Microsoft Excel Course: Level 3

Microsoft Excel. Unlock insights and tell the story in your data.

COVID-19 update: arrangement of our courses

We are now delivering courses both online and in-person. Please check the delivery format for each class before you enrol.

Please note that course materials for all classes (excluding prescribed textbooks) are shared electronically within 48 hours of a course starting. Printing is not available.

This short course focuses on more advanced features beyond the Microsoft Excel: Level 2 course. Advanced analysis tools including data linking, data consolidation and outlining and summarising are covered, as are PivotTables, Lookup Functions and some key automation features such as macros. Learn how to import and export data, create Data Tables and Scenarios for What If analysis, techniques to validate data, and create form controls such as List and Combo Boxes to make data entry easier.

Aims

This course aims to provide experienced Excel users with proficient skills in developing more complex formulas, list analysis using a variety of tools and creating simple macros as well as features and tips to assist efficiency.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• modify Excel options
• import data into Excel and export data from Excel
• use data linking to create more efficient workbooks
• group cells and use outlines to manipulate the worksheet
• create summaries in your spreadsheets using subtotals
• use a range of lookup and reference functions
• use the Data Consolidation feature to combine data from several workbooks into one
• create, use and modify data tables
• create and work with scenarios and the Scenario Manager
• construct and operate PivotTables using some of the more advanced techniques
• create and edit a PivotChart
• use a variety of data validation techniques
• create and use a range of controls in a worksheet
• create recorded macros in Excel.

Content

Setting Excel Options

• Understanding Excel Options
• Personalising Excel
• Setting the Default Font
• Setting Formula Options
• Understanding Save Options
• Setting Save Options
• Setting the Default File Location
• Setting Advanced Options

Importing and Exporting

• Understanding Data Importing
• Importing From an Earlier Version
• Understanding Text File Formats
• Importing Tab Delimited Text
• Importing Comma Delimited Text
• Importing Space Delimited Text
• Importing Access Data
• Working With Connected Data
• Unlinking Connections

Data Linking

• Understanding Data Linking
• Linking Between Worksheets
• Linking Between Workbooks
• Updating Links Between Workbooks

Grouping and Outlining

• Understanding Grouping and Outlining
• Creating an Automatic Outline
• Working With an Outline
• Creating a Manual Group
• Grouping by Columns

Summarising and Subtotalling

• Creating Subtotals
• Using a Subtotalled Worksheet
• Creating Nested Subtotals
• Copying Subtotals
• Using Subtotals With AutoFilter
• Creating Relative Names for Subtotals
• Using Relative Names for Subtotals

Lookup Functions

• Understanding Data Lookup Functions
• Using INDEX
• Using Match
• Using INDIRECT
• Using XLookup

Data Consolidation

• Understanding Data Consolidation
• Consolidating With Identical layouts
• Creating a Linked Consolidation
• Consolidating From Different Layouts
• Consolidating Data Using the SUM Function

Data Tables

• Understanding Data Tables and What-If Models
• Using a Simple What-If Model
• Creating a One-Variable Table
• Using One-Variable Data Tables
• Creating a Two-Variable Data Table

Scenarios

• Understanding Scenarios
• Creating a Default Scenario
• Creating Scenarios
• Using Names in Scenarios
• Displaying Scenarios
• Creating a Scenario Summary Report
• Merging Scenarios

PivotTable Features

• Understanding Slicers
• Creating Slicers
• Inserting a Timeline Filter
• Using Compound Fields
• Counting in a PivotTable
• Formatting PivotTable Values
• Working With PivotTable Grand Totals
• Working With PivotTable Subtotals
• Finding the Percentage of Total
• Finding the Difference From
• Grouping in PivotTable Reports
• Creating Running Totals
• Creating Calculated Fields
• Providing Custom Names
• Creating Calculated Items
• PivotTable Options
• Sorting in a PivotTable

PivotCharts

• Inserting a PivotChart
• Defining the PivotChart Structure
• Changing the PivotChart Type
• Using the PivotChart Filter Field Buttons
• Moving PivotCharts to Chart Sheets

Validating Data

• Understanding Data Validation
• Creating a Number Range Validation
• Testing a Validation
• Creating an Input Message
• Creating an Error Message
• Creating a Drop Down List
• Using Formulas as Validation Criteria
• Circling Invalid Data
• Removing Invalid Circles
• Copying Validation Settings

Controls

• Understanding Types of Controls
• Understanding How Controls Work
• Preparing a Worksheet for Controls
• Adding a Combo Box Control
• Changing Control Properties
• Using the Cell Link to Display the Selection
• Adding a List Box Control
• Adding a Scroll Bar Control
• Adding a Spin Button Control
• Adding Option Button Controls
• Adding a Group Box Control
• Adding a Check Box Control
• Protecting a Worksheet With Controls

Recorded Macros

• Understanding Excel Macros
• Setting Macro Security
• Saving a Document as Macro Enabled
• Recording a Simple Macro
• Running a Recorded Macro
• Relative Cell References
• Running a Macro With Relative References
• Viewing a Macro
• Editing a Macro
• Assigning a Macro to the Toolbar
• Running a Macro from the Toolbar
• Assigning a Macro to the Ribbon
• Assigning a Keyboard Shortcut to a Macro
• Deleting a Macro
• Copying a Macro

Intended audience

Assumes an intermediate level understanding of the software and experience in the construction and modification of workbooks. It is designed for those who are ready to explore more of the advanced analysis and automation tools.

Delivery style

Delivery options:

• Presenter-taught computer-based training in a computer lab on University premises. You will have dedicated access to a computer so you can follow the instructor and work through in-class activities.
• Online training via the platform Zoom.

Materials

You will be provided with a link to access and download your own personalised eBook prior to class.

Teaching instructions and materials are specifically tailored to Windows PC users.

Additional information

Face-to-face classes

These classes run in a computer lab and you do not need to bring your own device.

Please bring a USB flash drive to class if you would like to make a copy of your work or any relevant class materials. Alternatively, you can save these to a cloud storage space or email them to your personal email address.

Online classes

If you are attending an online class, you will need your own device.

Recommended operating system: Windows or Mac
Recommended software for PC: MS Excel 2013, 2016, 2019, 365
Recommended software for Mac OS: MS Excel 2016, 2019, 365
Recommended browser: Chrome