Day 1: Introduction to Excel and Basic Functions

• Introduction to Excel: Overview of the software, its interface, and terminology.
• Creating and Saving Workbooks: Creating a new workbook, saving and organizing files.
• Entering and Formatting Data: Entering data in cells, formatting text and numbers.
• Basic Formulas and Functions: Introduction to formulas and basic functions like SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN.
• Cell References: Understanding relative and absolute cell references.
• Exercise: Creating a simple budget spreadsheet using basic functions and formatting.

Day 2: Advanced Functions and Data Manipulation

• Intermediate Functions: Working with more advanced functions like IF, VLOOKUP, COUNTIF.
• Conditional Formatting: Applying formatting based on certain conditions.
• Sorting and Filtering Data: Sorting data in ascending or descending order, applying filters to manipulate data.
• Data Validation: Setting rules to restrict data entry.
• PivotTables: Introduction to PivotTables and creating basic reports.
• Exercise: Analyzing sales data using PivotTables and advanced functions.

Day 3: Charts and Graphs

• Creating Charts: Different types of charts available in Excel and creating charts from data.
• Formatting Charts: Customizing chart elements, axes, labels, and titles.
• Chart Analysis: Interpreting and analyzing data using charts.
• Sparklines: Adding mini charts within cells.
• Advanced Charting Techniques: Using secondary axes, trendlines, and combination charts.
• Exercise: Creating a sales report with various types of charts and analyzing the data.

Day 4: Data Analysis and Macros

• Conditional Functions: Working with logical functions like AND, OR, NOT.
• Text Functions: Manipulating text using functions like CONCATENATE, LEFT, RIGHT, MID.
• Data Analysis Tools: Utilizing built-in tools like Goal Seek, Solver, and Scenario Manager.
• Filtering and Advanced Sorting: Using advanced filtering techniques and sorting options.
• Introduction to Macros: Recording and running macros to automate repetitive tasks.
• Exercise: Analyzing survey data, performing calculations, and automating tasks with macros.

Day 5: Data Visualization and Advanced Techniques

• Advanced Data Validation: Creating dynamic drop-down lists and custom error messages.
• Advanced Formatting: Using conditional formatting with formulas, data bars, and icon sets.
• Advanced PivotTables: Grouping data, creating calculated fields, and slicers.
• Importing and Exporting Data: Importing data from external sources, exporting Excel data to different formats.
• What-If Analysis: Using scenarios and data tables for performing hypothetical analysis.
• Exercise: Creating a dynamic dashboard with interactive charts, advanced formatting, and data analysis tools.

Note: This syllabus is designed for a beginner-to-intermediate level Excel course. The complexity and depth of each topic can be adjusted based on the target audience and available time. Additional practice exercises and hands-on activities should be incorporated throughout the program to reinforce the concepts learned.