COT 1020
Database Programming

Course Description:

As a student in this course, you will learn the basics of using Microsoft Access 2002 with Visual Basic for Applications. First you will start by reviewing the Database Objects. Then you will learn how to Design and Document a Database. Next, you will learn how to use Import Wizards, run Advanced Queries and learn about SQL. Then you will Design a Complex Form and Create a Complex Report. You will also Customize the User Interface. After you have mastered these advanced Access features you will learn how to use Visual Basic for Applications. Then you will learn how to Trap Errors and how to Automate ActiveX controls using VBA. Next, you will work with Object Models and learn how to Secure the Database. Finally, you will learn how to use Access in connection with the World Wide Web.

Course Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

1. Understand relational databases and apply the concepts.
2. Create table and field validation rules to control data.
3. Understand and institute event driven programming techniques and apply these techniques.
4. Identify the types of recordsets available and select types for appropriate uses.
5. Recognize SQL, the value of queries, and embed SQL queries into database programming.
6. Work with data files external to the database itself.
7. Perform custom report generation.
8. Use advanced techniques for program control and data manipulation.
9. Anticipate problem areas in the application where errors may occur and develop coding to trap and respond to errors.
   
10. Test and debug the developed applications.
    
11. Develop custom database applications.
    
12. Work with advanced query features.
    
13. Establish and work with database relationships.
    
14. Importing and Archiving database queries using VBA & SQL.
    
15. Building user interfaces and switchboards.
    
16. Develop Error trapping and refining dataibase elements.
    
17. Work with Data Access Objects (DAO) and implement user level securities.

This course covers a full quarter and assumes that students have basic Windows navigation and file management skills. You must have successfully completed COT 1006 Databases.

Introduction: Setting up your student data files and preparing for the course.(2 hours)

Send email to instruction
Post Introduction of on Discussion Board
Create Folder for Course Work
Download Student Data Files

Module 1: Revewing Database Objects. (10 hours)

Review database terms, concepts, and standard naming conventions.
Review table design & field properties.
Create table & field validation rules to control data entry.
Review & apply query features.
Work with advanced query features.
Examine and modify form designs.
Examine and modify reports.
Create data access page.
Review the use of macros and modules.

Module 2: Designing and Documenting a Database. (10 hours)

Whys and Whens of database management solutions.
Data redundancy.
Primary keys & Indexes.
Relationship definitions.
Referential integrity and application in relationships.
Sub datasheets.
Dates and properties to manage date issues.
Database Documentation

Module 3: Using Wizards, Advanced Qureries, and SQL. (14 hours)

Importing Queries & Subqueries
SQL Basics
SQL Language In Depth
Query by SQL
Using commands and SQL clauses in queries
Union queries in SQL
Exporting query results to spreadsheets

Module 4: Designing Complex Forms. (10 hours)

Form Templates & Masters
Reference expressions to subforms
Switchboards
Macros and macro group naming conventions
Macros with Conditional Expression

Module 5: Creating Complex Reports. (10 hours)

DLookup functions
Self-Join
Event Properties
Converting a Macro to a VBA function
VBA Code to calculate an expression
Adding features using VBA code

Module 6: Customizing the User Interface. (10 hours)

Properties, events, methods, and collections Create event procedure to validate data
If...Then...Else and Case Select conditional statements
DoCmd object and syntax of Open Form methods
Custom toolbars and shortcut menus
VBA code and AutoKeys macros
Split databases

Module 7: Using VB for Applications. (10 hours)

DoCmd.Open Report syntax
Appling VBA syntax and construction standards
Creating OpenReport and WhereCondition in VBA code
Code variables and breakpoints
Modify code to refine user interfaces

Module 8: Trapping Errors and Automating Active X Controls with VBA.(12 hours)

VBA Decision Structures Error types: syntax, run-time, and logic errors
Code to handle VBA error
ActiveX controls
Calendar Controls

Module 9: Working on Object Modules and Securing the Database. (12 hours)

DAO vs. ADO
Writing Code Using the Recordset Object
Security Overview:Workgroups Information File and Security Accounts
Assigning Permission
Assigning Permissions
Removing User-Level Security

Module 10: Connecting to the Internet. (8 hours)

Hyperlinks
Data Access Pages
Exporting to the Web

Students must be motivated and self directed with the ability to follow an objective based calendar timeline.

