Started

Although DMACC is offering this course, an internet site called WebCT is hosting the course.  You must then access the course via WebCT which is located at webct.dmacc.edu   

 

Assignments

After following the above steps, you will be at the WebCT site where you will click the Course Content to obtain most course details.  Other lines are provided, as well.                                                                 Return to Top

 

DMACC Information Web Sites

DMACC home page

http://www.dmacc.edu/

Instructor home pages

http://www.dmacc.edu/instructors/welcome.asp

Admissions & registration

http://www.dmacc.edu/potienti.asp

Cellular phone use statement

http://www.dmacc.edu/student_services/cellphone.asp

WebCT

http://webct.dmacc.edu/webct/public/home.pl

Student handbook

http://www.dmacc.edu/handbook/welcome.asp

Add/drop dates

http://www.dmacc.edu/registration/add_drop.asp

Refund policy

http://www.dmacc.edu/refund.asp

Support Services

Accommodations

“It is the policy of DMACC to accommodate students with disabilities.  Any student with a documented disability who requires reasonable accommodation should contact the special needs coordinator at 515-964-6850 voice or 515-964-6810 TTY.”

Services for students with disabilities

http://www.dmacc.edu/student_services/disabilities.asp 

 

Contact the special needs coordinator at 515-964-6850V,
515-964-6809 TTY or the counseling & advising office on any campus for an Application for Accommodation.

Academic & educational advising

http://www.dmacc.edu/advising/welcome.asp

Career counseling

http://www.dmacc.edu/counseling/

Library

http://www.library.dmacc.edu/

 

Building 6, room 3

Monday – Thursday 7:30 am to 9:00 pm