Introduction to Statistics with R

Overview

This course is designed to provide researchers in biomedical sciences with experience in the application of basic statistical analysis techniques to a variety of biological problems.

The course will combine lectures on statistics and practical exercises, during which the participants will learn how to work with the widely used "R" language and environment for statistical computing and graphics.

Topics covered during the course include: reminders about numerical and graphical summaries, and hypothesis testing; multiple testing, linear models, correlation and regression, and other topics. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the analysis of their own data.

Audience

This course is designed for PhD students, postdoctoral and other researchers in the life sciences from both academia and industry who need to perform statistical analyses using R.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the participants should be able to:

• choose the right method to summarize a dataset, graphically and numerically
• perform basic hypothesis tests on a datatest
• assess whether different variables are linked, using correlation and regression analysis
• Use the R statistical package to run statistical analyses and interpret their outcome

Prerequisites

Technical:

• A laptop with a wifi connection
• Software to be installed PRIOR to the course: R, R Studio

• No prior statistical knowledge is required in order to attend the course
• Participants do not need any experience in R before the course

Application

The registration fees for academics are 300 CHF and 1500 CHF for for-profit companies.

While participants are registered on a first come, first served basis, exceptions may be made to ensure diversity and equity, which may increase the time before your registration is confirmed.

Applications will close on 18/01/2027 or as soon as the places will be filled up. Cancellation after 18/01/2027 will not be reimbursed. Please note that participation in SIB courses is subject to our general conditions.

You will be informed by email of your registration confirmation. Upon reception of the confirmation email, participants will be asked to confirm attendance by paying the fees within 5 working days.

Venue & Time

The course will take place at the University of Bern.

It will start at 9:00 and end around 17:00 every day.

Please note that a social apéritif will be organised on the first day after the course.

Precise information will be provided to the participants on due time.

Additional information

Coordination: Valeria Di Cola, SIB Training Group

A Certificate of Attendance will be sent provided you were present at the course, whereas a Certificate of Achievement recommending 0.75 ECTS will be sent provided you passed the exam.

You are welcome to register to the SIB courses mailing list to be informed of all future courses and workshops, as well as all important deadlines using the form here.

Please note that participation in SIB courses is subject to our general conditions.

SIB abides by the ELIXIR Code of Conduct. Participants of SIB courses are also required to abide by the same code.

For more information, please contact training@sib.swiss.