An Introduction to R: Software For Statistical Analysis

The aim of this course is to introduce participants to the basics of statistical analysis and the open source statistical software R, a free software environment for statistical computing and graphics.

Participants will actively use R throughout the course, during which they will be introduced to principles of statistical thinking and interpretation by example, exercises and discussion about a range of problems. The examples will be used to present a variety of statistical concepts and techniques, with no focus on any specific discipline.

Important information: We have 12 configured laptops for use at the workshop. After these laptops have been allocated, participants will either need to share, or bring their own. These laptops will be allocated to the first individuals to express an interest in using them. When booking, please indicate under "Special requirements" if you wish to use one of the 12 laptops or bring your own. Participants bringing their own laptop will be given instructions on what software to install.

Please note that if you are not eligible for a University of Cambridge Raven account you will need to book or register interest by linking here.

All postgraduates, Research Assistants and Research Associates, who have had minimal exposure to statistical methods and/or software, but want to develop the necessary skills to perform analysis and gain experience using R.

• No experience with R or any other statistical software is required.
• Knowledge of a basic course in statistics would be beneficial, but not necessary.

The first session will cover the basics of using R:

• Using R: starting and interacting with R
• Learning how to 'learn R': asking the right questions
• Basic exploratory statistics
• Simple comparisons: hypothesis testing

The second and third session will cover several case studies/usage examples:

• Graphics with R
• Linear regression
• Categorical data
• Best practice for using R - the R work-flow

Participants will actively use R throughout the course, during which they will be introduced to principles of statistical thinking and interpretation by example, exercises and discussion about a range of problems. The examples will be used to present a variety of statistical concepts and techniques, with no focus on any specific discipline.

The aim of the course is to introduce participants to the basics of statistical analysis and the open source statistical software GNU R.

By the end of the course, participants should have the skills to facilitate private study of more advanced topics, such as implementing statistical methods relevant to their own discipline.

Interactive workshop: participants will actively use R within the course and work through exercises and examples.

Three afternoon sessions, three hours each.

Once per term