sponsored by Helmholtz Information & Data Science Academy (HIDA)
in cooperation with Core Facility Statistical Consulting at Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (Helmholtz Munich)
Graphics with R
In the course “Graphics with R” we describe methods for customizing R graphics using ggplot2. ggplot2 is an advanced and powerful tool for building graphics with R. In this course you will learn how to create refined, meaningful graphs in R to visually describe your research outputs. All topics are accompanied with hands-on exercises.
Topics:
- Getting started with ggplot2: understanding the logic and the “grammar” of ggplot2.
- Building different kinds of plots: scatterplots, bar charts, boxplots.
- Customizing graphics using different labels, axes and colors.
- Homogenizing the layout by optimizing legends and themes.
- Adding multiple layers to one graphic and arranging multiple figures onto one graph.
Before 2025 we also provided an introduction to base R graphics. This is not part of the course anymore.
Methods:
The course consists of lessons how to work with graphics in R and of hands-on examples with best-practice solutions.
Learning Goals
1. Understand and Apply ggplot2 Basics
- Explain the foundational concepts of ggplot2's "grammar of graphics."
- Use ggplot2 to build clear and self-contained figures for complex data presentations.
2. Customize Graphics
- Discuss options to enhance interpretability of different kinds of plots.
- Modify color schemes, axes, and layers in base R graphics.
3. Homogenize Layout
- Optimize legends and themes.
- Arrange multiple plots within a single layout to create complex visualizations.
4. Practice Graphical Customization through Hands-On Exercises
- Apply customization techniques in ggplot2 to create polished, informative graphics.
Prerequisites
Programming skills with R, e.g. course Introduction to R.
Target Group
Scientists who already have basic knowledge in programming with R and want to learn more about how to build more advanced plots with R.
Course Days & Times
March 18, 2025, 1:30 pm - 5 pm
March 19, 2025, 1:30 pm - 5 pm
NOTE: Registration will open February 18, 2025, 12 pm.
Attendance & Certificates
The course content is coordinated, so we strongly recommend that you do not miss any part of the course. To receive a certificate we expect full time and active participation.
Registration & Cancellation
This course is open to individuals affiliated with Helmholtz or a HIDA Partner only.
Your registration for this course is binding. If you need to leave/miss the course for a period of time, please let us know in advance via hida-courses@helmholtz.de.
If you have to cancel the course for any reason, please do so as soon as possible to allow time for others to take your seat. To cancel, please withdraw your registration on the course site or write an email to hida-courses@helmholtz.de.
Additional Information
There is no waiting list for this course! If someone withdraws from a course, their place is automatically reopened. We therefore advise you to keep an eye on the registration in case the course is fully booked and you would like to attend. Also, this course will be offered again in the future - you can check our HIDA course catalog for updates.
This course is free of charge.
