Introduction to R

Meeting Times:

• Monday, July 15, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tuesday July 16, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Wednesday July 17, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Classroom: Classroom: Randall Rollins Building (RR 205)

Module Summary:
This module introduces the R statistical environment, assuming no prior knowledge. It provides a foundation for the use of R for computation in later modules. In addition to discussing basic data management tasks in R, such as reading in data and producing summaries through R scripts, we will also introduce R’s graphics functions, its powerful package system, and simple methods of looping.

Hands-on use of R is a major component of this module; users require a laptop and will use it in all sessions. Examples and exercises will use data drawn from biological and medical applications, including infectious diseases and genetics. Participants require a laptop and will use it in all sessions. Suggested pairing: All later modules.

Prerequisites:
This module assumes prior knowledge of basic descriptive statistics and regression modeling consistent with an introductory statistical course.

Module Content:

• Write and use R script.
• Create and use R projects and R Markdown files.
• Read and write data files
• Install and load R packages, and be able to access the help system and other resources to facilitate their use.
• Learn base R syntax
• Perform basic data manipulations (e.g. working with different data types, creating new variables, merging data sets).
• Use R to perform descriptive statistics including graphics.
• Perform basic inferential statistical analyses including regression analysis.
• Write and use R functions, and perform basic programming in R including loops.