Access Intermediate

Learn to design, build, and query relational databases using Microsoft Access. This hands-on course covers core database theory, table design, forms, queries, and reporting, giving you the practical foundation you need to create well-structured, functional database applications with confidence.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Navigate and configure the Microsoft Access environment and its core objects
• Apply relational database concepts including keys, relationships, and normalization to design sound data models
• Build tables with appropriate field types, validation rules, input masks, and calculated fields
• Create and use forms to add, edit, search, and manage records efficiently
• Write select and action queries to retrieve and manipulate data
• Import and consolidate data from external databases, spreadsheets, and text files
• Generate reports and build a navigable startup interface to deliver a complete database application

Requirements

• General comfort using Windows
• Basic familiarity with Microsoft Access or a comparable database application is helpful but not required

Audience

• Aspiring Database Developers and Administrators
• Business Analysts and Office Professionals
• Anyone looking to build a solid foundation in relational database design and Microsoft Access

Topics

Getting Started with Microsoft Access

• Exploring the Access Environment and Core Objects
• Adapting the Interface and Working with the Ribbon
• Understanding How Access Applications Are Structured

Relational Database Fundamentals

• Understanding Fields, Records, and Data Types
• Defining Primary and Foreign Keys
• Modeling Relationships Between Tables
• Applying Normalization Principles to Improve Data Structure
• Enforcing Referential Integrity

Table Design and Field Configuration

• Choosing Appropriate Field Types and Sizes
• Configuring Indexes for Performance and Uniqueness
• Setting Validation Rules and Required Fields
• Using Input Masks to Control Data Entry
• Adding Calculated Fields to Tables

Building and Using Forms

• Creating Simple Forms for Data Entry and Navigation
• Switching Between Form Views
• Adding, Editing, and Deleting Records
• Validating Input and Undoing Changes
• Sorting, Filtering, and Searching Records on a Form
• Enhancing Forms with Combo Boxes

Queries

• Writing Select Queries to Retrieve and Filter Data
• Overview of Action Queries and When to Use Them

Importing and Consolidating Data

• Importing Data from Other Access Databases
• Importing CSV Text Files and Excel Spreadsheets
• Linking to Tables in External Databases
• Collecting Data via Email and Managing Responses

Reports and Application Assembly

• Creating and Formatting Reports
• Adding Buttons to Launch Forms, Reports, and Queries
• Building a Startup Form for Application Navigation
• Separating Data from Application Logic for Maintainability