MS Power BI Advanced Data Visualization COMP 3157

​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.