INFO161 - Relational Databases with MS Access: Introduction

Course Code: INFO161 Course ID: 2618 Credit Hours: 3 Level: Undergraduate

This course focuses on the role, function, and operations of relational databases in the management of information. The course will be taught from a mixture of analytical and practical methods. This course introduces the student to the concepts of relational databases and to the principles of relational database design in the context of the Microsoft Access® Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). Students will apply their knowledge of the principles of data design and database engineering to design and develop a database application that includes user interfaces, form design, data analysis, and data presentation. They will examine the rudiments of referential integrity and normalization, and apply this knowledge to design the database tables that implement validation rules to ensure application integrity. They will also examine and develop advanced queries such as: top values, list of values, cross tab, find duplicates, and find unmatched. Students must have access to Microsoft Access software. This software is not provided by the course material grant and must be purchased/provided by the student. The book meets the topical requirements for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS). Course software requirements with the appropriate versions are listed under the course materials site. Note for Mac Users: Access 2013 does not work on Mac OS. APUS recommends using Windows OS even on Mac. If Mac OS must be used it is recommended to install Windows on Parallels (purchased separately) and install Access 2013 on the Windows OS via Parallels. Microsoft Access® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.