Workshop Description (Advanced Course)

This advanced workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to data visualization in R, with a focus on mastering ggplot2 (https://ggplot2.tidyverse.org/) to create effective, insightful graphics. Tailored for participants with a foundational knowledge of R, the workshop covers topics like data wrangling, visualization principles, and advanced techniques to customize and expand visualizations. Participants will gain hands-on experience and explore the art and science of visualization, learning to manipulate data and create plots that are clear, accurate, and visually engaging. For registration information, please refer to this link

Workshop Topics

Day 1: Introduction to data wrangling and visualization

  • R/RStudio environment setup
  • Overview of data visualization: key concepts and workflow
  • Data manipulation and transformation with dplyr
  • Introduction to ggplot2 and the grammar of graphics
  • Hands-on exercises with dplyr and ggplot2

Day 2: In-depth exploration of ggplot2

  • Aesthetics, visual elements, and geometric objects
  • Layer components and varous types of plots
  • Scales (size, shape, colour, position) control
  • Coordinate systems and facets
  • Creating basic plots with ggplot2: histogram, bar chart, boxplot, scatter plot, etc.

Day 3: Customization and advanced topics in ggplot2

  • Customizing titles, axes, legends, and themes
  • Principles of data visualization and best practices
  • Exploring ggplot2 extension packages
  • Building and customizing complex visualizations with ggplot2

Technical Requirements

R/RStudio

Instructor

Dr. Maya Weissman is a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Nandita Garud’s laboratory in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Currently, her research focuses on identifying modes of adaptation within the human gut microbiome, with a focus on the population genetic signatures of epistasis. Before coming to UCLA, she earned her PhD at Brown University where she studied the ecology and evolution of risk reduction in changing environments with Dr. Daniel Weinreich.
Email: mweissman97at g.ucla.edu

Reviews

Videos

Workshop Details

Prerequisites: Intro to R (W3) is highly recommended.
Length:  3 days, 3 hrs per day
Level: Advanced
Location: Boyer 529
Seats Available: 28

Spring 2026 Dates

May 19, May 20 and May 21

1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Affiliates: Click to Enroll
Non-UCLA Affiliates: Click to Enroll
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