Brandeis University

    BUS 51A: Introduction to Data Analytics with Excel

    Instructor: Yeabin Moon
    Prerequisites: BUS 6a. May not be taken for credit by students who took BUS 51b in prior years.
    Course Description: Introduction to Data Analytics with Excel is an introductory course in data analysis designed for undergraduate business students. The course introduces students to the fundamentals of data analysis, visualization, and interpretation using Microsoft Excel, one of the most widely used analytical tools in business environments. Students will learn how to organize data, perform descriptive statistical analysis, create meaningful visualizations, and apply basic analytical methods to support data-driven decision making.
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    This summer offering will be delivered as a 10-week asynchronous online course, allowing students to complete course materials on a flexible schedule while meeting structured weekly deadlines. Each week, students will engage with recorded lectures, guided demonstrations, readings, and applied problem sets designed to build practical Excel skills and analytical reasoning abilities. The course emphasizes learning by doing, with hands-on exercises that reflect real business analytics tasks.
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    Topics covered in the course include:</br>
    - Data preparation and cleaning in Excel</br>
    - Descriptive statistics and summary analysis</br>
    - Data visualization and dashboard fundamentals (Tableau, preferably)</br>
    - Introduction to probability and statistical thinking</br>
    - Basic regression and predictive analysis concepts</br>
    - Communicating analytical findings effectively
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    The course places strong emphasis on interpretation and communication of analytical results rather than memorization of formulas. Students will learn not only how to perform analysis, but also how to evaluate the reliability of results and explain insights clearly.
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    As a culminating experience, students will complete a final applied analytics project using real-world data. Students will analyze regional economic activity patterns using mobility and transaction datasets, develop visualizations, and present their findings through a recorded presentation. This project is designed to help students integrate technical Excel skills with analytical reasoning and business communication.
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    Because this course is asynchronous and skills-focused, assessment is based on applied assignments and the final project rather than a traditional exam. Students should expect regular weekly work including lecture viewing, exercises, and homework assignments.
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    Students should expect to spend approximately 8–10 hours per week engaging with course materials, completing assignments, and working on their final project.
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    This course is ideal for students interested in developing practical data analysis skills that are directly applicable to internships and entry-level business positions.
    Session: Extended
    Day: Online Asynchronous 10-week
    Time: Asynchronous
    Credit Hours: 4 Credits
    Course Format: 10-week Asynchronous Online format
    Brandeis Graduation Requirement Fulfilled: DL, QR, SS
    Enrollment Limit:
    Course Classification: Undergraduate Level Course
    Course Tuition: $3,825
    Course Fees: None
    Open to High School Students: No
    Course Syllabus