Objective

The skills of data analysis and presentation have become essential for students of all disciplines. Data analysis requires knowledge of statistics and computer program coding. With the advent of statistical software, statistical data analysis and presentation can be conducted quickly and efficiently. R, a programming language and free software environment for statistical computing and graphics, has become one of the most commonly used computing languages in the statistics community. Thus, the objectives of this course are

1. introducing the fundamentals and graphics of R, and
2. introducing the basic to intermediate level of techniques for statistical data analysis and graphic presentation using R as the programming tool and platform.

Target students

This course is intended for students who have no or little experience of R. The focus of this course is to facilitate students with skills of data analysis using R while learning fundamental concepts of statistical methods.

Class format

This class will be conducted in an interactive format through the following arrangements:

1. Subject and statistical methods (SSM) to be covered will be fully explained at the beginning of the semester (the first three or four weeks). For each SSM, problems and tasks with specific learning objectives (important concepts and theories) will be used to guide students to solve these problems through computer coding (using R) and in-class discussions.
2. Students will be grouped (based on their backgrounds or interests) into several groups. Each group will be assigned certain SSMs to study during the semester.
3. Every week, two or more groups (depending on the number of groups in the class) will present their progress and results in class, followed by discussions.
4. Each group is expected to make several presentations during the semester. Hopefully, once in every 3 to 4 weeks.
5. A final presentation is required for all groups in the final week.

SSMs to be covered in this semester will be dependent on the enrolled students. The following SSMs of previous years are only for your reference.

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated based on their performance in the progress report and presentations, as well as their participations in class discussions. 

Weekly schedule of individual groups