Microsoft Excel for medical postgraduates.pdf

From Cells to Cures:
Harnessing Excel's Potential for
Medical Thesis Writing
Professor Dr. Md. Toufiqur Rahman
MBBS (DMC), FCPS (Medicine), MD (Cardiology),
FACC, FRCP, FESC, FAHA, FAPSIC, FASE, FSCAI, FAPSC
Professor and Head, Department of Cardiology
Colonel Maleque Medical College, Manikganj.
Vice President, Bangladesh Society of Cardiovascular Intervention (BSCI)
E-mail: drtoufiq1971@yahoo.com; drtoufiq1971@gmail.com

First Published : March 2023
Published by : Dr. T. Rahman Cardiac
Care Foundation
Printed by : Bersha Pvt. Ltd
Pearsons Tower (6th Floor)
299, Elephent Road, Dhaka-1205
Mobile : 01711544011
E-mail : bersha124@gmail.com
Cover Design : Kazi Atik
Price : 400/- (Four Hundred Taka) Only.
ISBN : 978-984-35-4574-9

Preface
Congratulations, medical postgraduates, on embarking upon a
remarkable journey of research and academic exploration! As you
enter the realm of thesis / dissertation writing, Microsoft Excel
stands as a formidable ally in your quest for organizing, analyzing
and presenting data effectively. This book aims to be your trusted
companion, guiding you through the intricate world of Excel and
empowering you to harness its full potential in your thesis/
dissertation endeavors.
Thesis writing is a challenging task that requires meticulous
attention to detail, rigorous analysis and clear presentation of
findings. In the realm of medical research, where data-driven
insights hold immense value, Excel emerges as an indispensable
tool for managing complex datasets, conducting statistical analyses
and visualizing results.
This book is specifically tailored to address the unique needs of
medical postgraduates, providing you with comprehensive guidance
on utilizing Excel's features to facilitate your research process. From
the initial stages of data collection and organization to the final
stages of data interpretation and presentation, this book will equip
you with the skills necessary to handle the data intricacies inherent
in medical research.
This book begins by acquainting you with the fundamental
concepts of Excel, guiding you through the creation and
manipulation of worksheets, cells and ranges. Building upon this
foundation, we will delve into advanced data manipulation
techniques, such as sorting, filtering and pivot tables, enabling you
to extract meaningful insights from your research data effortlessly.
Visualizing data is an essential component of presenting research
findings and Excel provides a wealth of options in this regard. This
book will guide you in creating informative and visually appealing
charts, graphs and tables to enhance the clarity and impact of your
thesis. Furthermore, it will explore Excel's formatting tools to
ensure your data is presented professionally and in accordance with
academic standards.

Contents
Topics Page No.
I. Introduction to Microsoft Excel 01
II. Getting Started with Excel 02
III. Basic Excel Functions and Formulas 04
IV. Formatting and Styling in Excel 06
V. Data Analysis with Excel 09
VI. Advanced Excel Features 12
VII. Collaboration and Sharing in Excel 13
VIII. Tips and Tricks for Excel Mastery 15
IX. Future Directions of Microsoft Excel 16
X. Conclusion 17
XI. Exercises with Microsoft Excel 17
While this book is designed as a comprehensive guide, we
encourage you to embrace it as a foundation for experimentation
and exploration. Excel is a versatile tool that rewards hands-on
experience and creative problem-solving. By applying the
knowledge gained through this book to your unique research
scenarios, you will gain the confidence to overcome challenges and
unlock new insights.
As you embark on your thesis writing journey, remember that
Microsoft Excel is more than just software – it is a powerful ally that
will assist you in your pursuit of scientific discovery. By utilizing
Excel effectively, you will not only enhance the quality of your
thesis but also develop invaluable skills that will serve you
throughout your medical career as well as day to day normal
activities of your life.
Best wishes,

