Advanced data management in life sciences [SBIOB220]

Learning outcomes

Objectives

The objective of the course is to provide the tools for future scientists to import, manipulate and analyse datasets using R software. In this context, different skills to be acquired have been defined. 

Content

The student acquires the skills covered by the course by completing a project that serves as the basis for the course assessment. Throughout the project, the student is required to answer a series of specially constructed questions in order to exercise these skills. An example of a project is presented in the theory course and is used to teach the students how R works and the basic principles of programming. The project is carried out by the students during the practical sessions, in particular. During these sessions, students work on their project independently and can ask the assistants for help. The progress of the student in his project and the mastery of the concepts and tools necessary to carry it out are evaluated at the end of the practical work (see Evaluation). In addition, the final version of the project is submitted by the students to the teacher at the end of the term. An oral examination, in session, completes the student's grade (see Assessment). The course is structured around the following points: • Reminder of basic functions in R • Main steps in processing a dataset • Use of advanced functions • Tips for improving the presentation of results • Tips for building good charts and tables in R • Examples of application  • Solving exercises independently