Sanger Core Statistics

BeginnersPrerequisites

This laptop only course is intended to provide a strong foundation in practical statistics and data analysis using the R software environment. The underlying philosophy of the course is to treat statistics as a practical skill rather than as a theoretical subject and as such the course focuses on methods for addressing real-life issues in the biological sciences.

There are three core goals for this course:

1. Use R confidently for statistics and data analysis
2. Be able to analyse datasets using standard statistical techniques
3. Know which tests are and are not appropriate

R is a free, software environment for statistical and data analysis, with many useful features that promote and facilitate reproducible research.

In this course, we explore classical statistical analysis techniques starting with simple hypothesis testing and building up to generalised linear model analysis. The focus of the course is on practical implementation of these techniques and developing robust statistical analysis skills rather than on the underlying statistical theory

After the course you should feel confident to be able to select and implement common statistical techniques using R and moreover know when, and when not, to apply these techniques.

• This bespoke course is open to graduate students at the Sanger Institute only

This course requires users to be familiar with the R language. Attending an introductory R course is essential if you do not have a working knowledge of the R language already.

This is a laptop only course. No computers are provided and you will only be able to attend if you are able to bring your own laptop.

Number of sessions: 6

Learning Objectives After this course you should be able to:

1. Analyse datasets using standard statistical techniques
2. Know when each test is and is not appropriate

During this course you will learn about:

• One and two sample hypothesis tests
• ANOVA
• Simple linear Regression
• ANCOVA
• Linear Models
• Contingency Table Analysis
• Generalised Linear Models
• Model selection techniques

The course is primarily based around computer practicals interspersed with short lectures and presentations used to explain core ideas and principles. Participants must bring their own laptops to work on.

The course is split over six 3 hour sessions all held in the Mill Lane Lecture Theatres. If you book onto this course you must attend all of the sessions as detailed below. Failure to attend a session without giving notice to the course organiser or cancellation of your place less than 48 hours before the start of the first session may result in an administrative charge of £50.

Seven three hour sessions

Once per year

• Mathematics & Statistics
• Research Skills & Techniques