Module dates/times: Monday, July 8; 8:30 a.m. -5 p.m.; Tuesday, July 9, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Wednesday, July 10, 8:30 a.m.-Noon

This module introduces the R statistical environment, assuming no prior knowledge. It provides a foundation for the use of R for computation in later modules.

In addition to discussing basic data management tasks in R, such as reading in data and producing summaries through R scripts, we will also introduce R’s graphics functions, its powerful package system, and simple methods of looping.

Hands-on use of R is a major component of this module; users require a laptop and will use it in all sessions. Examples and exercises will use data drawn from biological and medical applications, including infectious diseases and genetics. Participants require a laptop and will use it in all sessions. Suggested pairing: all later modules.

Ken Rice is Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Washington. His research focuses primarily on developing and applying statistical methods for complex disease epidemiology, notably cardiovascular disease. He leads the Analysis Committee for the CHARGE consortium, a large group of investigators studying genetic determinants of heart and aging outcomes. He recently published “Large-scale genome-wide analysis identifies genetic variants associated with cardiac structure and function.” J. Clinical Investigation 127:1798-1812.

Tim Thornton is Associate Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Washington. His research interest is in the area of statistical genetics, with an emphasis on statistical methodology for genetic association studies of complex traits in samples with relatedness, ancestry admixture, and/or population structure. He recently published “Admixture mapping in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos reveals regions of genetic associations with blood pressure traits.” PLoS One 12:e0188400, 2017.