After you have read this entire syllabus, go to the Navigation Bar at the left, click on Course Modules, then click on the special instructions icon for details about working through this course.

Student data files downloaded from this course or from internet site noted in Introduction Module.
Online SQL Tutorial as noted within the Modules.

IMPORTANT FOR THIS COURSE !!! Hardware requirements may be found at http://www.microsoft.com/office/evaluation/fastfacts.asp#header3.

The minimum requirements FOR SOME RODP COURSES can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm. Your hardware must meet the minimum specifications for Microsoft Office XP/2002.

You will need Microsoft Office XP or Access 2002 installed using the custom installation and selecting to install all components to be run from your hard drive to complete this course.

The minimum requirements FOR MICROSOFT OFFICE XP or ACCESS 2002 can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/office/evaluation/fastfacts.asp#header3.

Please select the Instructor option on the Navigation Bar at the left to find instructor contact information. Communication information will be available on this webpage.

Exams for this course will be taken within the Course at a point designated withing the modules. Select the Test & Quizzes link on the navigation bar at the left to see the list of required exams. Some Project in this course may be counted as exams and will be designated so within the Modules.

Your grade will be based on Skills (50%), Related Work(25%), and Participation (25%).

The Skills score is the average of Major Exams and the Comprehensive Exam (Final). This will be 50% of your grade. There will be approximately 4 Major Exams including the Final.

The Related Work will account for 25% of your grade. This score is the average of the Quizzes and Projects assigned during this course.

The Participation grade will be based on your involvement in the discussion board*, email communications, and completing assignment on time. This will also be 25% of your score. Assignment due dates will be posted in the Modules and on the Calendar. If you have a technical or medical problem that shall prevent you from meeting a due date, contact the instructor immediately.

*Students are required to participate actively in discussions. During the course, the instructor will post questions on the discussion board concerning a specific topic. Students are required to respond to these topics and/or to other students' responses. Students may also begin their own discussion pertaining to the coursework.

93-100--A
85- 92-- B
77- 84-- C

A score of 77 or better must be achieved to receive credit for this course.

A sequenced list of assignments and projects arranged by course section or module with due dates if applicable.

Students are expected to communicate with the instructor as a learning resource and must check the course bulletin board frequently for announcements. Students must also participate in threaded discussion events with the instructor and other students. The instructor will post topics for students comments.

Students are required to post a paragraph introducing themself to the instructor and classmates the first week of this course. Include a few lines telling us about yourself such as what are you career goals, etc.

Students MUST email the instructor at the beginning of the course using the WebCT email to notify the instructor they are in the system and have master this communication system.

Students are permitted to work ahead of the timeline in this course. There are specific module completion dates posted on the calendar and noted in the modules. Assignments are required to be turned in by these dates.

The following are recommendations for students taking this class:

• Learn how to navigate in WebCT if you are not familiar with the system.
• View the Course Calendar for exams and assignment deadlines.
• Check the Discussion Board several times a week for course announcements, course information and discussion topics.
• Manage your time wisely. Give yourself enough time complete assignments and properly prepare for exams.
• Keep in contact with the instructor on a regular basis by emails and discussion board.
• Use the assigned e-mail address as opposed to a personal e-mail address for everything related to the course.
• Address technical problems immediately.
• Students must respect the rights of others at all times when communicating in chat, email, or discussions. Observe course netiquette at all times.
• Participation in this course is the key to doing well. Be sure all assignments are completed by the due date as posted on the Course Calendar.
• If you have a technical issue address it at once to avoid falling behind in the class.
• If you have questions, the discussion board is a great place to ask it. Remember that the only bad question is the one not asked. So, if you are unsure of something, ask. If you prefer, you may also email the instructor.

• Columbia Guide to Online Style by Janice R. Walker and Todd Taylor
• Citation Styles Online http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/cite6.html

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses. 

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Technical Support

If you are having problems logging into your course, timing out of your course, using your course web site tools, or other technical problems, please contact the Student Technical Support Help Desk by calling

1-866-550-7637 (toll free)

or go to their website at:

http://help.rodp.org