4N1112 - Computer Applications: Excel, Database (Access), Graphics, Word

Our next Computer Applications QQI Level 4 course starts on Tuesday, 5^th January 2027 and will be classroom based at Pinnacle Training, Northside Enterprise Centre, Bunratty Drive, Coolock, Dublin 17.  There will be 9 morning classes, running over 9 weeks with 1 morning class each week.

Our class sizes are small with a maximum of 10 people in a class. Modules are taught in a step-by-step way with individual attention guaranteed for that ultimate personalised and educational experience.  We deliver our courses in a friendly and pleasant manner, as we believe this approach encourages learners to relax and absorb information easily and in an enjoyable way.

The purpose of this module is to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of widely used computer applications and empower them to develop skills in Database, Spreadsheets, and Computer Graphics.  Although Microsoft Word is not assessed in our course, we will cover many elements of Microsoft Word during it.

Learners will learn essential administrative skills that can be effectively applied within a professional setting. They may also use skills and knowledge learned on this course to progress onto the QQI Level 5 Word Processing course.

This course qualifies as a component certificate and counts as 10 credits towards QQI (Level 4) Certificates. It is a recognised module within the NFQ.

Summary:

Start Date: Tuesday, 5^th January 2027 (Classroom Based)
Class Time: 9:30am to 1:00pm
Duration: 9 Weeks (05/01/2027 to 08/03/2027) - see class dates below
Fee:  €225 (deposit of €50 to secure a place)

COURSE CONTENT

UNIT 1 - INTRODUCTION TO DATABASES:
Specific Learning Outcomes Performance Criteria

- Identify applications suitable for database
- Understand the terms database, file, record, field, data type
- Identify a key field
- Identify possible data types as numeric, character/text, date and logical
- Access a database system
- Identify the component parts of a record structure
- Create a database file from a given structure
- Enter data
- Edit data
- Add new records
- Delete individual records
- Add new field to existing record structure
- Save a database
- Recall an existing database
- Browse the database
- Query the database on a single field
- Organise (sort and/or index) the database on a single field
- Output data to screen and printer
- Exit from the database using proper procedures.

UNIT 2 - INTRODUCTION TO SPREADSHEETS (EXCEL):
Specific Learning Outcomes Performance Criteria

- Identify applications suitable for spreadsheets
- Understand the terms spreadsheet, row, column, cell, label, value and formula
- Access a spreadsheet package
- Identify a cell by its grid reference
- Enter numeric data in a spreadsheet
- Enter character/text data in a spreadsheet
- Generate formulae using cell references and arithmetic operators
- Replicate/copy formulae over a range of cells using relative cell references
- Change formula
- Save the spreadsheet
- Open an existing spreadsheet
- Insert rows/columns
- Delete rows/columns
- Adjust column widths
- Format column entries (i.e. decimal, currency, alignment)
- Use the basic functions SUM and AVERAGE
- Sort a portion of a spreadsheet
- Print a spreadsheet
- Exit from the spreadsheet application using proper procedures.

UNIT 3 - INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHICS:
Specific Learning Outcomes Performance Criteria

- Access a graphics package
- Operate one graphic software package
- Use icons to carry out graphic operations
- Produce basic geometrical shapes
- Demonstrate electronically freehand drawing
- Input and manipulate clipart
- Enhance graphics with colour
- Edit drawings using:
- colour
- shape
- size
- Print hard copies in either landscape and portrait
- Input and manipulate text
- Enhance text
- Exit from a graphics package using proper procedures.