PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MASTER SYLLABUS
ACCESS
 OST 2600

 
Class Hours:  3.0   Credit Hours:  3.0  
Laboratory Hours:  0.0   Date Revised:  Fall 1998  
       
Catalog Course Description:    
   A study of basic beginning-level database applications using Microsoft? Access for Windows.  Flat file and relational database techniques are emphasized.
Entry Level Standards:    
   Keyboarding speed of 30 wpm recommended.
Prerequisites:    
   OST 1005 or 1211 or 1221 or equivalent
Textbook(s) and Other Reference Materials Basic to the Course:  
   Adamski, Joseph J., Microsoft Access 97.  Course Technology, Inc., 1998.
Four 1.44 Mb high-density, 3.5" diskettes for use on computer with high-density drive.  (Two disks will be used as backups.)
Two-pocket folder for submitting assignments
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:    
  Week  Topic
  1 Introduction; Syllabus; Basic Windows Utilities, Diskette Management using
Windows 95, Tutorials 1 and 2 and Supplementary Material
  2 Introduction to Microsoft Access 97
  3 Creating Access Tables
  4 Maintaining Database Tables
  5 EVALUATION
  6 Querying Database Tables
  7 Querying Continued
  8 Creating Forms
  9 Creating Reports
  10 EVALUATION
  11 Creating Advanced Queries
  12 Customizing Forms
  13 Customizing Reports
  14 Integrating Access with Other Programs
  15 Using the World Wide Web and Hyperlink Fields
  16 EVALUATION
II. Course Objectives*:    
  A. Uses basic terminology and concepts of database management.  IV, XII
  B. Demonstrate basic features of the Windows 95 and Access 97 database software.  I, III
  C. Demonstrate proficiency when using Access 97 advanced database features. I, III
  D. Demonstrate proficiency when using Windows 95 utilities.  XI, XII
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the OST program.
III.  Expectations for Student Performance*: 
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Recognize the power of a database. A
2. Distinguish between data and information. A
3. Consider what is needed to set up a database.  A
4. Identify the components of a database. A
5. Distinguish between a flat file and relational database. A
6. Create and modify a database structure and table and input fields. B
7. Save a database, edit a database, and retrieve selected data from a database. B
8. Sort a database. B
9. Print a database. B
10. Use the Access Help system. B
11. Import and replace data into a table. B
12. Back up a database. B
13. Define record selection and multiple selection criteria. C
14. Save and open a query. C
15. Perform query calculations. C
16. Add relationships between tables. C
17. Design and create a custom form. C
18. Save and open a form. C
19. Design and create a custom report. C
20. Modify report controls and properties. C
21. Create advanced queries. C
22. Add OLE objects, such as charts and graphics images, to forms and reports. C
23. Integrate Access with other software programs. D
24. Copy, rename, and delete files through Windows.  D
25. Back-up files through the Windows Explorer. D
26. Change default drive at the Windows Explorer. D
27. Change directories at the Windows Explorer. D
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
IV. Evaluation:
A. Testing Procedures:  50% of grade
 Evaluations will consists of theory tests and application activities.  Theory questions will be multiple-choice,  true/false, and/or short answer.  Application activities will consist of exercises to complete on the PC.   Diskettes and printouts will be collected for grading.  NO MAKEUP TESTS WILL BE GIVEN.   If you  are absent on one of the days a test is given, you will take a comprehensive test at the end of the semester  to replace the test you have missed.  If a student does not take the last exam in the course, the student will  receive an "F" for the course. 
B. Laboratory Expectations:  50% of grade
 Selected daily work and case problems will be graded as well as chapter quizzes over competencies  presented.  A point system of grading selected daily work and case problems will be utilized (see below)  based on amount of work assigned and accuracy of work completed.  Pop quizzes may also be given. 

Errors        0      1      2      3      4+
Points       5      4      3      2       1

C. Grading Scale:
A  93-100       C+  80-84       F  < 69
B+  90-92       C   75-79
B   85-89        D   70-74

Submission of Assignments:  In order for grades to be calculated, all assigned work must be submitted in a timely fashion.  Assigned work must be turned in by date designated.  Late work will be charged with a late penalty of minus two points for each working day late.  Late work will NOT be accepted after TWO weeks beyond designated due date.

V. Policies:
A. Attendance Policy:
 Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities.  As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course.  [No distinction is made for excused or unexcused absences.  In order to receive credit for this course, you should miss no more than--
4 times for a class meeting once a week.
8 times for a class meeting twice a week.
12 times for a class meeting three times a week.
When the above number of absences is exceeded, the student?s grade will automatically be an  ?F? for the course.]  Regular attendance is required to receive veteran's benefit pay.  Instructors are required to report non-attendance of veterans to the Veterans Affairs Office which reports non-attendance to the Veterans Administration Regional Office.  Payments are adjusted or canceled if attendance is not regular.
B. Academic Dishonesty:
 Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.  Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the class.  In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed through the regular Pellissippi State procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an F or a zero for the exercise or examination or to assign an F in the course.
C. Access to PSTCC facilities:
 Students must have a valid PSTCC ID to be presented on demand to gain access to PSTCC facilities.