Access Course

Lesson 1 • Understanding Relational Databases

Covers tables, records, fields, and relationships as building blocks. Connects database theory to practical Access usage throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Creating a New Database

Guides students through creating blank and template-based databases. Establishes file management habits critical for project organisation.

Lesson 3 • Access Object Types Overview

Surveys all six Access object types and their roles. Provides a mental map students reference when building complete database solutions.

Lesson 1 • Designing Tables in Datasheet View

Introduces rapid table creation directly in Datasheet View. Connects visual table building to underlying field structure concepts.

Lesson 2 • Modifying and Maintaining Tables

Covers adding, deleting, and reordering fields in existing tables. Ensures students can adapt table structures as requirements evolve.

Lesson 3 • Field Properties and Validation

Applies validation rules, required settings, and indexed fields. Prevents bad data entry before it reaches the table.

Lesson 4 • Table Design View Mastery

Covers precise field definition using Design View properties. Enables students to control data types, formats, and validation at the field level.

Lesson 1 • Enforcing Referential Integrity

Applies cascade update and delete rules to maintain data consistency. Prevents orphaned records that corrupt reporting and queries.

Lesson 2 • Relationship Types and Concepts

Explains cardinality and how relationship types affect data organisation. Provides the conceptual basis for all relationship-building tasks.

Lesson 3 • Subdatasheets and Related Records

Uses subdatasheets to view related records inline within a table. Reinforces relationship understanding through visual data navigation.

Lesson 1 • Calculated Fields and Expressions

Builds calculated fields using the Expression Builder. Extends query output beyond stored values to derived insights.

Lesson 2 • Filtering with Criteria

Applies text, numeric, date, and wildcard criteria to filter records. Enables targeted data retrieval from large datasets.

Lesson 3 • Aggregate and Totals Queries

Uses Group By and aggregate functions to summarise data. Produces summary statistics essential for reporting and analysis.

Lesson 4 • Select Queries with Query Design

Creates basic select queries using the Query Design grid. Establishes the query-building workflow used in all subsequent query types.

Lesson 1 • Adding and Configuring Controls

Inserts text boxes, labels, combo boxes, and buttons onto forms. Matches control types to data entry needs for each field.

Lesson 2 • Form Formatting and Themes

Applies themes, conditional formatting, and colour schemes to forms. Improves readability and creates a consistent visual identity.

Lesson 3 • Form Creation Methods

Compares Form Wizard, AutoForm, and blank form approaches. Selects the right creation method based on complexity and time constraints.

Lesson 4 • Subforms and Related Data Entry

Embeds subforms to display and enter related records within a parent form. Leverages table relationships built in Chapter 3.

Lesson 1 • Grouping and Sorting Records

Applies grouping levels and sort orders to organise report data. Enables hierarchical presentation of related records.

Lesson 2 • Report Creation Approaches

Uses Report Wizard, AutoReport, and blank report methods. Selects the fastest path to a functional report based on data source complexity.

Lesson 3 • Report Design View Controls

Positions and formats labels, text boxes, and lines in Design View. Provides pixel-level control over report appearance and structure.

Lesson 4 • Calculated Controls and Totals

Inserts running totals, subtotals, and grand totals using expressions. Delivers quantitative summaries directly within the report layout.

Lesson 1 • Conditional Logic in Macros

Uses If/Else blocks to create decision-driven macro behaviour. Enables macros to respond differently based on data or user input.

Lesson 2 • Attaching Macros to Events

Binds macros to form and control events like On Click and On Load. Connects automation to user interactions for seamless workflows.

Lesson 3 • Common Macro Actions

Applies OpenForm, OpenReport, GoToRecord, and message actions. Covers the most frequently used actions for navigation and feedback.

Lesson 4 • Introduction to Access Macros

Explains macro structure, actions, and arguments in the Macro Builder. Establishes automation concepts before building complex sequences.

Lesson 1 • Subqueries and Nested Queries

Embeds subqueries within criteria and field expressions. Solves complex filtering problems that single-level queries cannot address.

Lesson 2 • Performance Tuning and Optimisation

Applies indexing, query optimisation, and database splitting strategies. Ensures databases remain fast and reliable as data volume grows.

Lesson 3 • Multi-Table and Join Queries

Constructs inner, left, and right joins across multiple tables. Retrieves complete datasets that span related tables accurately.

Lesson 4 • SQL View and Direct SQL Editing

Reads and writes SQL statements directly in SQL View. Gives students precise control and transferable skills for other database platforms.