Acknowledgement
I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to the
following individuals whose support, guidance, and encouragement
have been instrumental in the creation of this book, "From Cells to
Cures: Harnessing Excel's Potential for Medical Thesis Writing"
First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to
Professor Md Shahid Ullah, the esteemed President of the
Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) and
Professor ABM Jamal, the Honorary Secretary General of BCPS.
I extend my sincere appreciation to Professor Syedur Rahman, the
President of the IT Committee of BCPS. Your expertise and
guidance in the field of information technology have been
invaluable in shaping the content and direction of this book.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Fazal Naser my
friend and Member Secretary of the IT Committee of BCPS. Your
support, suggestions and technical expertise have greatly enriched this
book and ensured its relevance to the needs of medical postgraduates.
I would also like to acknowledge Brigadier General Retired Aminur
Rahman, the Director of Administration at BCPS. Your
administrative support and logistical assistance have been
instrumental in facilitating the completion of this project.
To my beloved wife, Tahura Khatun, your unwavering love,
encouragement, and patience have sustained me throughout the
writing process. Your belief in my abilities and your understanding
of the time and effort required for this endeavor have been
immeasurable.
To my daughter, Farah Tasneem, and my twin sons, Abrar Farhan
Fuad and Anjum Farhan Shahriar, thank you for your understanding
and support during the times when my focus was on completing this
book. Your presence and love have given me the motivation to strive
for excellence in all that I do.
I would also like to extend my appreciation to all the councilors of
BCPS, faculty members, colleagues and friends who have provided
feedback, suggestions and encouragement during the development
of this book. Your insights and contributions have played a vital role
in shaping its content and improving its quality.
Lastly, I am grateful to the readers of this book, whose interest and
enthusiasm for Excel in the context of medical research have
motivated me to undertake this project. I hope that this book serves
as a valuable resource in your academic pursuits and contributes to
your success in using Microsoft Excel effectively.

A. Overview of the software
1. Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet software used for
data management, analysis and visualization.
2. Core features and capabilities of Excel include data entry,
sorting, filtering, calculations, charting, and pivot tables.
B. History of Excel
3. Excel was first developed by Microsoft in 1985 and has since
undergone numerous updates and improvements.
4. Major milestones in Excel's history include the introduction of
new features such as VBA macros, conditional formatting, and
the ribbon interface.
C. Advantages of using Excel
5. Benefits of using Excel for data analysis and management
include the ability to handle large datasets, automate repetitive
tasks, and perform complex calculations.
6. Applications of Excel in various industries and fields include
finance, marketing, engineering, and scientific research.
D. Basic requirements for using Excel
7. Hardware and software requirements for running Excel include
a computer with Windows or Mac operating system, and a
licensed version of Microsoft Office.
8. Knowledge and skills necessary for using Excel effectively
include proficiency in data entry, basic formulas, and functions,
as well as familiarity with charting and pivot tables.
9. Resources and tools available for learning Excel include online
tutorials, textbooks, and in-person training courses.
Additionally, Microsoft offers extensive documentation and
support for Excel users.
01
I. Introduction to Microsoft Excel

02
A. Starting Excel and creating a new workbook
1. Launching Excel from the desktop or start menu
● Double-clicking the Excel icon on the desktop or start menu
2. Opening a new blank workbook
● Selecting "Blank workbook" from the available templates
● Pressing Ctrl+N on the keyboard
3. Saving a new workbook
● Selecting "Save" or "Save As" from the File menu
● Pressing Ctrl+S on the keyboard
B. Understanding the Excel interface
1. The Ribbon and its components
● The tabs and groups on the Ribbon
● The commands available in each group
2. The Quick Access Toolbar
● Customizing the toolbar with frequently used commands
3. The Formula Bar
● Displaying the contents of a cell or formula
4. The Workbook Window
● The area where the worksheet is displayed
5. The Sheet Tab Navigation Bar
● Switching between different worksheets in the same workbook
6. The Status Bar
● Displaying information about the current worksheet or
selection
C. Customizing the interface
1. Adding or removing commands from the Ribbon
● Right-clicking on the Ribbon and selecting "Customize
the Ribbon"
● Selecting or deselecting commands in the available list
2. Adding or removing buttons from the Quick Access Toolbar
● Clicking the drop-down arrow on the toolbar and
II. Getting Started with Excel

03
selecting "More Commands"
● Selecting or deselecting commands in the available list
3. Changing the font size and style of the interface
● Selecting "Options" from the File menu
● Navigating to the "General" tab and changing the font settings
4. Modifying the default settings of Excel
● Selecting "Options" from the File menu
● Navigating to the desired tab and changing the settings
D. Navigation and selection techniques in Excel
1. Selecting cells, ranges, rows and columns
● Clicking and dragging to select a range
● Pressing Ctrl and clicking to select multiple
non-contiguous cells or ranges
● Pressing Shift and clicking to select a contiguous range
2. Navigating through the worksheet using the arrow keys,
mouse, and keyboard shortcuts
● Using the arrow keys to move one cell in any direction
● Using the scroll bar or mouse wheel to move up or down
the worksheet
● Using the Page Up and Page Down keys to move up or
down one screen at a time
3. Using the Go To command to quickly navigate to a
specific cell or range
● Pressing Ctrl+G on the keyboard
● Entering the desired cell or range address in the dialog box
4. Using the Name Box to navigate to named cells or ranges
● Selecting the drop-down arrow on the Name Box
● Selecting the desired named cell or range from the list
5. Using the Freeze Panes command to keep a portion of the
worksheet visible while scrolling
● Selecting the cell below and to the right of the area to be frozen
● Selecting "Freeze Panes" from the View menu
● Scrolling through the worksheet while the frozen area remains visible

