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Introduction to Spatial Analysis in R

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London

United Kingdom, Camden

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London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London

United Kingdom , Camden

Key Facts

Program Level

Certificate

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines29-Nov-2021

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Next Intake 29-Nov-2021

Introduction to Spatial Analysis in R

About

Overview

Overview - spatial analysis in R short course

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Spatial analysis is becoming an increasingly useful tool throughout public health research with increasing amounts of spatial health data generated each year. Whether youâ€™re a humanitarian aid worker looking to add map making to your growing rapid analysis skillset or an early stage PhD student who wants to learn the fundamentals before progressing to geostatistics, this short course will be well suited to your needs.

Our hands on, practical approach to teaching, with real-life examples, means you can progress from no previous experience with R to applying R to your own work with confidence. We also place a strong emphasis on enabling students to continue their learning independently allowing your skillset to continue growing beyond the end of the course.

Course objectives

At the end of the course students should be able to:

Read in spatial and non-spatial datasets into R and perform basic data manipulation tasks using the â€œdplyrâ€ package, make a variety of plots using the â€œggplot2â€ package and demonstrate understanding of why different plot types are used for different types of data
Manipulate and visualise spatial data using maps with the â€œggplotâ€ package and be able to identify when different types of data projections should be used.
Understand how to analyse areal data and be able to implement and interpret simple regression analyses on areal datasets including the use of multi-level models
Be able to write clear, tidy and intuitive R code that can be reproduced by others and know how to conduct a â€œcode reviewâ€ of the work of others.
Identify the key characteristics of point data and understand and implement a variety of point data analysis techniques, such as kriging and Gaussian process regression.

Who is this course for?

Practicing public health professionals and health researchers interested in adding expertise in spatial data analysis to their existing skillsets. Operational researchers and in particular those working in humanitarian crises / emergency deployments are particularly encouraged.

No previous experience with R or spatial data analysis is required, but some experience with quantitative data analysis using programmable computer software, e.g. plotting and analysing data in Stata, SAS, Python or MATLAB is expected. It is also expected that students are familiar with the use of the Generalised Linear Model (e.g. logistic regression, Poisson regression, multiple explanatory variables) and that computing is, or will be, part of their regular day-to-day role.

Teaching methods

This online course is taught as a series of hands-on computer practicals using relevant public health examples from humanitarian crises. Sessions will be taught in the following format:

Introduction of session theory through a brief lecture and live coding demonstration by the session leader followed by time for student review
Presentation of an example dataset and a relevant public health problem which students are encouraged to discuss in small groups (up to 6 students) before beginning analysis
Independent work to code a reproducible solution aided by hints and full solutions available through the online system
Group presentation of the outputs and findings including justification for different methodological choices and how challenges were overcome
A 30 minute optional drop-in session at the end of each day where students can ask any remaining questions one-on-one with tutors

Course schedule

Course schedule - Introduction to Spatial Analysis in R

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This course is delivered online over 10 days, and is taught as a series of hands-on computer practicals. Each day's session will follow the tentative timetable:

13:00 - 14:30 - lecture with live coding
14:30 - 14:45 - break
14:45 - 16:15 - group practical facilitated by teaching assistants
16:15 - 16:45 - drop in session for remaining questions

Day 1

Introduction to the R computer programme, vocabulary and format of different datatypes
Principles of tidy data

Day 2

Using the â€œdplyrâ€ and â€œggplot2â€ packages to create numerical and visual summaries of structured data sets
Practical session testing taught elements requiring a step by step approach to answer a real-world data analysis problem.

Day 3

Introduction to spatial data types and spatial data concepts.
Introduction to reading and visualising spatial data including interactive maps using â€œmapviewâ€, â€œtmapâ€, and â€œsfâ€ packages.
Visualisation of simple feature objects

Day 4

Demonstration of basic and some advanced spatial manipulations such as buffering, spatial joins, and distance calculations.
Practical requires combining the skills into logical steps to answer a spatial analysis problem.

Day 5

Revision of Generalised Linear Models and their extension as Generalised Linear Mixed Models and Generalised Additive Models

Day 6

Including distance to features as covariates in GLMMs
Poisson point process models

Day 7

Discrete space spatial models with Markov random field smoothers

Day 8

Further practical exercises on discrete space spatial models
Principles of code review
Reproducible reporting with R Markdown

Day 9

Continuous space spatial models with Gaussian process based smoothers

Day 10

Further practical exercises on continuous space spatial models
Interactive spatial visualisation

How to apply

How to apply - spatial analysis short course

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Applying for this course

Applications for 2021 are now closed. Register your interest to be notified when applications reopen.

Please read LSHTM's Admissions policies prior to submitting your application.

Requirements

English Program Requirements

English Language requirements

As part of the application process, applicants are required to demonstrate how they meet LSHTM's minimum English Language requirements. This is particularly important for applicants requiring a Student Visa, as the UK Home Office requires that every student from outside the UK and Republic of Ireland shows evidence of a minimum level of English language ability (called CEFR B2 level) in order to be granted a Student visa and study in the UK.

Additionally, LSHTM asks for English language proficiency levels that are necessary for our academic programmes, which is slightly higher than the Common European Framework for languages (CEFR) B2 level.

English language requirements policy (pdf)

Accepted English language tests

The academic English language requirements for each of LSHTM’s programmes are categorised into one of three profiles:

Band A (highest requirement)
Band B (mid-range/’standard’ requirement)
Band C (lowest requirement)

Please refer to the appropriate Programme Specification for the English language requirement Band of your preferred programme.

IELTS (Academic)
Pearson PTE Academic

These tests are only valid for entry for 2 years. As a result the qualification must have been completed no more than 2 years prior to enrolment.

