Session 2 | DAX, Power Query & Analysis

Session 2 Focus

From basic calculations to cleaner data

Session 2 introduces beginner DAX measures, Power Query transformations, and practical analysis features used by business teams in day-to-day reporting.

Expectation reminder: this course is an introduction to get learners started, not advanced mastery. For comprehensive learning, the DataCamp Power BI Fundamentals Track (17 hours) provides complete coverage beyond these two sessions.

Review prerequisite links Back to Session 1

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Part 1: Basic DAX Measures

Use this section as a live demo. Each formula includes a copy button so learners can paste directly into Power BI.

Step 1: Calculated column example

Create a calculated column in order-details to get line totals using the related products table:

LineTotal =
RELATED(products[unitPrice]) * order-details[quantity] * (1 - order-details[discount])

Step 2: Core measures

Step 3: CALCULATE examples

Talking point: use measures for dynamic report totals and calculated columns for row-level logic.

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Part 2: Power Query Transforms (Beginner)

Open dirty CSV files via Transform Data and run these guided clean-up blocks.

Employees_Dirty.csv Sales_Dirty.csv Departments_Dirty.csv

Employees_Dirty.csv clean-up

Remove top rows (title rows + blank rows).
Use first row as headers.
Set data types: Salary = Whole Number, StartDate = Date.
Text functions: Capitalize each word, Trim, Replace double spaces.
Replace invalid values: N/A and PENDING to null.

Sales_Dirty.csv clean-up

Departments_Dirty.csv and model join

Always verify data type icons in each column.
Numbers stored as text cannot aggregate correctly in visuals.
Dates must be proper Date type for slicing and trends.

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Part 3: Analysis Features

Slicers and cross-filtering

Create Region + Category slicers and demonstrate combined filtering.
Use Edit Interactions to control filter/highlight behavior.
Explain why slicers are a must-have for business stakeholders.

Drillthrough and detail pages

Conditional formatting and tooltips

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Further Learning & Next Steps

Final reminder: this bootcamp is only an introduction. It gives learners a practical start but they will need deeper study to master DAX and Power Query.

Intro Course (up to 4 hrs)Full Power BI Fundamentals Track (17 hrs)

Learning Path	Goal	Suggested Resource
DAX Mastery	Context transition, time intelligence, optimization	SQLBI learning tracks + DAX Guide practice
Power Query Mastery	Advanced shaping, query folding, M functions	Microsoft Learn Power Query path + hands-on projects
Power BI Delivery	Publishing, sharing, governance, refresh	Microsoft Learn service administration modules
Structured Learning	Complete Power BI fundamentals (17 hours)	DataCamp Power BI Fundamentals Track
Practical Practice	Portfolio-quality dashboards and storytelling	Repeat this course workflow on new datasets

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