Data Analysis in R

Course will take place online from 10-14 January 2022. Full time attendance is required.

With the increasing use of statistical languages like R in data analysis, now is the time to get to grips with them!

In this course, we’ll start out with the data structures present in R (vectors, matrices, lists, data frames) and how to perform simple operations with them. Then, we’ll learn how to import the data in R and how to save the output of your analyses. We’ll also go over logical operations and key elements to navigate through datasets.

Once the students have familiarised themselves with these basic concepts, we will move on to more advanced programming concepts such as understanding and writing functions, string operations, and list operations.

Besides these technical skills, students will learn how to compute descriptive statistics and how to produce a visual representation of data in R. For example, we will touch upon the linear regression model, which is a widely used model with two primary purposes: modelling relationships among the data and predicting future observations. After that, we’ll expand the linear model to the generalised linear framework in order to analyse non-normally distributed variables. All the statistical theory will be covered first, and then we’ll see practical examples of R in action so that students can learn the methods through first-hand application.

Each day will consist of lectures with examples and exercises, which the students can use as opportunities to apply what they have learned. The focus of the exercises and end-of-course assignment is the coding in R and how to apply and interpret generalised linear regression models. 

Who should join?

Open to Bachelor and Master’s students, PhD candidates, and professionals from all disciplines.
Students and professionals with a basic knowledge of statistics (an undergraduate course is a prerequisite) who are interested in learning the basics and some more advanced skills of R and applying them to solve their data analysis problems.

Final year Bachelor, Master’s students, PhD candidates, and professionals are welcome to apply.

If you have doubts about your eligibility for the course, please contact us via graduatewinterschool@vu.nl.

Learning objectives

Students will develop their programming skills in R and statistically evaluate quantitative data sources, conduct various statistical tests, and analyse data using generalised linear frameworks.

Upon completion of the course, students will be familiar with the various popular R packages, have the tools to write their own functions, and know how to use attractive plots to present their data.