04
A. Understanding Excel functions and formulas
1. Definition of functions and formulas in Excel: Functions are
built-in formulas that perform specific calculations in Excel,
while formulas are expressions that contain mathematical,
logical, and/or text operations.
2. Types of functions in Excel: There are several types of
functions in Excel, including mathematical, statistical,
logical, and text functions.
3. Syntax and structure of functions in Excel: Excel functions
consist of the function name followed by a set of parentheses
that contain arguments or parameters.
B. Basic arithmetic calculations
1. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of
numbers: Excel can perform basic arithmetic operations on
numerical data, including adding, subtracting, multiplying,
and dividing.
2. Using parentheses to control the order of operations:
Parentheses can be used to group operations and control the
order of calculations.
3. Using the SUM function to add up a range of numbers: The
SUM function is a built-in function in Excel that adds up a
range of numbers.
4. Using the AVERAGE function to calculate the average of a
range of numbers: The AVERAGE function is a built-in function
in Excel that calculates the average of a range of numbers.
C. Working with cell references
1. Absolute, relative, and mixed cell references: Cell
references are used in formulas to refer to specific cells, and
they can be absolute, relative, or mixed.
2. Using cell references in formulas to perform calculations:
Cell references can be used in formulas to perform
calculations, and the results will automatically update if the
data in the referenced cells change.
III. Basic Excel Functions and Formulas

05
3. Copying and pasting formulas across cells: Formulas can be
copied and pasted across cells to perform the same
calculation on multiple sets of data.
D. Using basic Excel functions
1. Mathematical functions: Excel includes a variety of built-in
mathematical functions, including SUM, AVERAGE, MAX,
MIN, ABS, and ROUND.
2. Statistical functions: Excel includes several built-in statistical
functions, such as COUNT, COUNTA, COUNTIF, SUMIF,
and AVERAGEIF, which can be used to analyze data.
3. Logical functions: Excel includes several built-in logical
functions, such as IF, AND, OR, and NOT, which can be used
to evaluate logical conditions and return a specific result.
4. Text functions: Excel includes several built-in text
functions, such as CONCATENATE, LEFT, RIGHT, MID,
LEN, LOWER, and UPPER, which can be used to
manipulate text data.
E. Examples of basic Excel functions and formulas
1. Creating a simple budget using basic arithmetic calculations
and the SUM function: Excel can be used to create a simple
budget by adding up income and subtracting expenses using
basic arithmetic calculations and the SUM function.
2. Analyzing sales data using the AVERAGE and MAX
functions: Excel can be used to analyze sales data by
calculating the average and maximum sales using the
AVERAGE and MAX functions.
3. Filtering data using the COUNTIF and SUMIF functions:
Excel can be used to filter data by counting and summing
data that meet specific criteria using the COUNTIF and
SUMIF functions.
4. Using the IF function to analyze survey results: Excel can be
used to analyze survey results by using the IF function to
evaluate responses and return a specific result.
5. Manipulating text using text functions: Excel can be used to
manipulate text data using built-in text functions like
CONCATENATE, LEFT, RIGHT, MID, LEN, LOWER, and UPPER.

06
A. Formatting cells, rows, and columns
Excel provides various formatting options to format cells, rows, and
columns. Some of the formatting options are:
● Changing cell width and height: To adjust the width or height of
a cell, select the cell, move your cursor to the edge of the cell,
and drag the boundary until the cell is the desired size.
● Adjusting row height and column width: To adjust the height of
a row or the width of a column, select the row or column, move
your cursor to the edge of the row or column header, and drag
the boundary until the row or column is the desired size.
● Merging and unmerging cells: You can merge multiple cells into
one cell and unmerge cells by selecting the merged cell and
clicking on the "Merge & Center" button.
● Changing cell alignment: You can change the horizontal and
vertical alignment of cells using the alignment options in the
"Alignment" section of the "Home" tab.
● Adding borders and shading: You can add borders and shading
to cells, rows, and columns using the options in the "Border" and
"Fill" sections of the "Home" tab.
● Formatting numbers and dates: You can format cells to display
numbers, dates, times, and currencies using the options in the
"Number" section of the "Home" tab.
B. Working with fonts, colors, and styles
Excel allows you to change the font type, size, and color of the text
in cells, as well as apply font styles such as bold, italic, and
underline. You can also change the background color of cells, apply
cell styles, and use themes to format your worksheets.
● Changing font type, size, and color: You can change the font
type, size, and color using the options in the "Font" section of
the "Home" tab.
● Applying font styles: You can apply font styles such as bold, italic, and
underline using the options in the "Font" section of the "Home" tab.
IV. Formatting and Styling in Excel

07
● Changing cell background color: You can change the
background color of cells using the options in the "Fill" section
of the "Home" tab.
● Applying styles and themes to worksheets: You can apply cell
styles and use themes to format your worksheets using the
options in the "Styles" and "Themes" sections of the "Home" tab.
C. Applying conditional formatting
Conditional formatting allows you to highlight cells that meet
specific conditions. You can define conditional formatting rules to
highlight cells based on their values or formulas.
● Defining conditional formatting rules: To define a conditional
formatting rule, select the cells you want to format, click on the
"Conditional Formatting" button, and select "New Rule."
● Highlighting cells based on their values or formulas: You can
highlight cells based on their values or formulas using the
options in the "New Formatting Rule" dialog box.
● Using data bars, color scales, and icon sets to visualize data:
You can use data bars, color scales, and icon sets to visualize
data using the options in the "New Formatting Rule" dialog box.
D. Creating charts and graphs
Excel allows you to create different types of charts and graphs to
visualize data. You can add and format chart elements such as titles,
axis labels, and legends, and customize chart layouts and designs.
● Creating different types of charts: To create a chart, select the
data you want to include in the chart, click on the "Insert" tab,
and select the type of chart you want to create.
● Adding and formatting chart elements: You can add and
format chart elements such as titles, axis labels, and legends
using the options in the "Chart Tools" tab.
● Changing chart styles and colors: You can change the style
and color of the chart by selecting the chart and using the
options in the "Chart Styles" and "Chart Colors" sections of the
"Chart Tools" tab.
● Adjusting chart layout: Excel provides options to adjust the

08
layout of the chart, including changing the chart's position, size,
and alignment with other elements on the worksheet.
● Customizing chart data: You can modify the data source for
the chart by selecting the chart, clicking on the "Select Data"
option in the "Chart Tools" tab, and adding, editing, or removing
data series.
● Formatting chart axes: Excel allows you to customize the
formatting of chart axes, including adjusting the scale, adding
gridlines, and changing the axis labels.
● Creating combination charts: Combination charts are charts
that display different types of data series on the same chart.
Excel enables you to create combination charts by selecting
multiple data series and choosing the desired chart types for
each series.
● Adding trendlines: Trendlines help you analyze and visualize
trends in your data. You can add trendlines to your chart by
selecting the data series and using the "Trendline" option in the
"Chart Tools" tab.
● Updating charts automatically: If your data changes, you can
update your chart automatically by enabling the "Update
automatically" option. This ensures that the chart reflects the
most recent data without manually adjusting it.
● Copying and pasting charts: Excel allows you to copy and
paste charts between worksheets or other applications, making it
easy to share or present your visualizations.
● Saving and sharing charts: You can save your charts as image
files or directly embed them in other documents. Excel also
provides sharing options, such as sending charts via email or
uploading them to the cloud for collaboration.
These are some of the features and functionalities in Excel for
creating charts and graphs. Excel provides a wide range of options
to customize and present your data visually, helping you gain
insights and communicate information effectively

09
A. Sorting and filtering data
Excel provides several features for sorting and filtering data, allowing
users to quickly organize and analyze large datasets. The following
are some of the techniques for sorting and filtering data in Excel:
1. Sorting data in ascending or descending order: To sort data in
Excel, select the column that you want to sort by and click on the
"Sort A to Z" or "Sort Z to A" button in the "Sort & Filter" group
of the "Data" tab.
2. Sorting by multiple columns: To sort data by multiple
columns, select the columns that you want to sort by, and then
click on the "Sort" button in the "Sort & Filter" group of the
"Data" tab. In the "Sort" dialog box, specify the order in which
you want the columns to be sorted.
3. Filtering data by criteria using Auto Filter: To filter data by
criteria, select the column that you want to filter, and then click
on the "Filter" button in the "Sort & Filter" group of the "Data"
tab. In the dropdown menu that appears, you can select the
criteria that you want to use for filtering the data.
4. Filtering by color or icon: Excel also allows users to filter data
by color or icon. To do this, select the column that you want to
filter, click on the "Filter" button in the "Sort & Filter" group of the
"Data" tab, and then select "Filter by Color" or "Filter by Icon."
5. Using Advanced Filter to filter by complex criteria: Excel's
Advanced Filter feature allows users to filter data by complex
criteria, such as multiple conditions or using a formula. To use
Advanced Filter, select the data that you want to filter, click on
the "Advanced" button in the "Sort & Filter" group of the "Data"
tab, and then specify the filtering criteria in the "Advanced
Filter" dialog box.
B. Working with pivot tables:
Pivot tables are a powerful feature in Excel that allows users to
summarize and analyze large datasets. The following are some of
the techniques for working with pivot tables in Excel:
V. Data Analysis with Excel