LSHTM requires the following minimum proficiency test scores. Please refer to the appropriate Programme Specification for the Band of your preferred programme.

	Band A	Band B	Band C
IELTS (Academic)	7.5 overall with 7.0 in each component	7.0 overall with 6.5 in each component	6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component
Pearson PTE Academic	80 overall with 80 in each component	76 overall with 76 in each component	59 overall with 59 in each component

Majority English-speaking countries

Last updated: 26 October 2022

The UK Government recognises the following countries as majority English-speaking countries:

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
The Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
Malta
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
United States of America

These countries have been classified as majority English-speaking countries by the UK Government. Further information on Student Visa requirements, including Knowledge of English, can be found on the government website. In the interest of compliance, LSHTM is not able to consider other countries as majority English-speaking countries.

If you are a national of one of these countries, you are not required to submit evidence of English language proficiency.

If you have undertaken a full degree in one of the above countries, you will not be required to submit further evidence of your English Language if the degree certificate is successfully verified with the issuing body on receipt. Any applicant found to have submitted fraudulent documentation will have their application withdrawn.

Canadian nationals are also exempt from English Language requirements but non-Canadian nationals who have studied in Canada are required to meet standard English Language requirements due to Home Office policy.

Conditions

If you request to defer your entry to LSHTM, we may ask you to re-take your test if your original offer was based on a test which will be out of date at the point of registration. Our English language programme requirements and other accepted tests provide details of how long your qualification is deemed valid.

All test scores are verified with the issuing body on receipt. Any applicant found to have submitted a fraudulent score will have their application withdrawn.

LSHTM reserves the right to change minimum English Language requirements during an application cycle in-line with any compliance guidance released by the Home Office. In the event of a change in Home Office policy which affects entry requirements, the University will notify affected applicants in writing.

Exemptions

Applicants who are a national of a majority English-speaking country or who have successfully completed an appropriate academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree), which was taught in a majority English speaking country from the UKVI approved country list automatically meet our English Language requirements.

UKVI’s approved country list

*Please note, Canadian nationals are exempt from English Language requirements but non-Canadian nationals who have studied in Canada are required to meet LSHTM’s standard English Language requirements due to Home Office regulations.

Academic entry requirements

LSHTM's minimum entry requirements for each of its degrees are listed below. Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirement for the programme of their choice but who have relevant professional experience may still be eligible for admission.

Master's programmes (intensive)

In order to be admitted to an LSHTM master's degree programme, an applicant must:

hold either a first degree at Second Class Honours (2:2) standard in a relevant discipline, or a degree in medicine recognised by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) for the purposes of practising medicine in the UK, or another degree of equivalent standard awarded by an overseas institution recognised by UK ENIC or the GMC).

hold a professional qualification appropriate to the programme of study to be followed obtained by written examinations and judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above.

have relevant professional experience or training which is judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above.

and

satisfy any additional requirements where prescribed for admission to a specific programme.

If you have not previously studied in the UK, you can check our guide to international equivalent qualifications for our master's degrees.

Some degree programmes may have a higher entry requirement than specified above. Please be sure to check the individual programme for any additional entry requirements.

MPhil and PhD

Academic requirements

The normal minimum entrance qualification for registration at the School on a MPhil/PhD programme is evidence of an aptitude for research and at least one of the following:

a master’s degree in a subject appropriate to the course of study to be followed (recommended)
a qualification appropriate to the course of study to be followed, in medicine, dentistry or veterinary studies
an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, in a relevant subject.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to meet these requirements: Band B.

DrPH

Academic requirements

The normal minimum entrance qualification for registration at the School on a Doctoral programme is evidence of an aptitude for research and at least one of the following:

a master’s degree in a subject appropriate to the course of study to be followed (recommended)
a qualification appropriate to the course of study to be followed, in medicine, dentistry or veterinary studies
an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, in a relevant subject.

Applicants for the DrPH study are also required to have a minimum of two year's appropriate experience.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to meet these requirements: Band B.

Essential digital skills

Digital skills and using computers are an everyday part of modern life – and you'll need both during your time at LSHTM.

You'll need to be able to use standard software (such as Word), a web browser and email. You'll also need to be able to type at a reasonable speed in order to perform to the best of your ability during any online assessments – for reference, the average person types around 40 words per minute – there are a number of free typing speed tests available online.

It'll benefit your studies if you know how to:

use digital technologies to find, evaluate and create information
communicate effectively with online technologies
select the correct tools to complete online and offline tasks
perform tasks efficiently in a variety of digital environments

Whatever you're studying you'll need to know how to work with digital technologies, stay safe online and build a positive online presence.

Reasonable adjustments and support are available for students who have additional accessibility or learning needs, and LSHTM recognises the use of voice to text or alternative software being available for those students with disabilities.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 0

How to Apply

Applying for CPD and short courses

All of our short courses can be applied for online. Details on how to apply including fees and payment deadline can be found the page of the course you are interested in. A link to the online application form will be found on the tab of the chosen course. For a full details of what is on offer, please visit our short courses section.

Please also read our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and short courses admissions policy before applying for a course.

Applying for London-based modules

Details on how to apply including fees and payment deadline can be found on the London-based module section of the website. Applicants for individual modules should complete the MSc module application form and email it to shortcourses@lshtm.ac.uk.

Please note that the School gives priority to the needs of students registering for masters and research degrees, and so places on any module may be limited.

Applying for distance learning modules

Applications should be made online to the University of London international programmes. Applicants should go to the relevant programme webpage and click on the corresponding ‘Apply online’ tab. Please see below for the list of available modules per programme and to apply: