Introduction to Microsoft Access 2016 (ACC2016.1)

This course provides an extensive introduction to Microsoft Access, a powerful tool for managing and analyzing data. It is intended for beginners and those who want to strengthen their understanding of Access. You'll learn how to create and manage databases effectively, making it easier for teams to store, search, and analyze data accurately and efficiently.

We start with a Quick Overview of the Access User Interface, where you will become familiar with the Access Ribbon and its various tabs such as File, Home, Create, External Data, Database Tools, and Contextual Tabs. You'll also be introduced to the Quick Access Toolbar, the Object Navigation Pane, and the Access Work Surface. Fundamental elements like tables, queries, forms, reports, and macros and modules will be covered. This lesson sets the stage for understanding Access's overall layout and navigating through its environment. Additionally, you'll get hands-on practice with an exercise aimed at getting around the Access interface and creating a database using a wizard.

Next, you'll venture into Fundamentals, understanding the key questions to consider before starting a database. This begins with identifying the purpose of the database, who will use it, the kind of output required, and the processes it aims to replace or improve. This lesson also covers database design approaches such as top-down and bottom-up, alongside gathering relevant information like data mapping. You'll engage in exercises to practice asking the right questions and gathering information effectively. The concept of normalization, including first, second, and third normal forms, and table relationships, will also be introduced to ensure data integrity and consistency.

As you progress, the course introduces Tables and Their Views. You'll learn the definition and purpose of tables, exploring the Datasheet View, including selection tools, layout tools, sorting and filtering tools, and record navigation. You'll get practical experience working in Datasheet View with exercises. Furthermore, the lesson covers Design View, its layout, and how to work within this environment to manipulate table structures.

The Tables section dives deeper into creating an Access database, guiding you through exercises like determining data types and creating tables in Design View, including how to delete fields and rename tables. This section provides the foundational knowledge needed to manage and manipulate table data effectively.

Moving onto Queries, you'll understand their definition, purpose, various types, and views. You'll practice creating select queries, using criteria and logical operators. The lesson also covers grouping and totaling with queries, including the use of totals row with Group By, providing hands-on exercises to solidify your learning.

The course then advances to Forms, where you'll grasp their definition, purpose, and different views. You'll learn to alter forms by deleting them, removing controls, and formatting forms. Exercises included in this part focus on adding data records in Form View and navigating through form records. You'll also explore Layout and Design Views, efficient one-click forms, and how to create forms using the Form Wizard with practical exercises.

Finally, you'll learn about Reports, their definition, purpose, and different views. The lesson covers creating one-click reports and using the Report Wizard. You'll practice creating comprehensive reports that provide insights and data summaries through exercises designed to enhance your reporting skills.

By the end of this course, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of Access, enabling you to build and manage effective databases, create queries, forms, and reports, and handle data efficiently. This will greatly enhance your ability to analyze and utilize data within your organization, improving overall productivity and decision-making capabilities.