10
1. Creating a pivot table: To create a pivot table, select the data
that you want to analyze, click on the "PivotTable" button in the
"Tables" group of the "Insert" tab, and then specify the location
where you want to place the pivot table.
2. Defining rows, columns, and values in a pivot table: To
define rows, columns, and values in a pivot table, drag and drop
the fields from the "Field List" pane to the "Row Labels,"
"Column Labels," and "Values" areas.
3. Using filters and slicers to analyze pivot table data: Pivot
tables allow users to filter and slice data in multiple ways. To
filter data in a pivot table, use the filter dropdowns or slicers that
are available for each field.
4. Changing the layout and design of a pivot table: Pivot tables
can be customized in various ways, such as by changing the
layout, design, or style. To change the layout of a pivot table,
drag and drop the fields to different areas. To change the design
or style of a pivot table, use the options available in the
"PivotTable Styles" group of the "Design" tab.
C. Using Excel for statistical analysis:
1. Calculating measures of central tendency: Excel provides
several functions to calculate measures of central tendency,
including mean, median, and mode. These functions are as
follows:
● AVERAGE: Calculates the arithmetic mean of a set of
numbers.
● MEDIAN: Calculates the median value of a set of numbers.
● MODE: Calculates the most frequently occurring value in a
set of numbers.
2. Calculating measures of dispersion: Excel also provides
functions to calculate measures of dispersion, including
standard deviation and variance. These functions are as follows:
● STDEV: Calculates the standard deviation of a set of
numbers.
● VAR: Calculates the variance of a set of numbers.

11
3. Using the Data Analysis Toolpak: Excel's Data Analysis
Toolpak provides additional statistical analysis tools that are not
included in the base software. These tools include regression
analysis, hypothesis testing, and analysis of variance.
4. Creating histograms, scatter plots, and box plots to visualize
data: Excel provides tools for creating a variety of charts and
graphs to visualize data. Histograms can be used to show the
distribution of data, while scatter plots can be used to show the
relationship between two variables. Box plots can be used to
show the distribution of data and identify outliers.
D. Using Excel for forecasting and trend analysis:
1. Creating trendlines in charts to forecast future values: Excel
provides the ability to add trendlines to charts, which can be
used to forecast future values based on historical data.
Trendlines can be linear or nonlinear, and can be used to make
predictions for a specific time period.
2. Using the FORECAST function to predict future values
based on historical data: The FORECAST function can be
used to predict future values based on historical data. The
function requires a set of x and y values, and a new x value for
which to predict a y value.
3. Using the Moving Average function to analyze trends over
time: The Moving Average function can be used to smooth out
fluctuations in data and identify trends over time. The function
calculates the average of a set of data points over a specified
period of time.
4. Using regression analysis to model relationships between
variables: Regression analysis can be used to model
relationships between variables and make predictions about
future values. Excel provides several regression analysis tools,
including linear regression, multiple regression, and logistic
regression. These tools require a set of input data and an output
variable, and can be used to identify the strength and direction of
relationships between variables.

12
A. Working with macros and VBA
Excel macros are a powerful tool that allows users to automate
repetitive tasks and save time. Macros can be recorded and edited to
perform a sequence of tasks and can be run with a click of a button.
VBA is a programming language that allows users to create custom
macros with complex logic.
Users can create a macro in Excel by recording the steps they want
the macro to perform, and then save and run the macro whenever
they need to repeat those steps. Users can also edit the macro code
to add or modify the logic of the macro.
VBA allows users to create more complex macros with custom logic
and user forms. Users can create user forms to interact with users,
such as inputting data or selecting options.
B. Creating user-defined functions:
Excel provides many built-in functions for performing calculations
and analysis. However, users can also create their own custom func-
tions to perform specific tasks that are not provided by the built-in
functions. Users can create custom functions using VBA.
Custom functions can be created with specific logic and can be used
in formulas just like built-in functions. This allows users to extend
the functionality of Excel and perform more complex analysis.
C. Advanced data analysis techniques:
Excel provides many advanced functions and tools for data analysis.
Functions such as INDEX, MATCH, and VLOOKUP can be used to
perform complex analysis on large datasets. Users can also work
with large datasets and data models to analyze data.
Array formulas allow users to perform complex calculations using
multiple values and arrays of data. These formulas can be used to
perform advanced calculations on large datasets.
D. Data visualization and dashboarding:
Excel provides many tools for creating interactive dashboards and
VI. Advanced Excel Features

13
A. Sharing workbooks and collaborating with others
Excel allows users to share workbooks with others, making it
possible for multiple people to work on the same file
simultaneously. Users can collaborate in real-time, see each other's
changes, and communicate using the built-in comment and chat
features. To share a workbook, users can go to the "Share" option in
the "File" menu and enter the email addresses of the collaborators.
Excel also allows users to control permissions and restrict access to
certain parts of the workbook.
B. Working with Excel online and on mobile devices
Excel Online is a free web-based version of Excel that allows users
to create, edit, and share Excel files using a web browser. Excel
Mobile is a mobile app for Android and iOS devices that allows
users to view, edit, and share Excel files on the go. Both Excel
VII. Collaboration and Sharing in Excel
visualizations. Users can use slicers, timelines, and other visual
tools to filter and navigate data. Dynamic charts and graphs can be
created using advanced features such as PivotCharts.
Power View and Power Pivot are advanced tools in Excel that allow
users to create interactive data models and visualizations. These
tools provide advanced features for working with large datasets and
creating dynamic dashboards.
E. Examples of advanced Excel features:
Users can automate complex financial modeling using macros and
VBA. Custom functions can be created to perform complex statisti-
cal analysis such as hypothesis testing or regression analysis.
Advanced functions and array formulas can be used to analyze large
datasets and perform complex calculations.
Interactive dashboards can be created to display and analyze com-
plex datasets, such as sales data or financial data. These dashboards
can use advanced features such as PivotCharts and slicers to provide
an interactive user experience. Power View and Power Pivot can be
used to create advanced data models and visualizations that can be
shared with others.

14
Online and Excel Mobile offer a subset of Excel's features and are
optimized for collaboration and sharing.
C. Protecting Excel files and data
Excel offers several ways to protect files and data, including:
● Password protection: Users can protect an entire workbook or
specific sheets with a password to prevent unauthorized access.
● Read-only mode: Users can set a workbook or specific sheets to
be read-only, preventing others from making changes.
● Data validation: Users can control the type and format of data
that can be entered into specific cells to prevent errors and
ensure consistency.
● Data encryption: Users can encrypt a workbook or specific
sheets to protect sensitive data.
D. Best practices for sharing and collaboration in Excel
To ensure smooth collaboration and sharing in Excel, users should
follow these best practices:
● Use consistent formatting and style: Consistent formatting
and style make it easier to read and understand data, especially
when multiple people are working on the same file.
● Use clear and concise labels: Clear and concise labels make it
easier to navigate and search for data, especially in large datasets.
● Avoid using merged cells: Merged cells can cause issues with
sorting and filtering data, and make it difficult to perform
calculations and analysis.
● Keep formulas simple and transparent: Complex formulas can
be difficult to understand and debug, especially when multiple
people are working on the same file. It's best to keep formulas
simple and transparent, and avoid using hard-coded values.
● Backup files regularly: Backing up files regularly ensures that
data is not lost in case of accidental deletion or corruption.
● Use version control: Version control makes it easy to track
changes and revert to previous versions of a file if necessary.
● Communicate clearly and regularly: Clear and regular
communication is essential for effective collaboration and
sharing in Excel. Users should communicate their changes,
updates, and feedback regularly to ensure that everyone is on the
same page.

15
VIII. Tips and Tricks for Excel Mastery
A. Keyboard shortcuts for Excel
Knowing keyboard shortcuts can save a lot of time when working
with Excel. Some of the most commonly used shortcuts include:
● Ctrl + C: Copy
● Ctrl + X: Cut
● Ctrl + V: Paste
● Ctrl + Z: Undo
● Ctrl + Y: Redo
● Ctrl + S: Save
● Ctrl + F: Find
● Ctrl + H: Replace
B. Customizing Excel with add-ins and extensions
Excel has a variety of add-ins and extensions available that can
enhance its functionality. These include:
● Power Query: A tool for importing, cleaning, and transforming
data from external sources.
● Power Pivot: A tool for creating and managing data models
within Excel.
● Solver: A tool for optimizing values in a spreadsheet based on constraints.
● Analysis Toolpak: A collection of statistical and financial
analysis tools.
● Conditional Formatting Assistant: A tool for creating
advanced conditional formatting rules.
● Kutools for Excel: A third-party add-in that adds over 300
features to Excel.
C. Troubleshooting common Excel issues
Some common issues that can arise when working with Excel include:
● Formulas not updating: Check that automatic calculation is
● Ctrl + B: Bold
● Ctrl + I: Italic
● Ctrl + U: Underline
● F2: Edit cell
● F4: Repeat last action
● F5: Go to
● F7: Spell check
● Alt + =: AutoSum

