Data analysis: visualisations in Excel

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Details

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Provider

OpenLearn
Pricing

Free Certificate
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Duration & workload

6 hours
Sessions

On-Demand

Found in

Evidence comes in the form of qualitative or quantitative data about the world around you. It is not always obvious, however, how to structure, aggregate, analyse or interpret the data to help you make decisions. In this free course, you will look at how to use data to make decisions in a systematic way using Microsoft Excel.Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet software that you will most likely encounter numerous times either in a professional context or outside the workplace. In this course you will explore its functions, which will enable you to analyse data and explore relationships between variables. You will learn to summarise, describe and visualise both univariate and bivariate data in tabular and graphical form. This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course B126 Business data analytics and decision making.

Syllabus

1 Excel spreadsheets
1.1 Using Excel
1.2 Opening an Excel file
1.3 Adding the Data Analysis ToolPak in Excel
1.4 Decimal points and dates
1.5 Using shortcut keys in Excel
1.6 Use of Excel spreadsheets
2 Univariate data visualisation
2.1 Frequency tables
2.2 Types of frequency distribution
2.2.1 Concepts involved in frequency tables
2.2.2 Ungrouped frequency distribution tables
2.2.3 Grouped frequency distribution tables
2.2.4 Relative frequency distribution tables
2.2.5 Cumulative frequency distribution tables
2.3 Histograms: a graphical visualisation of frequency tables
2.4 Frequency density
3 Bivariate data
3.1 Contingency tables
3.2 Scatter diagrams

Reviews

3.7 rating, based on 9 Class Central reviews

4.2 rating at OpenLearn based on 31 ratings

Start your review of Data analysis: visualisations in Excel

Meaghan @Meech63
4

Table used to download for practice already had the answers. No practical application applied: "This is how you find class intervals" ... why do I need this? How is this useful in the real world? This course teaches you how to manipulate the data but doesn't explain the real world application of this data manipulation rendering any context you could apply to your real job worthless. You could've watched a youtube video for 15 minutes on the shortcuts and gotten all the useful data this course provides in a fraction of the time.
Enrique Enriquez @EEnriquez
17

I recently completed the Data Analysis: Visualisations in Excel course, and I’m pleased to say it exceeded expectations in every respect. The course delivered exactly what was promised—clear, practical instruction on using Excel to visualize and ana…

I recently completed the Data Analysis: Visualisations in Excel course, and I’m pleased to say it exceeded expectations in every respect. The course delivered exactly what was promised—clear, practical instruction on using Excel to visualize and analyze both univariate and bivariate data. From frequency tables and histograms to scatter diagrams and contingency tables, each concept was presented with clarity and relevance to real-world applications.
The structure was intuitive, and the pacing was spot-on. The estimated time frame provided was accurate—I was able to complete the course within the suggested duration without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The inclusion of hands-on activities using the JC Electrics dataset added valuable context and made the learning experience both engaging and applicable.
One of the highlights was the emphasis on Excel’s built-in tools, including the Data Analysis ToolPak and PivotTables, which were seamlessly integrated into the lessons. Shortcut keys, formatting tips, and step-by-step guidance made even complex tasks approachable.
Sammar Naz @sammar

the course is informative but where is my certificate of completion ?
i like the course but few of the things i already know
Sulidar Fitri

i like the explanation, brief and concise full of example. excellent platform if you’re looking for structured, career-focused learning from top universities and industry leaders. It’s ideal for anyone wanting certifications, academic depth, or practical skills in fields like business, data science, and technology
Nathan Monteiro

Curso introdutório. Interessante a abordagem de ensino por aqui. É a primeira vez que entro em um curso por aqui e gostei da forma de ensino
Prajwal Bharad

Course Review: Data Analysis – Visualizations in Excel I recently completed the Data Analysis: Visualizations in Excel course, and overall, it was a valuable learning experience. The course provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to enhance…

Course Review: Data Analysis – Visualizations in Excel

I recently completed the Data Analysis: Visualizations in Excel course, and overall, it was a valuable learning experience. The course provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to enhance their Excel skills, especially in the area of data visualization.

What I Liked:
✅ Clear and Structured Lessons: The course is well-organized, progressing from basic charting techniques to more advanced visualizations like PivotCharts and conditional formatting.
✅ Hands-On Approach: The use of practical exercises and real-world datasets made learning more engaging.
✅ Useful Tips & Tricks: The instructor shared useful shortcuts and best practices that can significantly improve efficiency when working with Excel.
Anonymous

Very useful and helpful, free course for students . I recently completed this course and I must say it was an excellent experience. The course content was well-structured, covering a wide range of topics that were relevant and engaging. The instruc…

Very useful and helpful, free course for students .

I recently completed this course and I must say it was an excellent experience. The course content was well-structured, covering a wide range of topics that were relevant and engaging. The instructor was knowledgeable and provided clear explanations, making complex concepts easy to understand.

The interactive elements, such as quizzes and discussion forums, really enhanced the learning experience and allowed for valuable peer interaction. I appreciated the flexibility of the course schedule, which allowed me to learn at my own pace without feeling rushed.

One area for improvement could be the addition of more real-world examples or case studies to help apply the concepts practically. Overall, I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to expand their knowledge in this field.
Máriyah Yussof

While the explanations were clear and easy to understand, I was a bit disappointed with the content of the course. It really just teaches the basics of data analysis, most of which you learn throughout primary and highschool. Additionally, the excel file which should be for practicing already comes with the answers, which defeats the purpose of the course.
Chillapalli Ankithkumar

While the explanations were clear and easy to understand, I was a bit disappointed with the content of the course. It really just teaches the basics of data analysis, most of which you learn throughout primary and highschool. Additionally, the excel file which should be for practicing already comes with the answers, which defeats the purpose of the course.