Course Description

Introduction to database theory and the practical applications of a database. Basic computer skills recommended and may be tested the first week of school. If skills are not met, student will be advised to register for COSC 1401. Credit: Three semester credit hours. Two lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Associated Program: Computer Information Systems TSI Requirement: M2; R1, R2C; W1. Prerequisite: None Lab Fee: $24; MCAS Exam Fee: $65

Course Focus

This course is focused in the creating and maintaining databases.

Text and References

Adamski, Joseph J., Finnegan, Kathleen T. New Perspectives on Microsoft Office Access 2007, Comprehensive, 2008, ISBN in 10 digit format: 1-4239-0589-X, ISBN in 13 digit format: 978-1-4239-0589-9

Textbooks may be purchased at any SWTJC bookstore or through most educational servicing bookstores or on the Internet.

Technology Requirements

Students will be expected to have knowledge of keyboard operations and computer skills. The students will use the Linux / Windows Operating System environments as needed. Students will use the Microsoft Office suite / OpenOffice suite as needed.

Program Outcomes for "Computer Information Systems"

The program outcomes noted with an asterisk (*) are addressed in this course.

1. Design, implement and troubleshoot a simple Ethernet Local Area Network.

2. Assemble and troubleshoot a computer.

3. Create and document a Web page.

4. Code and document a computer program.

5. Identify and secure network vulnerabilities.

6. Install and manage operating systems.

*7. Demonstrate professional and ethical responsibilities.

Learning Objectives

The following list of learning objectives will be addressed in the course.

Lecture Topics

The following general lecture topics will be covered in this class:

Week 1 - Managing Your Files and Getting Started with Microsoft Office 2007

Week 2 - Creating a Database

Week 3 - Building a Database and Defining Table Relationships

Week 4 - Maintaining and Querying a Database also exam 1

Week 5 - Creating Forms and Reports

Week 6 - Creating Advanced Queries and Enhancing Table Design

Week 7 - Using Form Tools and Creating Customs Forms

Week 8 - Creating Custom Reports also exam 2

Week 9 - Sharing, Integrating, and Analyzing Data

Week 10 - Using Action Queries and Advanced Table Relationships

Week 11 - Automating Tasks with Macros

Week 12 - Automating Tasks with Macros

Week 13 - Using and Writing Visual Basic for Applications Code, also Managing and Securing a Database, also exam 3

Week 14 - No class Thanksgiving Holiday

Week 15 - Relational Databases and Database Design and the final exam

Student Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to perform tasks related to the following:

1. Develop file management strategies

2. Explore files and folders

3. Explore the programs that comprise Microsoft Office

4. Explore common window elements

5. Use the help system

6. Print a file

7. Exit programs

8. Create a database

9. Learn the guidelines for designing databases and setting field properties

10. Import data from an Excel worksheet

11. Define a relationship between two tables

12. Create a query based on multiple tables

13. Sort data in a query

14. Filter data in a query

15. Specify an exact match condition in a query

16. Use logical operators in queries

17. Export an Access table to an Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) document and view the document

18. Import a Comma Separated Values (CSV) file as an Access table

19. Import and export XML (eXtendible Markup Language) files

20. Save and run import and export specifications

21. Define relationships between tables

22. Create a macro

23. Run and add actions to macros

24. Use Structured Query Language (SQL) statements

25. Compile and test functions, subroutines, and event procedures

26. Analyze a database's performance

Attendance and punctuality are critical for successful progress in this course. Each student is expected to study two hours outside of class for each hour in class, take an active role in lectures, laboratories, participate fully in group activities, and assume a self-directed approach to completing class work and home work.

Course Evaluation

Your performance will be evaluated by satisfactory mastery of the learning objectives listed above. Four regular exams will be given during the course. The point system below will be used to determine your grade:

After your numerical grade has been calculated, your letter grade will be determined as a percentage of points possible:

A 100% to 90% B less than 90% to 80% C less than 80% to 70% D less than 70% to 60% F less than 60%

Classroom Policies

Plagiarism, the representation of someone else's work as you're own, or cheating on an examination will not be tolerated. Either case will result in a grade of zero on work or examination in question. Two or more infractions will be reported to the Dean of Instructional Services for disciplinary action.

Laboratory assignments are imperative. Students must turn in completed assignments by appropriate deadlines.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak directly to the Counseling Department (see below) as early in the semester (preferable within the first week) as possible. All discussions will remain confidential.

Academic Integrity Statement

Academic integrity is highly valued in our campus community. Academic integrity directly concerns ethical behaviors which affect both the academic environment and the civic community. Academic dishonesty seriously violates the integrity of the academic enterprise and will not be tolerated at Southwest Texas Junior College. Academic dishonesty is regarded as any act of deception, benign or malicious in nature, in the completion of any academic exercise. Examples of academic dishonesty include cheating, plagiarism, impersonation, misrepresentation of idea or fact for the purpose of defrauding, use of unauthorized aids or devices, falsifying attendance records, violation of testing protocol, inappropriate course assignment collaboration, and any other acts that are prohibited by the instructor of record.

Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

Southwest Texas Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). SACS requires that every institution develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). SWTJC's QEP is entitled Enhancing Critical Reading Skills. SWTJC enhances students' critical reading skills by implementing reading instructional interventions in the Gateway classes (History 1301, Math 1314, and English 1301). SWTJC also facilitates reading skills improvement throughout the institution by providing reading tutorial support. For questions about the QEP, please contact Charles Garabedian QEP Director at cagarabedian@swtjc.edu.

Copyright is a form of protection the law provides to the authors of original works of authorship for their intellectual works that are fixed in any tangible medium of expression, both published and unpublished (Title 17, United States Code). It is illegal to violate any of the rights provided by the law to the owner of a copyright. SWTJC respects the ownership of intellectual material governed by copyright laws. All users of the SWTJC resources shall comply with the copyright laws and the provisions of the licensing agreements that apply to software; printed and electronic materials, including documentation, graphics, photographs, multimedia, including musical works, video productions, sound recordings, and dramatic works; and all other technological resources licensed and/or purchased by SWTJC or accessible over network resources provided by SWTJC.

Class Schedule and Office Hours

The class meets for two lecture hours (Thursday; 4:00 to 5:50 PM) and three laboratory hours (Thursday; 6:00 to 8:50 PM) each week at the Crystal City Instructional Facility in Room 1, Del Rio campus in Room 1, at the Eagle Pass campus in room E200, and at the Uvalde campus in room Wagner 6. (Total Contact hours: 80)

Monday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
10:30 - 11:00 AM	10:30 - 11:00 AM	11:00 AM - 1:00 PM	2:00 - 4:00 PM
Noon - 1:00 PM	Noon - 1:00 PM