Process Data from Dirty to Clean (Coursera)

Offered by Google,
Process Data from Dirty to Clean (Coursera)

This is the fourth course in the Google Data Analytics Certificate. These courses will equip you with the skills needed to apply to introductory-level data analyst jobs. In this course, you’ll continue to build your understanding of data analytics and the concepts and tools that data analysts use in their work. You’ll learn how to check and clean your data using spreadsheets and SQL as well as how to verify and report your data cleaning results. Current Google data analysts will continue to instruct and provide you with hands-on ways to accomplish common data analyst tasks with the best tools and resources.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Learners who complete this certificate program will be equipped to apply for introductory-level jobs as data analysts. No previous experience is necessary.
By the end of this course, you will be able to do the following:

  • Learn how to check for data integrity.
  • Discover data cleaning techniques using spreadsheets.
  • Develop basic SQL queries for use on databases.
  • Apply basic SQL functions for cleaning and transforming data.
  • Gain an understanding of how to verify the results of cleaning data.
  • Explore the elements and importance of data cleaning reports.

Course 4 of 8 in the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.
What You Will Learn

  • Define data integrity with reference to types of integrity and risk to data integrity
  • Apply basic SQL functions for use in cleaning string variables in a database
  • Develop basic SQL queries for use on databases
  • Describe the process involved in verifying the results of cleaning data

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Before you clean, check for integrity
As you start thinking about how to prepare your data for exploration, this part of the course will highlight why data integrity is so essential to successful decision-making. You’ll learn about how data is generated and the techniques analysts use to decide what data to collect for analysis. And you'll discover structured and unstructured data, data types, and data formats.

WEEK 2
All about clean data
Every data analyst wants clean data to work with when performing an analysis. In this part of the course, you’ll learn the difference between clean and dirty data. You’ll also explore data cleaning techniques using spreadsheets and other tools.

WEEK 3
Cleaning data in SQL
Knowing a variety of ways to clean data can make an analyst’s job much easier. In this part of the course, you’ll check out how to clean your data using SQL. You’ll explore queries and functions that you can use in SQL to clean and transform your data to get it ready for analysis.

WEEK 4
Verify and report your cleaning results
Cleaning your data is an important step in the data analysis process. Verifying and reporting your cleaning is a way to show that your data is ready for the next step. In this part of the course, you'll find out the processes involved with verifying and reporting data cleaning as well as their benefits.

WEEK 5
Optional: Adding data to your resume
Creating an effective resume will help you on your data analytics career path. In this part of the course, you’ll learn all about the job application process with a focus on crafting a resume that highlights your strengths and applicable experience. Even if you aren't applying to jobs yet, it's still a good time to improve your resume. It's like spring training for a first season in a major league–you don't want to miss it!

WEEK 6
Course challenge
Prepare for the course challenge by reviewing terms and definitions in the glossary. Then, demonstrate your knowledge of the importance of sample size, data integrity, and the connection of data to business objectives during the quiz. You will also have an opportunity to apply your skill with data cleaning techniques in both spreadsheets and SQL. Finally, document, report on, and verify your data-cleaning process and results.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Population Health: Predictive Analytics (Coursera) Coursera
Leiden University

Population Health: Predictive Analytics (Coursera)

Predictive analytics has a longstanding tradition in medicine. Developing better prediction models is a critical step in the pursuit of improved health care: we need these tools to guide our decision-making on preventive measures, and individualized treatments. In order to effectively use and develop these models, we must understand them better. In this course, you will learn how to make accurate prediction tools, and how to assess their validity. First, we will discuss the role of predictive analytics for prevention, diagnosis, and effectiveness. Then, we look at key concepts such as study design, sample size and overfitting.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Introduction to Accounting Data Analytics and Visualization (Coursera) Coursera
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Introduction to Accounting Data Analytics and Visualization (Coursera)

Accounting has always been about analytical thinking. From the earliest days of the profession, Luca Pacioli emphasized the importance of math and order for analyzing business transactions. The skillset that accountants have needed to perform math and to keep order has evolved from pencil and paper, to typewriters and calculators, then to spreadsheets and accounting software. A new skillset that is becoming more important for nearly every aspect of business is that of big data analytics: analyzing large amounts of data to find actionable insights. This course is designed to help accounting students develop an analytical mindset and prepare them to use data analytic programming languages like Python and R.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Business Intelligence and Competitive Analysis (Coursera) Coursera
Rutgers University

Business Intelligence and Competitive Analysis (Coursera)

By the end of 2019, it is clear that American Airlines (AAL), the world’s largest airline group, is in trouble. With the growth rate of its stock price ranked at the bottom of all major US airlines and going in the opposite direction from the SP500 index, AAL needs to find out what is going on, and how to turn the company and its stock price around.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Functional Programming in Scala Capstone (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Functional Programming in Scala Capstone (Coursera)

In the final capstone project you will apply the skills you learned by building a large data-intensive application using real-world data. You will implement a complete application processing several gigabytes of data. This application will show interactive visualizations of the evolution of temperatures over time all over the world.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Applied Plotting, Charting & Data Representation in Python (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

Applied Plotting, Charting & Data Representation in Python (Coursera)

This course will introduce the learner to information visualization basics, with a focus on reporting and charting using the matplotlib library. The course will start with a design and information literacy perspective, touching on what makes a good and bad visualization, and what statistical measures translate into in terms of visualizations. The second week will focus on the technology used to make visualizations in python, matplotlib, and introduce users to best practices when creating basic charts and how to realize design decisions in the framework.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
MySQL for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence (Coursera) Coursera
Edureka

MySQL for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence (Coursera)

Embark on a thorough educational expedition through the "Fundamentals of Database Management with MySQL" module. This foundational program aims to impart a robust comprehension of MySQL, a prominent Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). Participants will delve into crucial concepts, ranging from the fundamentals of SQL to more advanced topics like data retrieval, relationships, business intelligence, and data visualization.

Nov 2nd 2026
1 Week
Investigating Epidemics like COVID-19: An Analyst's Guide (Coursera) Coursera
Johns Hopkins University

Investigating Epidemics like COVID-19: An Analyst's Guide (Coursera)

Do you want to learn how to detect, identify the cause, and decrease the morbidity and mortality from outbreaks or pandemics like COVID-19? Are you considering a career in public health practice, but aren’t sure how health departments collect and use outbreak data? Are you working in public health, but interested in moving into analytical and/or technical roles or curious how health departments investigate outbreaks? If so, this course is for you.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Excel/VBA for Creative Problem Solving, Part 2 (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Excel/VBA for Creative Problem Solving, Part 2 (Coursera)

Excel/VBA for Creative Problem Solving, Part 2" builds off of knowledge and skills obtained in "Excel/VBA for Creative Problem Solving, Part 1" and 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).

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Data and Health Indicators in Public Health Practice (Coursera) Coursera
Johns Hopkins University

Data and Health Indicators in Public Health Practice (Coursera)

Epidemiology is often described as the cornerstone science in public health. Epidemiology in public health practice uses study design and analyses to identify causes in an outbreak situation, guides interventions to improve population health, and evaluates programs and policies. In this course, we'll define the role of the professional epidemiologist as it relates to public health services, functions, and competencies. With that foundation in mind, we'll introduce you to the problem solving methodology and demonstrate how it can be used in a wide variety of settings to identify problems, propose solutions, and evaluate interventions.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks