BAS-DAT7735 - Power BI: Analyze, Visualize, and Certify
Course Description
This fully online course equips learners with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to confidently use Microsoft Power BI for data analysis and visualization. Students will gain practical skills in preparing and transforming data, building data models, creating insightful visualizations, and publishing reports in the Power BI Service. The course is designed to align with the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300) exam, making it ideal for professionals seeking to strengthen their business intelligence skills and earn a recognized certification.
Course Outline
Data Preparation and Transformation
- Importing data from multiple sources
- Cleaning, shaping, and transforming data with Power Query
- Handling errors and ensuring data quality
Data Modeling
- Designing relational models
- Creating calculated columns, measures, and hierarchies
- Understanding star schemas and best practices
DAX (Data Analysis Expressions)
- Writing basic and advanced DAX formulas
- Creating calculated tables and KPIs
- Time intelligence functions for trend analysis
Data Visualization
- Building effective and interactive reports
- Using charts, slicers, maps, and custom visuals
- Applying design principles for clear data storytelling
Power BI Service and Collaboration
- Publishing reports to the Power BI Service
- Configuring dashboards, apps, and subscriptions
- Managing datasets, refresh schedules, and sharing
Security and Administration
- Row-level security and data governance
- Workspace management and roles
- Deployment pipelines and version control basics
Exam Preparation
- Review of Microsoft PL-300 exam objectives
- Practice questions and exam-taking strategies
Learner Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Import, clean, and transform data using Power Query to ensure accuracy and usability.
- Design and optimize data models that support efficient analysis and reporting.
- Apply DAX to create calculated measures, KPIs, and time-based analysis.
- Develop interactive visualizations and dashboards that clearly communicate insights.
- Publish and share Power BI reports securely using the Power BI Service.
- Implement row-level security and workspace roles to manage access and governance.
- Prepare effectively for the Microsoft PL-300 certification exam by practicing with exam-aligned scenarios and review activities.
Notes
Target Audience:
This course is tailored for professionals across different job roles who are proficient in Excel and are seeking to advance their data analytics skills. This includes business analysts, data analysts, financial analysts, marketing professionals, project managers IT professionals, healthcare administrators, human resources managers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and academics. In general, early to mid-career professional keen on integrating Power BI into their existing workflows to optimize operations, track performance, and present data-driven insights; with a strong interest in data-driven decision-making and a desire for career advancement through the acquisition of new skills in Power BI.
Occupational Outlook:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported management analysts are projected to grow 14 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Recommended education level bachelor's degree or higher.
Industry Certification:
Completing the Analyzing Data with Power BI class will prepare you to take the PL-300 Power BI Data Analyst Associate Certification exam.
Information Technology Continuing Education Certificate:
A certificate of completion for the class will be issued to participants with at least 70% of successful completion of labs and assessments.
Method of Instruction:
On-demand instructor sessions based on student’s needs during weekly open office hours.
Evaluation:
Evaluation is based on the on the successful completion of labs and assessments
Prerequisites
Materials Provided:
- Official Microsoft Learn resources and labs for Power BI (PL-300 exam prep)
- Access to Power BI Desktop (free) and Power BI Service (temporal license for sharing)
- Practice files and case studies shared through the course platform
Required Resources:
- Participants are required to have a laptop or desktop computer with a minimum 4GB ram, 256GB HD, Core i5. Recommended 8GB ram, 256GB SSD, Core i5. You should be able to download programs and resources to your laptop/desktop for this class.
- Access to reliable internet
Desired Knowledge:
By ensuring you possess these fundamental knowledge and skills, students will be better prepared to grasp the concepts taught in a Power BI class and successfully apply them to your professional roles.
Basic Computer Skills
- Proficiency in using Windows: Ability to navigate the operating system, install software, and manage files.
- Basic Internet skills: Competence in browsing the web, downloading files, and using online resources.
Microsoft Excel Proficiency:
- Understanding of Excel functions and formulas: Knowledge of basic and intermediate Excel functions, such as SUM, AVERAGE, IF, and VLOOKUP.
- Data manipulation: Skills in sorting, filtering, and organizing data within Excel.
- Experience with PivotTables: Ability to create and analyze data using PivotTables for summarization and reporting.
Optional but Beneficial Knowledge:
Data Literacy
- Basic data concepts: Understanding of fundamental data concepts such as data types (numeric, text, date), data integrity, and data quality.
- Familiarity with Data Visualization: Basic knowledge of charts and graphs to represent data visually.
Analytical Thinking
- Problem-solving skills: Ability to approach problems methodically and think critically about data.
- Attention to detail: Careful consideration of data accuracy and report precision.
Communication Skills
- Basic reporting skills: Ability to present data and insights clearly in written and visual formats.
- Collaboration tools: Familiarity with collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or other project management and communication platforms.
Technical Readiness
- Comfort with learning new software: Willingness and ability to learn and adapt to new software tools and technologies.
- Basic SQL knowledge (Optional but Beneficial): Understanding of basic SQL queries and concepts can be helpful, though not required.