Microsoft Excel: An Introduction

Course Description:

Unveil the power of spreadsheets by diving deep into Microsoft Excel, the world’s leading spreadsheet software. This introductory course is tailored for beginners and those eager to refresh their Excel skills. Our hands-on approach ensures that you not only learn but also apply essential Excel functions and tools to a diverse range of tasks, from data management to financial analysis.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Navigate the Excel interface with confidence.
2. Create, save, and format Excel workbooks.
3. Input and edit data effectively in spreadsheets.
4. Apply basic formulas and functions to perform calculations.
5. Use Excel’s built-in tools for data sorting and filtering.
6. Design charts and graphs to visualize data.
7. Understand and apply basic keyboard shortcuts for efficiency.
8. Protect and share Excel documents with others.

Course Outline:

1. Introduction to Microsoft Excel
   • Overview of Excel
   • Navigating the Ribbon and Interface
   • Understanding Cells, Rows, Columns, and Ranges
2. Creating and Saving Workbooks
   • New Workbook Creation
   • Saving, Opening, and Closing Files
   • Workbook Views and Navigation Techniques
3. Entering and Formatting Data
   • Data Input Techniques
   • Basic Text Formatting (Fonts, Alignment, Number Formats)
   • Using Styles and Themes
   • Introduction to Conditional Formatting
4. Working with Formulas and Functions
   • Basic Arithmetic Operations
   • Introduction to Excel Functions (SUM, AVERAGE, etc.)
   • Relative and Absolute Cell Referencing
   • Formula Auditing Tools
5. Data Management Tools
   • Data Sorting and Filtering
   • Introduction to Tables and Data Ranges
   • Basic Data Validation Techniques
6. Data Visualization with Charts
   • Selecting the Right Chart Type
   • Creating and Formatting Basic Charts
   • Modifying and Customizing Chart Elements
7. Essential Tips and Tricks
   • Introduction to Keyboard Shortcuts
   • Protecting and Sharing Workbooks
   • Helpful Excel Settings and Options

Target Audience:

Individuals new to Microsoft Excel or those looking to refresh their foundational knowledge.

Recommended Materials:

• Laptop or PC with Microsoft Excel installed (latest version recommended).
• Course workbook (provided).