Excel Foundations for Data Analysis

This unit introduces core Microsoft Excel skills needed to organize, format, analyze, and protect spreadsheet data. Students will learn the user interface, data entry and editing, basic and lookup formulas, table and chart creation, and workbook/worksheet protection to prepare for more advanced data analysis tasks in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate efficient navigation and workspace management in Excel by using the ribbon, Navigation task pane, freezing panes, undo/redo, and file/temporary file handling to support reliable workflows.
• Apply formatting, sorting, filtering, Quick Analysis tools, tables, conditional formatting, and chart creation/customization to organize and visually present data for accurate interpretation.
• Analyze and construct formulas and lookup functions—using operators, order of operations, VLOOKUP/HLOOKUP, IF statements, text functions, and error-handling techniques—and use auditing tools (Trace Precedents/Dependents, Evaluate Formula) to validate results.
• Evaluate and implement worksheet and workbook protection strategies, cell locking, and selective automation (Flash Fill vs. formula/code) to safeguard data integrity and streamline repetitive tasks.