Getting Started with R: An introduction for biologists

Learning how to get answers from data is an integral part of modern training in the natural, physical, social, and engineering sciences. One of the most exciting changes in data management and analysis during the last decade has been the growth of open source software. The open source statistics and programming language R has emerged as a critical component of any researcher’s toolbox. Indeed, R is rapidly becoming the standard software for analyses, graphical presentations, and programming in the biological sciences.

This book provides a functional introduction for biologists new to R. While teaching how to import, explore, graph, and analyse data, it keeps readers focused on their ultimate goals – communicating their data in oral presentations, posters, papers, and reports. It also provides a consistent method (workflow) for using R that is simple, efficient, reliable, accurate, and reproducible. The material in the book reproduces the engaging and sometimes humorous nature of the three-day course on which it is based.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Why R?
Chapter 2: Import, Explore, Graph I—Getting Started
Chapter 3: Import, Explore, Graph II—Importing and Exploring
Chapter 4: Import, Explore, Graph III—Graphs
Chapter 5: Doing your Statistics in R—Getting Started
Chapter 6: Final Comments and Encouragement
Appendix: References and Datasets