R for Biology

Overview

This short module provides an introduction to the R programming language. R is an incredibly powerful language, yet it is easy to learn. My students with no prior background can solve relatively complex problems for beginners with only one or two days of traning. This maintains their interest in learning more, because they are not frustrated with syntax errors and debugging issues common for other languages.

Oddly professional programmers describe R as a difficult language. This reputation developed for two reasons. First, R is primarily associated with statistics, and therefore most books and tutorials expect some level of proficiency in the subject. Programmers from other backgrounds may find this barrier hard to overcome. Second, the programming style of R, a functional language operating on vectors, is different from Python, Java and other popular languages. Therefore, the transition from other languages requires overcoming a learning curve.

Skills You Acquire

  • You wil learn a number of core concepts in R as listed below.
  • You will learn about the concepts of vectors and data frames in R.
  • You will be able to use statistical and plotting functions in R.
  • You will be able to install and load external packages (libraries) in R.
  • You will gain familiarity with the tidyverse and Bioconductor ecosystems.
  • This module is the prerequisite for all other R-related modules.

Class Style

These modules are video-assisted. The recorded videos clearly explain the technical materials. In addition, the modules include text with all codes, data and explanations.

Prerequisites

Cost

$99 $49 (until Mar. 28)

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Lessons

  • Lesson 1



    Welcome to the Introductory R Module

    Status: Text complete, video in production

  • Lesson 2



    R As a Calculator

    Status: Text complete, video in production

  • Lesson 3



    Vectors

    Status: Text complete, video in production

  • Lesson 4



    Functions Operating on Vectors

    Status: Text complete, video in production

  • Lesson 5



    Tidyverse and Bioconductor Ecosystems

    Status: Text complete, video in production

  • Lesson 6



    Data Frames (Spreadsheets) in R

    Status: Text complete, video in production

  • Lesson 7



    Statistical Analysis in R

    Status: Text complete, video in production

  • Lesson 8



    Where to go next?

    Status: Text complete, video in production

  • Lesson 9



    Managing the R Environment

    Status: Text complete, video in production