16
turned on and that there are no circular references in the formula.
● Errors in formulas: Check that all cell references are correct
and that the syntax of the formula is correct.
● Slow performance: Try reducing the size of the spreadsheet,
disabling add-ins, and optimizing formulas.
● Corrupted files: Try repairing the file or using Excel's built-in
recovery feature.
D. Tips for working with large datasets and complex formulas
When working with large datasets and complex formulas in Excel,
it's important to:
● Use efficient formulas: Try to use the most efficient formulas
possible, such as SUMIFS instead of multiple SUMIFs.
● Use named ranges: Named ranges can make it easier to refer to
specific areas of a large dataset.
● Use data validation: Data validation can help prevent errors
when entering data into a large dataset.
● Use tables: Tables can make it easier to sort, filter, and analyze
large datasets.
● Use pivot tables: Pivot tables can quickly summarize and
analyze large datasets.
● Use conditional formatting: Conditional formatting can help
highlight trends and patterns in large datasets.
IX. Future Directions of Microsoft Excel
Excel is a constantly evolving platform, and Microsoft is
continually adding new features and improving existing ones.
Going forward, we can expect Excel to incorporate more artificial
intelligence and machine learning capabilities, enabling users to
analyze and visualize data more quickly and efficiently. We can also
expect Excel to integrate more with other Microsoft products and
services, such as Power BI and Microsoft Teams, to provide more
seamless data analysis and collaboration experiences.

17
Throughout this guide, a wide range of Excel concepts and
techniques, including basic functions such as creating and
formatting worksheets, managing data, and performing calculations,
to more advanced features such as using macros, VBA, pivot tables,
and statistical analysis has been covered.
Various formatting and styling options, such as fonts, colors,
themes, conditional formatting, charts, and graphs were explored.
Moreover, data analysis techniques including sorting, filtering,
pivot tables, statistical analysis and forecasting are discussed.
Excel is a powerful tool for managing and analyzing data, but it can
also be overwhelming. My advice for Excel users is to start with the
basics and build from there. Take the time to learn the basic
functions and formatting options, and then gradually work your way
up to more advanced features. Additionally, take advantage of
online resources, such as tutorials, forums, and blogs, to learn from
others and get answers to your questions.
Furthermore, organization is key when working with Excel. Make
sure your data is clean and well-structured and use clear and concise
labels and naming conventions. Lastly, always back up your data,
whether it's through saving a copy of your file or using cloud storage
options like OneDrive. With these tips and a bit of practice, anyone
can become an Excel master and take advantage of all that this
powerful tool has to offer.
XI. Exercises with Microsoft Excel
Exercises 1 : Open MS Excel program, give the file name
BCPS_Excel_23.01.2023 and save as Excel 97-2003 workbook on
Desktop./ save as your name
X. Conclusion

19
Exercise 3: Make one salary sheet for the month of october 2021
using the table.
Each of the Employees gets house rent 45% of the basic pay and has
to contribute 200 taka in the benevolent fund in addition to the
Contributory provident fund (CPF).
Exercise 2:

20
Sl. No. Name Designation Basic pay
CPF
contribution
1. Abu Jafar General Manager 60000 10000
2. Moinul Haque Assistant General Manager 50000 10000
3. Md. Saiful Islam Engineer 40000 12000
4. Haider Ali Assistant Engineer 38000 8000
5. Keramot Ullah Designer 25000 5000
6. Abdul Halim Drafts Man 22000 7000
7. Joinal Abedin Record Keeper 15000 3000
8. Khodeza Khatun Receptionist 15000 8000
9. Abdul Mannan MLSS 8000 2000
10. Jahan Ara MLSS 7000 2500

21
Exercise-4:
Make one pie chart and one simple bar chart using the table below-
Sex of the patients Number %
Male 22 59.46
Female 15 40.54
Total 37 100.00
Sex of the patients
Male
Female
Number
22
15

22
Exercise-5:
To assess the effect of arsenic on nutritional status of the 5-14 years
children one case control study was conducted. Among 300 children
with under-nutrition 170 consumed arsenic contaminated water for
5 years or more. On the other hand among 900 children 405 were
exposed to contaminated water. Construct one multiple bar chart
using available information.
Exercise-6:
Make one salary statement for income tax assessment for the year of
2019. Date of increment is 1st July each year.
Breakup of the salary is as follows: Basic pay-60,000/-, House rent
45% of basic pay, Medical allowance-1,500/-, GPF
contribution-3,000/-, Benevolent Fund-50/- and Group
Insurance-40/- for each month.

