Unit 3.1: MS Excel Fundamentals

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Unit 3.1

MS Excel Fundamentals

PRC 110: Software Skills Practicum

Learning Objectives

  • Navigate the Excel Interface.
  • Enter and Format Data.
  • Use Relative vs Absolute references.
  • Use Freeze Panes and Print Titles.

The Excel Interface

Key Concepts

  • Workbook (.xlsx file)
  • Worksheet (tabs)
  • Cell Address (e.g. `B10`)
  • Range (e.g. `A1:B10`)

Data Types

  • Text (usually left)
  • Numbers (usually right)
  • Dates (serial numbers)

Formatting & Freeze Panes

  • Number Formats: Currency, Percent, decimals.
  • Conditional Formatting: Colour rules.
  • Freeze Panes: Keep header row visible.

Check: Interface Basics

Ask a student or group first — then click to check.

Cell Referencing

Crucial when copying formulas!

Relative (A1)

Changes when copied — e.g. line totals.

Absolute ($A$1)

Locked — e.g. VAT rate in `$H$1`. Toggle with `F4`.

Mixed (`$A1`, `A$1`) locks one axis — useful for matrices.

Check: Relative vs Absolute

Ask a student or group first — then click to check.

Practicum 3.1

Student data sheet

  1. Headers + 5 students (or student_grades.csv).
  2. Format header; Freeze Top Row.
  3. Bonus column using absolute `$G$1`.