Getty/Thomas Barwick

Data Analysis: Planning and Preparing

For researchers in the natural sciences who want to develop their data analysis skills or mentor others through the process

10 experts in data analysis, including experienced statisticians and data scientists, Nature Portfolio journal Editors and early career researchers

4 hours of learning

15-minute bite-sized lessons

2-module course with certificate

About this course

'Data Analysis: Planning and Preparing’ introduces the essential elements of robust data analysis during a research project. In this course, you will discover how planning and preparing for data analysis will avoid time-consuming and costly mistakes, benefitting your immediate research and ultimately your reputation and career. 

What you’ll learn

  • The importance of planning and preparing for data analysis
  • The key terms and processes relating to data analysis
  • The principles of creating and updating a data analysis plan

The course

Free Sample
Introduction to data analysis and the importance of planning

7 lessons 2h

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Free Sample
Preparing your data for analysis

7 lessons 2h

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Free Sample
Data Analysis: Planning and Preparing: Free Sample - section

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3 lessons 1h

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Developed with expert academics and professionals

This course has been created with an international team of experts with extensive experience in data analysis, encompassing:

  • Data-rich fields including physics, medicine, ecology, and epidemiology
  • Data science and biostatistics
  • Editorial perspectives on common mistakes and good practice in data analysis

Mark Gardener

Ecologist, lecturer and author, DataAnalytics.org.uk

João Monteiro

Chief Editor, Nature Medicine

Bhramar Mukherjee

Professor and Chair of Biostatistics, University of Michigan

Xavier Vilasis-Cardona

Professor and Director of Doctoral Studies, Universitat Ramon Llull

Bronwyn Wake

Chief Editor, Nature Climate Change

Advice from experienced researchers

The course also has additional insights through interviews from:

Marc Amoyel

Senior Research Fellow, Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London

Vivian Biancardi Rossato

Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Physiology, University of Alberta

Claudia Bonfio

Junior Group Leader, Institut de Science et d’Ingénierie Supramoléculaires (ISIS), University of Strasbourg

Alex Dexter

Higher Research Scientist, National Physical Laboratory

Isabella Muratore

PhD candidate, Department of Biology, University of Boston

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Getty/Thomas Barwick