This Microsoft Access 2003 course introduces you to the concept of relational databases. You will learn to use Microsoft Access to create simple databases, designing tables and queries and creating forms and reports.

Target audience

Those wanting to design simple database structures using Access.

Course prerequisites

You should be able to use Microsoft Windows and basic functions in Office to start an application, get help, and open, close, and save files.

Course Outline 

Basic Database Concepts

  • Understand what a database is
  • Recognise the advantages of using a computer database
  • Know the function of the main database objects (table, query, form, report)

 What is Access?

  • Recognise the different elements of the Access screen
  • Create a new blank database
  • Select a database object using the Objects Bar
  • Open and close an existing database
  • Log on to an existing database
  • Make a backup copy of a database file

 Adding and Editing Records

  • Enter records using a datashee
  • Undo changes to a field or record
  • Navigate through records in a datasheet
  • Find a record
  • Check spelling in a datasheet
  • Replace data
  • Delete records from a table

 Using a Datasheet

  • Modify the layout and formatting of a datasheet
  • Sort records by a single field or by more than one field
  • Apply and remove a filter
  • Use Filter by Selection or Filter by Form
  • Use basic operators to construct simple criteria expressions

 Designing a Table

  • Determine data inputs and outputs for a database
  • Create a table in design view
  • Use multiple data types
  • Set a primary key
  • Switch between design and datasheet views and different object windows
  • Modify basic field properties (size, format)
  • Delete a table

 Using a Form

  • Understand the differences between a form and a datasheet
  • Use AutoForm to generate a simple form
  • Save and close a form
  • Create a form with the Form Wizard
  • Open an existing form
  • Enter and edit records using a form
  • Navigate through records in a form
  • Add, delete, and modify records using a form
  • Find, sort, and filter records using a form
  • Delete a form • Add a label to a form header or footer

 Using a Select Query

  • Understand the differences between a query and a sort or filter
  • Create a query using the Simple Query Wizard
  • Add, remove, and hide query fields
  • Sort query results
  • Run, save, close, open, and delete a query
  • Using Criteria Expressions
  • Select records by a single criterion
  • Create an expression
  • Select records using multiple criteria

  Using a Report

  • Preview output from an object
  • Print output from database objects (table, query, form, or report
  • Use AutoReport to generate a basic report
  • Save, close, open, and delete a report
  • Change the Page Setup of database objects