Module Aims
This core module aims to provide all students with the necessary skills and understanding to conduct research using R; from the beginning (data importing) to the end (reporting), and everything in between (cleaning, analysing, etc.). With a focus on research best practice using statistical software and reproducibility, it will enable students to approach quantitative tasks within other modules across the course, their dissertation, and beyond.
Module Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Confidently use GNU R Statistical Software
- Conduct a research project using R/RStudio
- Disseminate findings from a research project
- Continue learning advanced topics beyond the module
Prerequisites
None. No prior experience of coding or statistical software is necessary.
The module will utilise statistical concepts from the core statistics module (Principles of Biostatistics or Statistics for HDS, depending upon each student’s chosen pathway). However, understanding statistical techniques is not the focus of this module..
Teaching strategy
The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures, class discussion, small-group exercises, and practical sessions. The module will provide a supportive environment (with assistance during practicals). The nature of learning to program requires continual self-directed learning; this will be supplemented by practicals in other modules.
Assessment
A critically reflective narrative exploring learning on the module, with examples of coding relevant to study of population health sciences.
Module length
6 days, 3 each at beginning and end of term 1.