Data Visualization with Advanced Excel from Coursera

In this course, you will get hands-on instruction of advanced Excel 2013 functions. You’ll learn to use PowerPivot to build databases and data models. We’ll show you how to perform different types of scenario and simulation analysis and you’ll have an opportunity to practice these skills by leveraging some of Excel's built in tools including, solver, data tables, scenario manager and goal seek. In the second half of the course, will cover how to visualize data, tell a story and explore data by reviewing core principles of data visualization and dashboarding. You’ll use Excel to build complex graphs and Power View reports and then start to combine them into dynamic dashboards.

Note: Learners will need PowerPivot to complete some of the exercises. Please use MS Excel 2013 version. If you have other MS Excel versions or a MAC you might not be able to complete all assignments.

This course was created by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with an address at 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10017.

What's inside

Syllabus

Preparing a Professional Excel

During this first week, you are going to learn about the development of data models and databases. We will cover the components of data sets and the relational database models, database keys, relationships, and joins. We will also look at a tool called PowerPivot that is used to import and prepare data to build relational models, as well as visualize data. By the end of the week, you will have a working knowledge of how to develop a data model. Be sure to complete lessons in the order in which they are sequenced in the course.

Advanced Scenario Analysis

This week, we are going to explore three different analytical methods used to help model different scenarios and deal with variable uncertainty. These methods are scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis and simulation. We’ll look at what each method is and then go deeper into why and how you use each. Following some guided demonstration, you’ll be given a chance to practice in an Excel workbook and demonstrate what you’ve learned.

Data Visualization

This week we are going to focus on data visualization. We will start off by discussing data visualization basics, outlining the theory and concepts behind data visualization. We will also discuss how to enable effective story telling through the correct selection, creation, and presentation of tables and charts. You’ll get a chance to learn how to create detailed graphs and charts to effectively tell a story about your data.

Dashboarding

In the final week of this course, you are going to learn how to create a dynamic dashboard. We are going to discuss how to establish a good understanding of your audience and how to collect key requirements in order to determine what type of dashboard to build. We will talk about some guiding design principles and things to consider when building a dashboard. You’ll have a chance to practice everything you learn this week by creating your own functional dashboard in Excel.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops advanced Excel skills, including scenario and simulation analysis, data visualization, and dashboarding

Led by instructors with experience in data analytics and visualization

Provides hands-on instruction and practice opportunities

Covers core principles and best practices of data visualization and dashboarding

Participants will need access to PowerPivot and MS Excel 2013 or later to complete assignments

Reviews summary

Powerful data visualization with advanced excel

Learners say that this course delves into advanced functionalities of Microsoft Excel, providing hands-on experience with data analysis and dashboarding. It is highly praised for its clear explanations, engaging assignments, and real-world examples. However, some students mention that a few exercises may have incorrect prompts or answers.

Insightful and challenging

"Very helpful course. The exercises were really insightful and allowed me to apply the concepts learnt."

"The exercises sometime has wrong prompts and the suggested answers were not perfect."

"Hands on experienceand If you are a excel lover and excel pro do it without fail."

Knowledgeable and engaging

"Thank you very much for the course instructors. Well structured course. I learn a lot. Highly recommended for anyone."

"I really enjoyed exploring more advanced tools in Excel."

"Really Industry-standard approach in Data Visualization in Advanced Excel."

Comprehensive and in-depth

"Really easy to learn. The instructors use extremely simple language to communicate and explain."

"The concepts prescribed in this course were clear and precise."

"Amazing course! Actually used this to make my friend a Gantt chart for her wedding."

Practical and applicable

"Useful tools that you learn within this course."

"I have learnt immensely and developed important excel skills by taking these courses."

"Excellent course! I was inspired to finish the house in 1 week."

May have errors or inconsistencies

"Some of the excel spreadsheets had errors in them (wrong formulas/spelling errors)"

"Some exercise has error formula, therefore we need to navigate in the Discussion Forums."

"Good concepts. Good techniques. Truly advance Excel as hoped to see.Week 1 Quiz does not derive from that week's homework data set."

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 Data Visualization with Advanced Excel with these activities:

Practice using Excel's SUMIF function

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Ensure your proficiency with the SUMIF function for later use in the course.

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Create a spreadsheet with sample data.
Use the SUMIF function to calculate the total of specific values in the spreadsheet.

Review course notes and materials

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Refresh your memory on the key concepts covered in the course.

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Go through your lecture notes and make sure you understand all the concepts.
Review the practice problems and assignments you completed during the course.
Take practice quizzes to test your understanding of the material.

