Intermediate DAX & Time Intelligence from Coursera

DAX is essential for working with data and data models in Excel and Power BI. Many analysts start building complex DAX formulas, without a solid grounding in DAX basics, context manipulation, and time intelligence.

In this course, we’ll quickly review the basics of DAX formulas for creating Measures and Calculated Columns. We’ll explore the difference between DAX functions that return a scalar value, and those that return a table. With this deep understanding of scalar values and tables, we'll show you the ins and outs of data modeling and context manipulation.

Additionally, we'll demonstrate how DAX Studio can integrate with Excel and Power BI, speeding up your DAX development process. If you want to get better at using Excel and Power BI, and understand the power of DAX Studio, this course is for you. We keep it simple, clear, and focused, so you can learn fast and start applying your new skills right away.

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

Recall the core concepts of DAX: measures, calculated columns, row & filter Context

Apply functions that return a single, scalar value of various data types

Manipulate source data with Table Functions

Apply DAX concepts and functions on a Data Model

Analyze data over time with Date & Time Intelligence functionality

This DAX course is perfect for anyone who would like to build up their understanding of Business Intelligence in Excel and Power BI. This course is designed to equip anyone who desires to supercharge their career in data analysis, business intelligence, or other areas of finance with the fundamental knowledge of DAX.

What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started

In this course, we’ll review the basics of DAX formulas for creating Measures and Calculated Columns. We’ll explore the difference between DAX functions that return a scalar value, and those that return a table. With this deep understanding of scalar values and tables, we'll show you the ins and outs of data modeling and context manipulation.

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what should give you pause

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Introduces core DAX concepts and tools, which is standard in the business intelligence industry

Covers advanced topics including Time Intelligence, which is highly relevant in the business intelligence field

Taught by Sebastian Taylor, an experienced professional in the field

Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials, which are beneficial for practical learning

Requires a basic understanding of DAX and data modeling, which may be a limitation for complete beginners

Focuses on Excel and Power BI, which may not be suitable for learners who use other data analysis tools

Reviews summary

Demystifying dax and time intelligence

According to students, this course offers a largely positive experience for those aiming to deepen their DAX knowledge. Learners consistently highlight the clear and concise explanations of complex topics like context manipulation and time intelligence functions. Many find the practical examples and exercises to be particularly valuable, directly applicable to real-world scenarios in Excel and Power BI. The course is often praised for making difficult concepts "finally click", enabling a stronger foundation for data analysis and business intelligence roles. While generally well-received, some mention that advanced users might find certain sections introductory, but overall, it's considered a strong progression from DAX basics.

Some advanced users may find parts recap basic concepts; generally suitable.

"While the 'intermediate' title is accurate, some topics could have gone a bit deeper for those aiming for expert level."

"I found this course a bit basic for 'intermediate'. It rehashes a lot of introductory stuff before getting to the more complex parts."

"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex topics or optimization techniques in the time intelligence."

Integration with DAX Studio is highly beneficial for development.

"I found the DAX Studio section particularly helpful for optimizing my queries."

"The course's insights into DAX Studio significantly sped up my development process."

"Learning to use DAX Studio alongside Excel and Power BI was a game-changer for me."

Excellent for intermediate learners, bridging the gap from basic DAX.

"It's exactly what I needed to advance my skills from basic to truly intermediate."

"This is a must for anyone wanting to move beyond basic DAX."

"Good for professionals looking to enhance their analytical skills in BI and finance."

Significantly improves confidence and capability with DAX.

"Absolutely fantastic! As someone working with large datasets daily, the time intelligence functions were a game changer."

"My productivity has soared since completing this course and applying the DAX knowledge."

"I now feel much more confident building complex DAX measures and understanding context."

Provides immediately applicable skills for real-world data analysis.

"The examples were spot on, directly applicable to my Power BI reports. I appreciate the practical exercises."

"My reports in Excel and Power BI are much more robust now after applying what I learned here."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Complex DAX concepts are broken down into understandable parts.

"This course truly demystified DAX context and time intelligence. The examples were spot on..."

"I struggled with DAX until this course. The way context manipulation was broken down made it finally click."

"The instructor's explanations are incredibly clear, making even the most complex DAX functions easy to grasp."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Intermediate DAX & Time Intelligence with these activities:

Review concepts of Power BI and Excel DAX basics

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Refresh your understanding of the basic concepts of DAX, including measures, calculated columns, and context manipulation, to prepare for this course's more advanced topics.

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Review online tutorials on DAX basics
Create a simple DAX measure in Power BI or Excel

Complete the Microsoft DAX tutorial

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Follow Microsoft's structured tutorial to gain a solid understanding of DAX syntax, functions, and best practices.

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Set up your environment for the tutorial
Go through the guided exercises in the tutorial
Complete the tutorial's assessment

Solve DAX practice problems

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Test your understanding of DAX by solving practice problems that cover various concepts and functions.

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Find online DAX practice problems
Attempt to solve the problems on your own
Review solutions and learn from your mistakes

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Create a DAX cheat sheet

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Consolidate your DAX knowledge by creating a cheat sheet that summarizes key concepts, functions, and syntax.

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Gather relevant DAX information
Organize the information into logical sections
Create a visually appealing and easy-to-use cheat sheet

Read 'DAX Patterns' by Alberto Ferrari and Marco Russo

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Expand your DAX knowledge by reading a book that provides practical patterns and techniques for building efficient and maintainable DAX solutions.

View DAX Patterns: Second Edition on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read the book thoroughly
Apply the patterns and techniques in your own DAX projects

Build a DAX dashboard for a real-world dataset

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Apply your DAX skills to a practical project by building a dashboard that analyzes and visualizes data from a real-world dataset.

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Find a suitable dataset
Create a data model and import the data
Develop DAX measures and calculated columns
Design and build the dashboard

Participate in a DAX challenge or hackathon

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Challenge yourself and showcase your DAX skills by participating in a competition where you can solve real-world data analysis problems.

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Find a suitable DAX challenge or hackathon
Form a team or participate individually
Analyze the problem statement and develop a solution

Volunteer as a DAX mentor or tutor

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Share your DAX knowledge and gain valuable experience by helping others learn and apply DAX.

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Find opportunities to volunteer as a DAX mentor or tutor
Prepare your materials and resources
Provide guidance and support to learners

Career center

Learners who complete Intermediate DAX & Time Intelligence will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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Intermediate DAX & Time Intelligence

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Demystifying dax and time intelligence

Activities

Career center

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