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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Deanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences : Health Information

Postgraduate Course: Intermediate R Programming for Data Science (HEIN11067)

Course Outline
SchoolDeanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeOnline Distance Learning AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThis course builds on the basics of R and introduces students to more complex operations, such as: string manipulation, writing and debugging functions, iteration (loops and the map family of functions). After completing this course, students will be more confident in using R for larger data projects.
Course description This course is designed to help students develop their skills in R programming the assumption is that students on the course will already be able to perform basic operations in R, but this course will help them become more confident and more effective programmers.
The course is delivered online and is divided into five sessions, each lasting a week. Teaching sessions will be composed of written materials, video presentations, coding exercises, and problem-based learning questions. Throughout the course, students will engage with professional programming practices and tools (version control, code reviewing, debugging), and will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers to develop their skills.
Formative peer and teacher-led feedback will be given throughout the course through the discussion boards, and summative assessment feedback will be provided at the end of the course.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs Students will be responsible for their computer equipment and internet access.
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the data that are used in healthcare and social service organisations, and of the analytical approaches that can be used to process the data.
  2. Apply a significant range of logical, analytical, and problem-solving skills to effectively use the R programming language to wrangle and analyse data.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate about the analytical choices made and approaches adopted.
Reading List
Grolemund, G., & Wickham, H. (2017). R for Data Science. O¿Reilly Media.

Wickham, H. (2019). Advanced R. Chapman and Hall/CRC.

Both are available freely online under a creative commons license (links will be provided on the course page).
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills This course will enable the students to develop a wide range of Graduate Attributes and Skills that will contribute to their professional growth as successful data scientists and experts in their field.

Students will use skilled communication to enhance their understanding of the analytical challenges and to engage effectively with others.
They will become innovative, confident, and reflective lifelong learners, developing key analytical skills.
Students will use their personal and intellectual autonomy to critically evaluate the data from an open-minded and reasoned perspective.
Students will become effective and proactive individuals, skilled in the ability to identify and creatively tackle problems, influencing positively and adapting to new situations with sensitivity and integrity.
Special Arrangements This course will be taught online using the Learn virtual learning environment. All course materials are protected by secure username and password access.
KeywordsHealth and social care data,R programming,data science
Contacts
Course organiserDr Kasia Banas
Tel:
Email: Kasia.Banas@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMrs Laura Miller
Tel: (0131 6)51 5575
Email: Laura.Miller@ed.ac.uk
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