Work through an online tutorial on advanced Excel functions

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Expand your knowledge of advanced Excel functions.

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Find an online tutorial that covers the advanced Excel functions you want to learn.
Follow the steps in the tutorial to learn how to use the functions.
Practice using the functions in your own spreadsheets.

Four other activities

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Build a simple dashboard in Excel

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Solidify your dashboarding concepts and practice applying them.

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Use Excel's built-in templates to create a new dashboard
Add charts and graphs to visualize your data
Format the dashboard to make it presentable

Solve practice problems on scenario and simulation analysis

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Strengthen your understanding of scenario and simulation analysis through practice.

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Solve the practice problems using the techniques you learned in the course.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.

Create a video tutorial on a specific Excel function

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Reinforce your understanding of Excel functions by teaching them to others.

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Choose an Excel function that you are comfortable with.
Write a script for your video tutorial.
Record and edit your video tutorial.
Publish your video tutorial on YouTube or another video sharing platform.

Create a data visualization dashboard for a real-world dataset

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Apply your data visualization and dashboarding skills to a practical project.

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Choose a real-world dataset that you are interested in.
Clean and prepare the data for analysis.
Create a data visualization dashboard that presents the data in a clear and concise way.
Present your dashboard to others and get feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Data Visualization with Advanced Excel will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data analysts play a key role in understanding data and turning it into actionable strategies for businesses. This course can be useful for an aspiring or experienced data analyst as it helps build a foundation in data analysis and visualization techniques. You will learn how to transform raw data into insightful visuals, which is essential for effectively communicating insights to stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

Business analysts help businesses understand and improve their operations. This course can be useful for someone looking to enter or advance in this field as it provides a solid foundation in data analysis and visualization. You will learn how to use data to identify opportunities, solve problems, and make better decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Scientist

Data scientists apply scientific methods to analyze and interpret data. This course can be useful for aspiring data scientists as it provides a strong foundation in data analysis and visualization techniques. You will learn how to use advanced Excel functions and tools to extract insights from data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve business problems. This course can be useful for aspiring or experienced operations research analysts as it provides a strong foundation in data analysis and visualization techniques. You will learn how to use Excel to build models and simulations to optimize business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts help businesses make informed decisions about investments and financial planning. This course can be useful for aspiring or experienced financial analysts as it provides a solid foundation in data analysis and visualization techniques. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze financial data and create insightful presentations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts study market trends and consumer behavior to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can be useful for aspiring or experienced market research analysts as it provides a strong foundation in data analysis and visualization techniques. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze market data and create insightful presentations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Healthcare Analyst

Healthcare analysts use data to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. This course can be useful for aspiring or experienced healthcare analysts as it provides a solid foundation in data analysis and visualization techniques. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze healthcare data and create insightful presentations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Analyst

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty. This course can be useful for aspiring or experienced actuaries as it provides a solid foundation in data analysis and visualization techniques. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze data and develop models to assess risk.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Dashboard Developer

Dashboard developers create and maintain dashboards that display key performance indicators and other important data. This course can be useful for aspiring or experienced dashboard developers as it provides a solid foundation in data visualization and dashboarding techniques. You will learn how to use Excel to create interactive dashboards that provide insights at a glance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dashboard Developer

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. This course can be useful for aspiring or experienced statisticians as it provides a solid foundation in data analysis and visualization techniques. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze data and create insightful presentations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Data Visualization Specialist

Data visualization specialists design and create visual representations of data. This course can be useful for aspiring or experienced data visualization specialists as it provides a strong foundation in data visualization techniques. You will learn how to use Excel to create clear and concise data visualizations that communicate insights effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist

User Experience (UX) Designer

User experience (UX) designers focus on the user's experience when interacting with a product or service. This course can be useful for aspiring or experienced UX designers as it provides a foundation in data visualization and dashboarding techniques. You will learn how to use Excel to create prototypes and user flows that help improve the user experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer

Information Architect

Information architects design and organize the structure and content of websites and other digital products. This course can be useful for aspiring or experienced information architects as it provides a foundation in data visualization and dashboarding techniques. You will learn how to use Excel to create sitemaps and wireframes that effectively organize and present information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Product Manager

Product managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. This course can be useful for aspiring or experienced product managers as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization techniques. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze market data and create product roadmaps.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. This course can be useful for aspiring or experienced marketing managers as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization techniques. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze market data and create marketing campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager