Intermediate R: Next-level Data Visualization

Workshop Description: Take your data visualization skills to the next level in R! In this intermediate R workshop we'll dive into the grammar of graphics to uncover how R's popular ggplot2 library works and learn how to create high-quality, reproducible plots that make sense. We'll cover topics including why the aesthetics that convert data columns into abstract dimensions are kept separate from their geometries, which turn those dimensions into concrete shapes and lines, and cover the steps for using ggplot2 to create beautiful data visualizations.

This workshop is NOT an introduction to R and is intended for motivated intermediate to advanced learners from all domains at UC Davis who want to hone their R skills. Please make sure you meet the prerequisites before registering as we will be unable to answer introductory R questions during this session. This workshop builds upon your existing knowledge of working with data frames in R and upon the concept of tidy data. Learners should also attend the Principles of Data Visualization from Perception to Statistical Graphics workshop in advance of this session to ensure a solid foundation in design principles. (Want to brush up on R? Check out our R Basics 4-part introductory series.)

Learning Objectives

After completing this workshop, learners should be able to:

• Identify when to use base R vs. ggplot for plotting
• Describe the grammar of graphics
• Explain the basic structure of the code to create a figure
• Decide what geometries and scales to use for different types of data
• List the steps to making a well-designed visualization
• Create and iterate on a plot using ggplot
• Identify where to go to learn more!

Prerequisites: Participants must have taken DataLab’s “R Basics” workshop series and/or have prior experience using R, be comfortable with basic R syntax, and have it pre-installed and running on their laptops. Learners should also take Principles of Data Visualization from Perception to Statistical Graphics workshop in advance of this session.

Software: Recent versions of R, RStudio, and these packages:

• ggplot2
• tidyverse

Instructor: Wesley Brooks