Course Overview
Tableau is an interactive data visualization and business intelligence software suite to help individuals and organizations convert raw, complex datasets into easily understandable visual formats that tell a story. This hands-on course is designed for database professionals, data analysts, business analysts, and managers, who want to analyze and visualize data from a variety of sources. Students begin with a foundation in data visualization techniques and principles. Effective data analysis techniques, and industry standard best practices for story telling are discussed. Tableau dashboard performance considerations are discussed. Through hands-on labs, assignments, projects and group work, participants learn how to build insightful and interactive dashboards. Participants use built in tools for trend analysis, to support data investigation. They learn to present compelling visuals via lab exercises and assignments. Discussions include the responsible use of generative AI tools as a thinking aid and how to critically evaluate AI-generated output. Students registered in COMP 2256 will receive a student license for Tableau software for their home machines for the duration of the course and have access to a Tableau subject matter expert with industry experience. This course is an elective in the Applied Computer Information Systems (ACIS), Applied Database Administration and Design (ADAD) and Technical Writing Associate Certificates, the Applied Data Analytics Certificate (ADAC), and the Computer Systems (CST FLEX) Diploma. A project presentation is required to help the participants become better communicators. By the end of this course successful students will be able to produce highly interactive graphs, reports and dashboards that transfer data across multiple tools and platforms.
Prerequisite(s)
Credits
3.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$628.80
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Discuss the increasing importance of analytics and visualization in data-prevalent markets.
- Apply data visualization and design principles - including accessibility - for effective analysis and presentation.
- Describe different Tableau Desktop interface components.
- Connect and integrate data from multiple sources in Tableau Desktop.
- Select and create appropriate visualizations using Tableau.
- Develop compelling and interactive dashboards and stories from multiple worksheets.
- Incorporate geospatial visualization (maps) in Tableau dashboards.
- Use basic and advanced calculations in Tableau.
- Apply Tableau's statistical, forecasting, and trend analysis capabilities to support data investigation.
- Incorporate Tableau filters and highlight parameters for interactivity and usability.
- Publish Tableau dashboards.
- Use generative AI tools (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini) responsibly and transparently as a thinking and learning aid in data analysis and visualization work, critically evaluating AI-generated output for accuracy and relevance.
- Apply data investigation and critical thinking skills - questioning data sources, spotting misleading visuals, and evaluating design and analytical choices - that transfer across tools and platforms.
Effective as of Fall 2026
Related Programs
Applied Visual Analytics with Tableau (COMP 2256) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Applied Computer Information Systems (ACIS)
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Applied Data Analytics
Certificate Part-time
- Applied Database Administration and Design
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Computer Systems
Diploma Part-time
- Technical Writing
Associate Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of COMP 2256 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 41059
Dates
Sep 10 - Nov 26 Loading
- CRN 41059
- $628.80 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 10 - Nov 26 | Thu | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Donabel Santos
Course outline
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- Please email cstflex@bcit.ca for Departmental approval. Include your Student number (A0#) and COMP__ and preferred CRN __ and Program Declaration____. Course is 36 hours synchronous online classes. Please Note: Attendance, participation in class and the BCIT Learning Hub are mandatory. You should prepare to spend 2-3 hours on homework for every 1 hour of class time. This course may require an average total time commitment of 9-12+ hours per week. 3 hours of synchronous class time and 6-9+ hours per week for homework. Late registration is not permitted. BCIT Computing is primarily a Microsoft Windows environment. Students must provide their own current model Windows-compatible PC with microphone and video camera. i5 or higher equivalent processor, with 8 GB of RAM minimum, and 256 GB minimum storage. Highspeed internet access is needed for online sections and for homework. Mac users must have the ability to manage and support their iOS computer. They may need to create a virtual Windows environment using Parallels or VMWare Fusion. COMP instructors may not be able to assist Mac users with software compatibility issues. BCIT does not provide access to Parallels or support for students to use a Mac to run Windows.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.