Course Overview
Microsoft Power BI is a business intelligence and data analytics platform that helps turn raw information into useful insights. COMP 2456 requires knowledge of advanced Excel functions and Pivot Tables from COMP 2364 and may be taken concurrently with COMP 2453 Introduction to Microsoft Fabric. Using a low-code, integrated environment to connect to different data sources, users create data models and publish interactive dashboards and reports. This hands-on course covers fundamental and advanced Power BI concepts with practical workplace applications. Activities cover the business intelligence lifecycle, including data preparation with Power Query. Topics include, Semantic modeling using Star Schema, analytical calculations utilizing Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) and dashboard design following UX/UI principles. Lab exercises and project tasks cover Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) methods, Row-Level Security (RLS), performance optimization, and Power BI Service deployment. Participants gain skills in workspace management and Git version control, applying industry best practices in real-world contexts. They will also use AI tools like CoPilot and Claude for Power BI to boost report productivity, create DAX measures, and design wireframes. COMP 2456 is an elective in the Applied Computer Information Systems (ACIS), and the Applied Database Administration and Design (ADAD) Associate Certificates, the Applied Data Analytics Certificate (ADAC), and the CST FLEX Diploma. Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to utilize the Power BI unified analytics platform to design and publish high-quality dashboards for web deployment.
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe Microsoft Power BI as an integrated analytics platform within the Microsoft Fabric ecosystem. Including its core components.
- (ETL) Extract, Transform, and Load data using Power Query, and apply data preparation best practices.
- Design optimized semantic data models using Star Schema principles, including the creation of fact and dimension tables, relationships appropriate for analytical workloads.
- Evaluate the trade-offs between import, DirectQuery, Direct Lake, and composite data models, and select the appropriate storage mode for a given business scenario.
- Implement performance tuning strategies for semantic models using native and third-party performance assessment tools to diagnose and resolve bottlenecks.
- Write DAX measures and calculated columns at both foundational and intermediate levels, applying time intelligence, iterators, and filter context manipulation to solve real business problems.
- Implement RLS (both static and dynamic) to enforce data access controls aligned with organizational roles and governance requirements.
- Describe the architecture of the Power BI Service within Microsoft Fabric, including workspaces, capacities, semantic models, and the OneLake data layer.
- Apply UX/UI principles to design intuitive, accessible dashboards for diverse audiences.
- Design and build interactive reports in Power BI Desktop while applying data visualization best practices - selecting appropriate chart types for different data types and avoiding common visualization mistakes
- Leverage Copilot and AI-assisted features to accelerate report development while critically evaluating AI-generated outputs for accuracy.
- Manage a report design project using the AI tooling such as CoPilot and Claude to capture requirements, create wireframes and mock-ups for stakeholder review and iteration.
- Monitor and administer a Power BI environment using Fabric Admin tools, including usage metrics, capacity management, and tenant.
- Deploy, version-control, and share Power BI reports and semantic models within Fabric using PBIP format, Deployment Pipelines & Git integration.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2026
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.