IBM Data Analytics with Excel and R Professional Certificate Course Syllabus

Overview: This IBM Data Analytics Professional Certificate on Coursera offers a beginner-friendly path to mastering essential data analytics skills using Excel, SQL, R, and IBM Cognos Analytics. The program spans approximately 6-7 months at a pace of 3-5 hours per week, combining theory with hands-on practice. You’ll work with real-world datasets, build interactive dashboards, and complete a capstone project to showcase your abilities. Ideal for career switchers or newcomers to data, this certificate provides industry-recognized credentials from IBM to boost job prospects in data and business analytics.

Module 1: Introduction to Data Analytics & Excel Basics

Estimated time: 20 hours

• Data fundamentals and key concepts in analytics
• Industry applications of data analysis
• Excel for data entry, formatting, and calculations
• Using pivot tables, charts, and basic statistical functions

Module 2: SQL for Data Analysis

Estimated time: 30 hours

• Understanding database structures and relational models
• Writing SQL queries to retrieve data
• Filtering and sorting data using WHERE and ORDER BY
• Aggregating data with GROUP BY and functions like COUNT, SUM, AVG

Module 3: Data Visualization & Reporting with IBM Cognos

Estimated time: 40 hours

• Principles of data storytelling and visual communication
• Creating reports using IBM Cognos Analytics
• Building interactive dashboards for business insights
• Sharing and distributing reports across teams

Module 4: Statistical Analysis & Data Manipulation with R

Estimated time: 50 hours

• Introduction to R programming for data analysis
• Data wrangling and transformation using R
• Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis
• Data visualization and predictive modeling in R

Module 5: Capstone Project: Real-World Data Analysis

Estimated time: 60 hours

• Analyzing a real-world dataset using Excel, SQL, and R
• Generating insights through data cleaning and transformation
• Presenting findings using dashboards in IBM Cognos and reports

Prerequisites

• No prior experience required
• Basic computer literacy
• Access to a modern web browser and internet connection

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Perform data analysis using Excel, SQL, and R
• Clean and transform raw data into meaningful insights
• Create interactive dashboards with IBM Cognos Analytics
• Apply statistical methods to support business decision-making
• Showcase skills through a comprehensive capstone project