Complete Guide to Learning Data Analytics

Course details

This comprehensive course covers everything from data importing and cleaning to advanced SQL queries and visualization tools. Discover how to leverage tools like Power BI and Power Query to transform raw data into insightful reports. Learn the key elements of data modeling, data governance, and business rules that influence data analysis. Explore practical examples and exercises that guide you through real-world scenarios and potential pitfalls. This course caters to students and professionals looking to pivot into data analytics, offering insights into industry standards and best practices. Stay ahead of the curve with instruction on AI integration and tools that enhance data interpretation and decision-making skills. By course end, you will be more equipped to manipulate data, apply statistical methods, and communicate findings effectively.

Learning objectives
List the skills of a data analyst.
Apply SQL statements using the correct syntax.
Interpret existing data.
Explain how data is cleaned.
Demonstrate how to use joins.
Identify different types of data.
Describe how to model data.
Explain the use of wildcard characters in building queries.
Review types of data visualizations.
Describe how slicers are used.
Differentiate between duplicate and reference data sets.
Identify licensing and permissions considerations.

Concepts

Introduction

Beginning your data analytics journey - a practical overview

Getting Started with Data Analysis

Defining data analysis and data analyst
Are you already doing data analyst work
Essential skills every data analyst needs

Fundamentals of Data Understanding

How data analysts learn to identify hidden data
How to work with missing or unavailable data
Understanding syntax across data tools and languages
SQL basics for data analysts - reading and writing queries
Using AI to read and understand SQL queries
Solution - Reading SQL

Key Elements to Understand when Starting Data Analysis

Interpreting existing data for analysis
How to find existing data within an organization
Understanding data workflows and timing
Understanding data joins and why they matter
Applying joins and validating data results
Solution - Products are not categorized

Getting Started with a Data Project

Getting started with data analytics projects
Common data analytics beginner mistakes to avoid
Learning Excel datasets
Learning database datasets
Understanding truths

Data Importing, Exporting, and Connections

Learning about data governance
Understanding source data
Working with flat files
Working with connections
Creating datasets for others

Getting Started with Data Cleaning and Modeling

Understanding ETL in data
Cleaning data in Excel using Power Query
Building basic dates table
Building basic SELECT queries for data analysis
Building DISTINCT queries to remove duplicate data
Using AI to review and understand data cleaning steps
Solution - Rename headers in Power Query

Applying Common Techniques for All Data Analysts

Converting data types in Power Query
Finding and removing duplicate data
Changing case and replacing values in Power Query
Combining data using merge columns in Power Query
Creating conditional logic in data models
Building aggregated datasets for analysis
Solution - Count and amounts of products

Working with Business Data

Understanding business rules in data analysis
Understanding noise in data and its impact on analysis
Breaking down business questions into data requirements
Solution - Getting started

Pivot Data Anytime and Anywhere

Building basic pivot tables in Excel
Improving pivot table readability
Visualizing pivot tables with charts and slicers
Using pivot tables to filter and drill into data
Solution - Best customer year

Building Data Sets with Queries

Building queries with joins to combine data
Appending data using queries and Power Query
Building aggregate queries for summary data
Solution - Total number orders by customer

Chart Data Anytime and Anywhere

Ad hoc reporting for business questions
Building basic charts for data visualization
Using conditional formatting for visual insights
Solution - Ad hoc presentation

Building in Power BI Desktop

Modeling data with Power Query
Working with matrix and visuals with Copilot
Modify cards for numbers and mobile layout
Filters in Power BI

Power Query Tips and Tricks for Data Analysts

Using column profiling to understand your data
Appending data using folder-based imports
Duplicating vs referencing datasets
Unpivoting data for better reporting
Solution - Custom sort by education

Conclusion

More resources for your learning data analytics journey