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401-6217-00L 1.5 Credits BSC , MSC , NDS D-USYS , D-BIOL , D-BAUG , D-PHYS , D-MATH

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Using R for Data Analysis and Graphics (Part II)

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Martin Mächler

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:15:56

Abstract

The course provides the second part an introduction to the statistical software R for scientists. Topics are data generation and selection, graphical functions, important statistical functions, types of objects, models, programming and writing functions.Note: This part builds on "Using R... (Part I)", but can be taken independently if the basics of R are already known.

Objective

The students will be able to use the software R efficiently for data analysis, graphics and simple programming

Content

The course provides the second part of an introduction to the statistical software R ( https://www.r-project.org/ ) for scientists. R is free software that contains a huge collection of functions with focus on statistics and graphics. If one wants to use R one has to learn the programming language R - on very rudimentary level. The course aims to facilitate this by providing a basic introduction to R. Part II of the course builds on part I and covers the following additional topics: - Elements of the R language: control structures (if, else, loops), lists, overview of R objects, attributes of R objects; - More on R functions; - Applying functions to elements of vectors, matrices and lists; - Object oriented programming with R: classes and methods; - Tayloring R: options - Extending basic R: packages The course focuses on practical work at the computer. We will make use of the graphical user interface RStudio: www.rstudio.org

Resources

Lecture Notes

An Introduction to R.http://stat.ethz.ch/CRAN/doc/contrib/Lam-IntroductionToR_LHL.pdf

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC , NDS
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance
Digital: The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.

Registration & Places

Signup End: 30.11.2023

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Using R for Data Analysis and Graphics (Part II)	Tue 14:15-16:00 (CAB G 11)	14 h semesterly

Offered In

Physics Bachelor
- Electives
Environmental Sciences Bachelor
- Natural Science and Technical Electives
  - Methods of Statistical Data Analysis
Biology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2023)
  - Majors
    - Major in Ecology and Evolution
      - Elective Compulsory Master Courses
Agricultural Sciences Master
- Minors
  - Data Science and Technology for Agricultural Science
Statistics Master (The following courses belong to the curriculum of the Master's Programme in Statistics. The corresponding credits do not count as external credits even for course units where an enrolment at ETH Zurich is not possible.)
- Subject Specific Electives
MAS in Sustainable Water Resources (The Master of Advanced Studies in Sustainable Water Resources is a 12 month full time postgraduate diploma programme. The focus of the programme is on issues of sustainability and water resources in Latin America, with special attention given to the impacts of development and climate change on water resources. The programme combines multidisciplinary coursework with high level research. Sample research topics include: water quality, water quantity, water for agriculture, water for the environment, adaptation to climate change, and integrated water resource management. Language: English. Credit hours: 66 ECTS. For further information please visit: )
- Elective Courses (Electives: 6 credits has to be achieved.)