Harnessing the Power of Data with Power BI By Microsoft Course Syllabus

Overview: This course provides a beginner-friendly introduction to data analysis and visualization using Microsoft Power BI. Designed by Microsoft and hosted on Coursera, it guides learners through the foundational concepts of data-driven decision-making and the practical use of Power BI for transforming raw data into meaningful insights. The course spans approximately 16 hours of content across several modules, combining instructional videos, hands-on exercises, and a final project. Learners will gain practical experience with Power BI tools, data transformation techniques, and visualization best practices. Lifetime access ensures flexibility, and successful completion awards a certificate to support career advancement in data roles.

Module 1: Data Analysis in Business

Estimated time: 8 hours

• Understand the role of data in driving business decisions and outcomes
• Identify key stages in the data analysis process
• Recognize the skills and tools utilized by Power BI data analysts
• Explore real-world applications of data analysis in business contexts

Module 2: Introduction to Power BI

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Familiarize yourself with the components and functionalities of Microsoft Power BI
• Learn how Power BI supports data visualization and reporting
• Generate basic visualizations using sample datasets
• Identify stakeholders and define data needs for business scenarios

Module 3: The Right Tools for the Job

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Explore data collection methods and common data sources
• Understand the ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) process in data workflows
• Introduction to Power Query for data transformation
• Hands-on practice in evaluating and cleaning data for analysis

Module 4: Working with Data in Power BI

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Import and connect to various data sources in Power BI
• Apply data transformation techniques using Power Query Editor
• Structure data models for effective analysis

Module 5: Creating Visualizations and Insights

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Design interactive reports and dashboards
• Choose appropriate chart types based on data and audience
• Apply formatting and filtering to enhance visualization clarity

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Apply learned skills to analyze a real-world dataset
• Create a comprehensive Power BI report with visualizations
• Generate actionable insights and present findings effectively

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of data concepts
• Access to Microsoft Power BI (free version recommended)
• Familiarity with spreadsheet software such as Excel

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Explain how data influences business decisions
• Use Power BI to connect, transform, and model data
• Create interactive visualizations and dashboards
• Apply ETL principles using Power Query
• Demonstrate data analysis skills through a portfolio-ready project