23
Exercise-7:
Among three students-
Abir got 95 marks in mathematics, 80 in literature and 84 in Social
Science (out of 100 marks in each subject).
Bahdan got 76 in mathematics, 70 in literature and 62 in Social
Science.
Pishlu got 87 in mathematics, 88 in literature and 70 in Social
Science.
Construct one Diagram with the above information.
Exercise-7

24
Exercise-9:
Age of 20 patients of the study. Find average, Maximum ,
minimum and age range.
24 ,26,27,32, 34, 42, 43, 41, 38, 48, 52, 58, 32, 36, 63, 21, 31, 42, 22, 53
24
26
27
32
34
42
43
41
38
48
52 Average = 38.25
58 Maximum= 63
32 Minimum= 21
36 Age Range= 21-63 years
63
21
31
42
22
53
Exercise-8:

25
Exercise-11: Make a bar diagram of this table describing associated
co-morbid conditions
Exercise-10 : Make a bar diagram with the following table
describing causes of heart failure .

26
Exercise-13: Make a pie/bar diagram of age, sex, BMI distribution
using information of the above table
Age number
<30 years 20
≥ 30 years 40
Exercise-12:
Age distribution

27
PIE chart
Sex number
Male 24
Female 36
Sex distribution

28
BMI number
<25 54
≥25 6
BMI distribution

About the Author
Professor Dr. Md. Toufiqur Rahman was born
in Chuadanga, Bangladesh. He completed his
secondary and higher secondary education
from Ideal School, Motijheel and Notre Dame
College, Dhaka respectively. Dr. Rahman
then went on to pursue his MBBS degree from
Dhaka Medical College in 1997. He excelled
in his studies and was recognized as one of the
top performers in his class.
Following the completion of his MBBS,
Dr. Rahman underwent training and
academic attachments at several institutions.
He obtained FCPS degree in Internal Medicine in 2003. He also
completed his MD degree in Cardiology at the NICVD, Dhaka,
where he went on to serve as an Assistant Registrar, Assistant
Professor, Associate Professor and eventually, Professor of
Cardiology. He worked in this capacity until March 2018 when he
joined Colonel Malek Medical College in Manikganj as the
Professor and Head of Cardiology. He has since been instrumental
in establishing the department of cardiology at the college and has
played a key role in training young doctors in the field of cardiology.
Dr. Rahman has a long list of qualifications and fellowships,
including FACC, FESC, FAPSC, FAPSIC, FAHA, FRCPE,
FRCPG, FSCAI, FCCP, FACP and FASE. He has also served as the
Editorial Associate of Cardiovascular Journal.
Throughout his career, Dr. Rahman has been involved in various
teaching activities in different medical colleges and post graduate
institutions. He has published numerous research papers in both
national and international journals and has presented at many
conferences and workshops. He is considered an authority in the
field of cardiology and is often invited to deliver lectures and
presentations at medical conferences and symposiums.
Apart from his professional achievements, Dr. Rahman is also
known for his philanthropic work. He is actively involved in various
social initiatives and has played a key role in organizing medical
camps in rural areas.In recognition of his contributions to the field
of medicine, Dr. Rahman has received several awards and
accolades. He continues to inspire and mentor young doctors and is
regarded as a role model by many in the medical fraternity.

Books are available at:
Medinova Medical Services Ltd. Malibag Branch
Popular Diagnostic Centre, Unit-2, Shantinagar, Dhaka
Rokomari.com
Mobile: 01714-908651, 01777-751251, 01911-660914
Available books of same author
From Stress to Success:
A Guide to Hypertension
Management
Prof. Dr. Md. Toufiqur Rahman
Professor and Head of The Department of Cardiology
Breaking the Silence:
Understanding and Coping with
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Visualizing the Heart: A
Comprehensive Guide to Diagnostic
Tests and Imaging Modalities in
Cardiovascular Medicine
Heart beat Hero:
Manual of basic CPR Techniques for first
responders

Microsoft Excel for medical postgraduates.pdf

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