Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number
BUSN 237
Course Title
Business Computer Databases
Credits
Three (3)
Date of Outline
October 18, 2005
2. Course Description
Covers business databases with special attention to advanced techniques required by experts.
Develops critical thinking for applying software
tools to business problems. Covers database
and table creation and modification, queries,
forms, reports, defining data relationships, importing and exporting data, multi-user databases, operations on the Web, and creating database applications. (Formerly BCIS 247.)
3. Contact Hours/Type
Three (3) hours Lecture/Lab
4. Prerequisites
BUSN 151 with at least a C, and BUSN 189 with
at least a C; or consent.
Corequisites
Recommended Preparation
Approved By
Date
5. General Course Objectives
To develop an expert level of skill with a database application program. To develop critical
thinking skills for applying software tools to business problems. To create databases, tables,
queries, forms, reports and data relationships. To integrate the database application with
other programs, import and export data, work with multi-user databases, operate databases
on the Web, and create database applications.
For detailed information on how BUSN 237 focuses on the Maui Community College general
education standards, see the attached curricular grids.
6. Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7. Recommended course content.
Upon completion of this course, the student will
a) Create a database to solve a business problem where the problem statement is given in
broad terms without detailed specifications.
b) Apply generally accepted standards for the presentation of data, totals, formatting, labeling, and overall database documentation.
c) Demonstrate the use of database design concepts including field, record, table, relationship, database, primary key, foreign key, index, data redundancy, and normal forms.
d) Perform basic database operations needed to create and maintain databases, tables,
forms, queries, reports, and data relationships.
e) Demonstrate the use of appropriate techniques to locate records in large databases
quickly.
f) Create and modify input masks, lookup fields, calculated fields, and data validation rules.
g) Create and modify select queries, parameter queries and action queries.
h) Modify queries to include calculated fields, sorting, filtering, aggregate functions, and joining several tables.
i) Create one-to-many data relationships and enforce referential integrity.
j) Create and modify custom database forms used for data entry and data access.
k) Modify form properties, create and modify a wide variety of on-screen form controls: text
boxes, combo boxes, list boxes, command buttons, check boxes, radio buttons, labels,
sub forms, sub form controls and graphics.
l) Create database applications with data access modules, switchboards, multi-user access, and appropriate security levels.
m) Produce reports, modify report properties, create and modify a wide variety of report features such as calculated controls, sub reports, sorting and grouping, graphic objects, and
text formatting.
n) Utilize Web features of the database program such as data access Web pages, importing
data from the Web, and exporting data to the Web.
o) Utilize data base maintenance procedures including encryption and decryption, compaction, database repair, database replication, database security.
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked t o #6. Student Learning Outcomes
1-2 Weeks:
Review of database basics: tables, queries, forms, reports, standards for
presentation of data, and database documentation. (a, b, d, g, j, m)
1-2 Weeks:
Database design concepts: field, record, table, relationship, database,
primary key, foreign key, index, data redundancy, normal forms. (a, c, i)
1-2 Weeks:
Table creation, record access techniques, input masks, lookup fields,
calculated fields, data validation rules, data relationships, referential integrity. (a, c, d, e, f, h, i)
1-2 Weeks:
Select queries, parameter queries and action queries. (a, g, h)
2-3 Weeks:
Database reports. (a, b, d, m, n)
2-4 Weeks:
Database forms, switchboards, multi-user access, and security features.
(a, f, j, k, l)
1-2 Weeks:
Web features, importing and exporting data. (a, g, n)
1-2 Weeks:
Data base maintenance features. (o)
1-2 Weeks:
Critical thinking and problem solving exercises. (a)
8. Text and Materials, References Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
An appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is to be offered
from those currently available in the field. Examples include:
Texts:
Joseph Adamski and Kathleen Finnegan, Microsoft Access 2002: Comprehensive,
Thompson Learning, 2002.
Materials:
Text(s) may be supplemented with:
Accompanying practice exercises if available
Articles, handouts and/or exercises prepared by the instructor
Magazine or newspaper articles
On-line materials
Other:
Appropriate films, videos or Internet sites
Television programs
Guest Speakers
Other instructional aids
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is
being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
40-80%
0-30%
20-60%
0-30%
0-40%
0-10%
Examinations (written, oral or practical)
In-class exercises
Homework assignments
Quizzes
Projects or research (written reports and/or oral class presentations)
Attendance and/or class participation
10. Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods vary considerable with instructors and specific instructional methods
will be at the discretion of the instructor teaching the course. Suggested techniques might include, but are not limited to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
lecture, problem solving, and class exercises or readings
class discussions or guest lectures
audio, visual or presentations involving the Internet
visual step-by-step instruction with students following along
student class presentations
group or individual projects
other contemporary learning techniques (e.g., Service Learning, Co-op, School-to-Work,
self-paced, etc.)