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This course is part of Excel/VBA for Creative Problem Solving Specialization
Instructor: Charlie Nuttelman
162,258 already enrolled
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(4,257 reviews)
(4,257 reviews)
Utilize VBA to define and implement custom user-defined functions
Create macros to automate procedures in Excel
Identify the basic programming structures in VBA
Automate Excel’s Goal Seek and Solver tools and use numerical techniques to create “live solutions” to solve targeting and optimization problems
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"Excel/VBA for Creative Problem Solving, Part 1" is aimed at learners who are seeking to augment, expand, optimize, and increase the efficiency of their Excel spreadsheet skills by tapping into the powerful programming, automation, and customization capabilities available with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).
This course is the first part of a three-part series and Specialization that focuses on the application of computing techniques in Excel/VBA to solve problems. In this course (Part 1), you will: 1) create macros to automate procedures in Excel; 2) define your own user-defined functions; 3) create basic subroutines to interface with the user; 4) learn the basic programming structures in VBA; and 5) automate Excel’s Goal Seek and Solver tools and use numerical techniques to create “live solutions” to solve targeting and optimization problems. New to computer programming? The extremely intuitive and visual nature of VBA lends itself nicely to teaching and learning - what a fun way to learn to code! No prior knowledge in programming nor advanced math skills are necessary yet seasoned programmers will pick up new and creative spreadsheet problem solving strategies. After you have learned the basics of VBA, each module will introduce foundational and broad problems inspired by situations that you might encounter in the real world. To pass each module, you'll need to pass a mastery quiz and complete a problem solving assignment. This course is unique in that the weekly assignments are completed in-application (i.e., on your own computer in Excel), providing you with valuable hands-on training.
Week 1 will introduce you to visual basic for applications (VBA) and teach you the foundational tools required to create basic procedures in VBA. You'll learn about different data types and the scope of variables, how to troubleshoot your code when it's not working, and how to record basic macros using both absolute and relative referencing modes.
14 videos14 readings3 assignments3 discussion prompts
In Week 2, you will learn how to write proper VBA syntax and basic mathematical expressions; you will learn about objects, properties, methods, and events; and you will learn how to borrow common Excel functions using VBA code. In addition, you will learn how to move information to and from Excel and the Visual Basic Editor (VBE).
11 videos2 readings2 assignments2 discussion prompts
In Week 3, you will learn how to create your own user-defined functions. You will also learn how to call other subroutines and functions that reside in other files and you will learn how to design subroutines based on a modular approach. Finally, ,you will learn basic error handling in VBA.
9 videos3 readings2 assignments2 discussion prompts
Week 4 begins the "meat" of programming in VBA, and we are finally moving into some exciting problem solving. You will learn about the common programming structures in VBA (sequence, selection, and repetition) that form the foundation for advanced programming procedures. Several examples will highlight the utility of these programming structures.
15 videos2 readings2 assignments2 discussion prompts
One of the most valuable uses of VBA is to manage large data sets in Excel. In this module, you'll learn how to automate the processes of filtering, sorting, and removing duplicates. You'll learn additional strategies for cleaning up data. The strategies learned in this week will make you a valued VBA user.
10 videos2 readings2 assignments2 discussion prompts
The final module of this course focuses on using the R1C1 style of cell formatting. This style, in contrast to the default A1 style of referencing in Excel, makes it much easier and straightforward to perform advanced manipulations to Excel worksheets. Several examples demonstrate the utility of the R1C1 style.
8 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt
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Reviewed on Apr 10, 2020
Great course for anyone interested in Excel/VBA, especially engineers. There is a lack of course materials I must say, sometimes the spreadsheets that are worked with, were not uploaded.
Reviewed on Apr 2, 2020
Very good course with clear examples throughout to help you develop. The online format of the course is great as it allows you to pause and work through the activities presented at your own speed.
Reviewed on Mar 14, 2021
Well done, thank you. I had a very limited understanding of loops in programming. After this class, I feel much more comfortable with understanding and designing effective loops and more.
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