Data Visualization with R - Mastering Visual Data Communication (online course)

This practical online course enables you to create effective figures based on your quantitative data. If you want to gain a better understanding of your data and enhance the impact of your publications, Data Visualization with R is the perfect course for you!

Topics Overview

• Introduction, Purpose and fundamentals of Data Viz
• Perception and Using Color
• Representing error, fundamental design concepts
• The grammar of graphics
• Geometries
• ggplot2 basics: data, aesthetics & geometries
• ggplot2 in detail: statistics, coordinates, facets & themes

Dates

• 1st Group Session: Tuesday 11 November, 09.30 – 11.30
• 2nd Group Session: Tuesday 18 November, 09.30 – 11.30
• Study Session: Tuesday 25 November, 14.30 – 16.30
• 1:1 Mentoring Session: Thursday 27 November, 09.00 – 13.00 (+ 13:00 – 17:30)

By the end of Data Visualization with R, you’ll understand

• The purpose of data visualization and how to use it to communicate effectively
• Which is the most appropriate plot type for your data
• The science of perception and apply design principles to communicate your message clearly
• To distinguish between explanatory graphics for publication and for data exploration

You’ll be able to

• Use data visualization in publication and presentations to effectively tell the story of your research
• Use aesthetics to relate sensory attributes (colour, shape, etc.) to abstractions
• Produce publication-quality figures directly in R
• Use the ggplot2 package correctly, by understanding the underlying principles
• Produce interactive visualizations for data exploration

This introduction to Data Visualization with R is for you, because

• You have a dataset to analyze but have only used GUI-based software so far
• You want to use R to make your data analysis efficient, compelling and understandable
• You’re interested in effectively telling the story of your research
• You want to improve your skills to better your future career prospects

Prerequisites for Data Visualization with R:

• Participants are expected to have a good working knowledge of R programming and data analysis, e.g. obtained via the Data Analysis with R workshop or elsewhere
• Each participant is asked to provide an example data visualization for use in the first group session
• Participants should also be actively working on research data that will be used for data
  visualizations in the 1:1 session

Here’s what you can expect during the course:

This online course is designed to span three weeks, allowing you to gradually grasp the material instead of attempting to cover everything in just a few days. Here's a detailed breakdown of the course modules:

• Self-study Periods: You will independently study the course material. It's encouraged that you complete a small part (1 – 2 hours) of the course each day, and you will receive helpful email reminders throughout the course.
• Group Learning Sessions: You will participate in two 2-hour learning sessions with Rick. During these Zoom sessions, you’ll discuss key points engage in group exercises. Feel free to ask questions. They are highly encouraged to foster collective learning.
• Case Study Sessions: In this 2-hour Zoom session, you will explore real-world case studies. Together with your group, you'll discuss various solutions and interpretations while examining the reasons for and against them.
• 1:1 Mentoring Session: The course will wrap up with a personalized 1:1 Mentoring Session with Rick. During this online session, you'll have a 30–45 minutes to ask any questions related to your data and receive tailored guidance based on your specific needs.