Database Programming and Management with Access (CIS152/61)

Professor: Priscilla Grocer

Website: www.pgrocer.net
Office: K-112
Phone: 508-678-2811 ext 2403
Email: Priscilla.Grocer@bristolcc.edu Check with me about other email address to use for homework.

Course Description (from catalog):
This course teaches students the concepts of a relational database system. Students learn to work with a variety of Access components including Structured Query Language and Data Access Objects. Students analyze, design, develop, manage, and execute projects in this powerful database environment.

Course Objectives: Students who successfully complete Database Programming and Management with Access will be able to:

Text:
Access 2013 the missing manual by Matthew MacDonald
O'Reilly
ISBN: 978-1-449-35741-2

Material to be Covered: Not necessarily in the order listed!

  1. Introduction to databases and Access
  2. Creating a database and a table
  3. Working with the datasheet
  4. Queries using the user interface
  5. Queries using SQL
  6. Basic concepts of relational databases
  7. Developing databases with multiple tables and applying normalization
  8. Querying multiple tables using the user interface
  9. Querying multiple tables using SQL
  10. Reports
  11. Forms
  12. Navigation
  13. Macros
  14. Web app
  15. Additional topics and practice as time permits

Requirements:
Requirements and Grading: The student will be expected to complete all assigned work. Homework assignments will be due in a week unless otherwise specified. Quizzes, when given, will count as a homework assignment unless otherwise specified. In addition there will be a final exam. A schedule of assignments, projects, exams, quizzes etc. will be posted on the Web site in a weekly chart. Students should check on a regular basis. During a week, additions and changes to the week of chart should be anticipated.

Grading:

Your committment: For each hour in class, you should plan to put in 2 to 3 hours outside of class so you need to recognize that committment and include it in your planning.
Below there is a TENATIVE schedule of homework based on previous semesters that will give you an idea of what you need to accomplish to be successful in the class. You are also required to read the chapters in the book and do outside research as assigned.

Students will be given extensive homework assignments on each of these topics as we progress through the course and a final project to pull it all together. It is very important that you let me know if you are having problems so we can work out a plan. I set up help sessions you can attend every week and I also am available for help via email. Please take advantage of my availability and don't let yourself get behind! I truly want to see you succeed!

Evaluation:

Assignments, programs and exams are graded using either number grades or letter grades based on the following (A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60). The student's grade for the course will use the same scale and will be based on the percentages explained in the grading section. Plus and minus grades will be given.
Many of the assignments in this class are open ended - the grading will be based on how well the project demonstrates mastery of the material. Students who do a minimum of work will be graded accordingly. Assignments are only accepted if they are credible work and meet the minimum requirements and standards for that assignment. Assignments that are not accepted can be resubmitted. Resubmission is allowed on graded assignments, with permission of the instructor. You cannot earn an A+ on an assignment that is resubmitted. The instructor will only accept, without penalty, resubmissions on credible work. Resubmissions must be done within a week to avoid additional penalties for late assignments.
Note: To achieve an A+, students must have done sufficient extra work in design or implementation that makes the assignment standout. In doing assignments, students must do their own work. Relying too heavily on my examples or working too closely with someone else will be penalized.
Assignments are due the week after they are assigned. Late assignments will be penalized within the class participation points.
For purposes of this class, the week will end at midnight on Thursday. The new week will start on Monday morning.

Attendance: Attendance is based on email communication. Students must report their status once a week. This report can be combined with the submission of an assignment.

Methodology: This course is sometimes offered using Student Option and sometimes as a Hybrid and sometimes online. This semester it is an online course and students will be asked to read the text and access the information at my website and at other places on the web to supplement the text.
Help sessions are held in person that students can attend on a voluntary basis.
This syllabus is not to be construed as a contract in any way, shape, manner or form. This syllabus contains a suggested course outline and will be generally followed, subject to change according to the instructor’s discretion and needs. Academic flexibility is important!

Interaction Plan: This is an asynchronous course with synchronous components if you decide to attend classes. Communication includes email, Smartboard notes , and on line office hours and help sessions. Other methods of on line communications may also be used. In addition open lab help session are scheduled and students may request in person meetings. Students must communicate with the instructor at least once a week via email and must turn in homework and participate in on line communication to be successful.

Service Learning Project Opportunity: Students with a strong mastery of LOGO, Alice or other products used to introduce K-12 to computing are invited to participate in Service Learning projects. Contact me for more information.