Teaching Database Design Concepts
With Access 2010
Session OutlineTwo Part
Lecture/Discussion/SharingHands-on
PracticalHelpful
ObjectivesChallenges
Student background/knowledge/learningDatabase Design Concepts
Includes logical and physicalAccess 2010
Can implement design using Datasheet view
Our ApproachIntegration and more
Learning OutcomesIdentify and define the information that
is needed to design a databaseCreate conceptual and logical db
designsBuild a relational database that provides
users with queries, forms, and reportsUnderstand core terms, concepts, and
tools
Learning OutcomesDesign and maintain relational db
tablesCreate Select and Action queriesCreate normalized relationships
between tables, apply validation rules, and referential integrity principles
Design and modify reports and forms
ChallengesPerceived knowledge versus actual
knowledgeVery little or no previous experience
with AccessNo understanding of when to use No connection to real-worldLooks different from other Office apps
More ChallengesHouse analogy
Need a blueprint before you can buildGIGO (garbage in, garbage out)Teaching approach
Skills firstConcepts firstIntegrate
Key DB Design ConceptsEntity
Person, place, thing, event (noun)Attribute
Property of an entity (adjective, adverb)Relationship
Association between entities
Key DB Design ConceptsDatabase
Structure that can house information about multiple types of entities, the attributes of these entities, and the relationships among the entities.
Relational DatabasePerceived by users to be a collection of
tables; two-dimensional named tables
DBMS (software)Design structure of databaseCreate data entry formsValidate dataSort and manipulate dataQuery the databaseProduce reports
Goals of Database Design
Input set of user requirements
Output database structure capable of supporting
user requirements
Database Design Step 1 Information-level design
gather user requirementsdesign a database that meets
requirements as cleanly as possibleindependent of DBMS
Database Design Step 2Concerned with characteristics of
specific DBMSMust resolve issues such as
column namesdata typenumber of columnsdata length
General Design Guidelines
Identify the tables (entities)Determine the primary keys (unique
attribute)Determine additional fields (attributes)Determine relationships among tables
General Design Guidelines (cont)
Determine data types for fieldsIdentify and remove unwanted
redundancyStoring a piece of data in more than one
placeDetermine a storage locationDetermine additional properties for
attributes
Catch 22Students need some understanding of
concepts before they create database objects.
Students think concepts are “boring” and want to get their hands on the software.
Help is on the way!Access 2010
Use Datasheet view to implement designVisually see columns as you create themAssign data typesAdd new fieldsChange field sizeAdd validation rulesAdd captions
A Database ExampleCamashaly Design Group provides custom marketing solutions for the service, non-profit, and retail sectors. The company specializes in designing and maintaining Web sites and using social networking Web sites for online marketing. Camashaly uses business analysts to work collaboratively with clients.
Camashaly would like to organize the data on clients and business analysts in to a database managed by Access 2010.
Applying the DatabaseDesign Guidelines to Camashaly Design
Group
Client Number
Client Name Street City State Postal Code
BA53 Bavant Animal Hospital 134 Main Burles NC 28817BB32 Babbage CPA Firm 464 Linnell Austin SC 28796BC76 Buda Community Clinic 867 Ridge Buda NC 27032CJ29 Catering by Jenna 123 Second Granger NC 27036GA74 Grant Antiques 78 Catawba Georgetown NC 28794GF56 Granger Foundation 65 Simpson Granger NC 27036HC10 Hendley County Hospital 216 Rivard Austin SC 28796KD21 KAL Design Studio 116 Pine Georgetown NC 28794KG04 Kyle Grocery Cooperative 421 First Kyle SC 28798ME14 Mike's Electronic Stop 234 Gilham Georgetown NC 28794PJ34 Patricia Jean Florist 345 Magee Kyle SC 28798SL77 Smarter Law Associates 764 Main Burles NC 28817TB17 The Bikeshop 346 Austin Buda NC 27032WE05 Walburg Energy Alternatives 12 Polk Walburg NC 28819WS01 Woody Sporting Goods 578 Central Walburg NC 28819
Word table
Excel workbook
Business Analyst Number
Last Name First Name Street City State Postal Code
11 Kerry Cordelia 251 Painter Georgetown NC 2879414 Martinez Manuel 3125 Steel Kyle SC 2879727 Liu Jan 265 Marble Byron SC 2879535 Scott Jeff 1925 Pine Georgetown NC 28794
Word table
Excel workbook
Our ApproachIntegrate concepts and DBMSIntroduce common database objects
TablesFormsQueriesReports
Use Datasheet view for one tableUse Design view for another table
Our Approach (cont)Import data from other Office
applicationsLess emphasis on typingMore realistic
Use Layout view Easier to visualize changes
Our Approach (cont)Show routine database operations
Backing up a databaseRenaming objectsDeleting objectsCompacting a database
AdvantagesProvides an overview of database toolsFollows the database creation process
from design to implementationEmphasizes the data independence
feature of a databaseUses real-world situationsEncourages critical thinkingEncourages retention
Your TurnTry it out
Thank youPhil and Mary