Course Overview
Following on from COMP 2156, and parallel to COMP 3156, this hands-on advanced course was designed for Business Intelligence and Data Analysts. Students who already know how to use Power BI to build and publish reports begin with an in-depth introduction to the dashboard development process. COMP 3157 in-class labs and exercises focus on creating advanced user-friendly reports and dashboards. Topics include visualization best practices, misleading data visualization practices to avoid, how to manage dashboard development projects and more. There is also an in-depth explanation of the Guided Analytics Approach and Dashboard UI/UX principles are also discussed. Labs and assignments include creating advanced reports with Power BI Desktop, identifying common data visualization pitfalls and discussing methods to apply visualization best practices. Participants must provide their own current model PC capable of running Windows 11 and MS Excel, with an i5 or higher equivalent processor, 8 GB minimum RAM, and 256 GB minimum storage. High-speed internet access is needed for online sections and for homework. COMP 3157 is an elective in several BCIT Computing credentials including the CST Diploma (FLEX), and the Applied Data Analytics Certificate (ADAC). By the end of this course, successful students will be able to build innovative and accessible dashboards for various stakeholder groups. This course will be offered in May 2026 for the last time and will be replaced with a new combined 12-week course in future.
Prerequisite(s)
- 60% in COMP 2156
Credits
1.5
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Domestic fees
$383.95
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon success completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the Guided Analytics Framework for dashboard design.
- Identify standard UX/UI principles for Dashboards.
- Manage dashboard projects using the Iterative Dashboard Development Methodology.
- Describe the foundations of data storytelling and create user-friendly dashboards.
- Describe the various methods for dashboard requirements gathering and best practices.
- Determine the appropriate data visualization style for the various data types and categories.
- Identify common data visualization mistakes and misleading practices.
- Properly format data visualizations for a variety of chart types.
Effective as of Fall 2022
Related Programs
MS Power BI Advanced Data Visualization (COMP 3157) 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 Data Analytics
Certificate Part-time
- Computer Systems
Diploma Part-time
- Data Visualization with MS Power BI
Microcredential Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of COMP 3157 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 70637
Dates
May 20 - Jun 24 Loading
- CRN 70637
- $383.95 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20 - Jun 24 | Wed | 18:30 - 21:30 | Online |
Duration
6 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
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 18 hours synchronous online classes. 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. Late registration is not permitted.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
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.