University of California, Davis
Fundamentals of Visualization with Tableau

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University of California, Davis

Fundamentals of Visualization with Tableau

Desiree' Abbott
Alexandra Wilson

Instructors: Desiree' Abbott

267,754 already enrolled

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.5

(6,700 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
3 hours to complete
Learn at your own pace
92%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.5

(6,700 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
3 hours to complete
Learn at your own pace
92%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • Install Tableau Public Software and create a visualization

  • Examine and navigate the Tableau Public workspace

  • Practice and connect to different data sources

  • Examine ways to define your project

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Data Visualization with Tableau Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

Why does data visualization matter—and how do you know if it’s done well? In this module, you’ll explore the foundations of effective visual communication. Through video lessons, expert insights, and hands-on exploration of public Tableau visualizations, you’ll learn how data stories can bring clarity, influence decision-making, and inspire action. You’ll also uncover the risks of poor design and discover key principles—like knowing your audience, keeping it simple, and maintaining data honesty—that set great visualizations apart. This is where your journey in visual analytics begins.

What's included

7 videos2 readings1 assignment

In this module, you’ll get comfortable working inside Tableau Public—the free version of Tableau’s data visualization software. You’ll learn how to connect to your own data, understand the layout of worksheets and dashboards, and begin building visualizations using key features like the Data pane, canvas, and Show Me tab. You’ll also explore how Tableau handles different data types—like measures and dimensions—and how aggregations work behind the scenes. By the end of this module, you’ll be ready to start building charts with confidence using your own datasets.

What's included

10 videos3 readings1 assignment1 plugin

Good data visualization isn’t just about clarity—it’s about responsibility. In this module, you’ll explore how bias can creep into visualizations, even unintentionally, and learn how to design with fairness, ethics, and audience needs in mind. Through real-world examples and a hands-on activity, you’ll practice tailoring a chart for a specific audience, reflecting on how choices like labels, annotations, and context can shape perception. Whether you’re creating for executives, analysts, or the public, you’ll leave this module with strategies to design visualizations that are both impactful and trustworthy.

What's included

5 videos1 reading1 assignment1 plugin

In this final module, you’ll put everything you’ve learned into action by creating and publishing your first Tableau visualization. You’ll explore how to select the right chart type for your message—whether it’s a trend line or a comparison bar chart—and how to refine your visuals using annotations, labels, and tooltips. You’ll also learn how to make your dashboards accessible and inclusive by following best practices in visual design and layout. By the end of this module, you’ll be ready to share your work publicly and with confidence.

What's included

5 videos1 reading1 assignment1 plugin

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Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.7 (1,286 ratings)
Desiree' Abbott
University of California, Davis
1 Course267,754 learners

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