Unlocking Data Science in R: A Practical Guide for African Universities

Synopsis

This book serves as a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Data Science using the R programming language, specifically designed for university students in Africa. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities within low-resource educational environments, it provides a step-by-step guide to mastering data analysis, manipulation, cleaning, and visualisation. Without assuming prior programming experience, readers will be guided through practical, real-life projects, enabling them to confidently apply concepts such as regression, classification, and clustering. The text prioritises frequently used concepts to ensure a focused and manageable learning experience, with each chapter featuring clear summaries of key takeaways. The accompanying code snippets are meticulously commented and self-explanatory, fostering a user-friendly learning journey. Upon completion, students will possess a solid foundation in modern data science techniques, equipped to tackle analytical challenges and contribute to data-driven solutions. The book aims to bridge the digital divide by providing relevant, high-quality educational material that can be readily implemented in R, a powerful and widely-used statistical software. Emphasis is placed on building practical skills that are immediately applicable, preparing graduates for roles in an increasingly data-centric world. References are thoughtfully curated at the end of the book to encourage further exploration and study.