Microsoft Access Course

Lesson 1 • Understanding Relational Database Concepts

Covers tables, records, fields, and relationships as the logical backbone of Access. Establishes vocabulary used throughout the entire course.

Lesson 2 • Creating and Saving a New Database

Walks through blank and template database creation, file formats, and saving conventions. Connects interface knowledge to hands-on file management.

Lesson 3 • Exploring the Access Interface

Introduces the Ribbon, Navigation Pane, and object types. Students gain confidence moving through the workspace before creating any objects.

Lesson 1 • Configuring Field Properties

Explores field size, format, input mask, caption, default value, and validation rules. These properties enforce data integrity at the table level.

Lesson 2 • Working in Table Design View

Covers precise field definition, data types, and descriptions in Design View. Provides control unavailable in Datasheet View.

Lesson 3 • Importing and Linking External Data

Demonstrates importing from Excel, CSV, and other Access databases, plus linking to live external sources. Extends table-building skills to real-world data scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Designing Tables in Datasheet View

Introduces rapid table creation directly in Datasheet View. Connects to the concept of fields and records introduced in Chapter 1.

Lesson 1 • Normalizing Database Structure

Introduces first, second, and third normal forms with practical examples. Students refactor a flat table into a properly normalized schema.

Lesson 2 • Understanding Primary and Foreign Keys

Explains how primary keys uniquely identify records and how foreign keys reference them. Builds on field and table concepts from Chapter 2.

Lesson 3 • Enforcing Referential Integrity

Covers referential integrity, cascade update, and cascade delete options. Prevents orphaned records and maintains consistent data across related tables.

Lesson 1 • Building Queries with the Query Wizard

Uses the Simple Query Wizard to generate basic Select queries quickly. Introduces query objects as a complement to table-level filtering from Chapter 2.

Lesson 2 • Applying Criteria and Expressions

Teaches text, numeric, date, and wildcard criteria plus AND/OR logic. Enables precise filtering of large datasets.

Lesson 3 • Summarizing Data with Totals Queries

Applies Group By, Sum, Count, Avg, Min, and Max aggregate functions. Produces summary reports directly from query output.

Lesson 4 • Designing Queries in Query Design View

Covers the QBE grid, field selection, sort order, and show/hide options. Gives precise control beyond what the wizard offers.

Lesson 1 • Finding Unmatched and Duplicate Records

Uses the Find Unmatched and Find Duplicates wizards to identify data quality issues. Supports database maintenance and cleanup workflows.

Lesson 2 • Writing Basic SQL in Access

Introduces SELECT, FROM, WHERE, ORDER BY, and JOIN syntax in the SQL View. Bridges visual query design to the underlying language Access generates.

Lesson 3 • Building Parameter Queries

Creates queries that prompt users for input at runtime. Reduces the need for multiple static queries covering similar data ranges.

Lesson 4 • Using Action Queries to Modify Data

Covers Make Table, Append, Update, and Delete action queries. Enables bulk data changes that would be impractical record by record.

Lesson 1 • Working in Form Design and Layout Views

Covers Design View sections, Layout View adjustments, and control placement. Gives precise control over form appearance and structure.

Lesson 2 • Adding and Configuring Form Controls

Introduces text boxes, labels, combo boxes, list boxes, check boxes, and option groups. Each control type is matched to appropriate field data.

Lesson 3 • Validating and Controlling Form Behavior

Applies form-level validation, conditional formatting, and navigation button customization. Improves data quality and guides user workflow.

Lesson 4 • Creating Forms with Form Tools

Uses the Form button, Form Wizard, and Split Form tool for rapid form generation. Introduces form objects as the primary data-entry interface.

Lesson 1 • Grouping and Sorting Report Data

Applies the Group, Sort, and Total pane to organize report output hierarchically. Transforms flat record lists into structured summaries.

Lesson 2 • Adding Calculations and Summaries

Inserts running totals, group subtotals, grand totals, and percentage calculations. Leverages aggregate functions introduced in Chapter 4.

Lesson 3 • Generating Reports with Report Tools

Uses the Report button, Report Wizard, and Label Wizard for quick report creation. Introduces report objects as the primary output mechanism.

Lesson 4 • Customizing Reports in Design View

Covers report sections, control placement, and property settings in Design View. Enables precise formatting beyond wizard defaults.

Lesson 1 • Using Conditional Logic in Macros

Applies If/Else blocks and the RunMacro action to create branching automation. Enables macros to respond to data conditions at runtime.

Lesson 2 • Building a Navigation and Startup System

Creates a switchboard-style navigation form and configures startup options. Delivers a polished, user-ready database application.

Lesson 3 • Attaching Macros to Form Events

Binds macros to button clicks, form open/close, and field change events. Directly enhances the forms built in Chapter 6.

Lesson 4 • Introduction to VBA in Access

Opens the VBA Editor, explains modules and procedures, and writes simple event procedures. Bridges macro skills to code-based automation.