Introduction

Claus O. Wilke

2025-07-16

Data visualization is integral to data science

Data visualization is integral to data science

We will use R throughout this class

What about Python?

  • Can we use Python for assignments in this class?
    No, all assignments require R
  • Will what we learn here apply to Python?
    Yes, all concepts carry over; also, look into plotnine

https://plotnine.org/

Who am I?

Who am I?

https://clauswilke.com/dataviz

Who am I?

Class materials and computing environment

Slides and worksheets are posted on the class website

https://wilkelab.org/DSC385

The source for the class website is on GitHub

https://github.com/wilkelab/DSC385

The source for the class website is on GitHub

https://github.com/wilkelab/DSC385

Press ‘e’ to save slides as PDF

(Works best on Chrome)

Setting up a working R environment

To run R on your own computer:

Setting up a working R environment

To run R on your own computer:

  1. Download R from here: https://cloud.r-project.org/

Setting up a working R environment

To run R on your own computer:

  1. Download R from here: https://cloud.r-project.org/

  2. Download either RStudio or Positron
    RStudio: https://posit.co/download/rstudio-desktop/
    Positron: https://positron.posit.co/

Setting up a working R environment

To run R in a web browser:

Setting up a working R environment

To run R in a web browser:

Go to the Posit Cloud here: https://posit.cloud/

(You get 25 hours/month for free; see here for pricing)

Setting up a working R environment

Once R is running, you need to install required R packages

Setting up a working R environment

Once R is running, you need to install required R packages

Installation instructions are on the class website

Setting up a working R environment

Once R is running, you need to install required R packages

Installation instructions are on the class website

All packages listed on the class website are fair game in assignments

We will use Quarto for all assignments

https://quarto.org/

How to succeed in this class

How to succeed in this class

  • The class is about communication, not programming

  • Do all the exercises, even the low-stakes ones

  • Participate in the discussion forums, answer questions

  • Don’t rely on ChatGPT or other generative AI

  • If anything goes wrong, send an email to the class email address

  • Pay attention to deadlines and time zones

Further reading