Introduction to Bioinformatics with R (Chapman & Hall/CRC Computational Biology Series) 1st Edition

As biological research generates increasingly vast datasets, gaining a foundational understanding of data analytics and bioinformatics has become essential. An Introduction to Bioinformatics with R: A Practical Guide for Biologists is designed to help life scientists navigate and analyze modern biological data—even without prior programming or statistical experience.

Through a series of hands-on case studies, this book introduces readers to computational data analysis using the R programming language. It walks through the process of designing suitable analyses for various types of biological data, using real molecular biology datasets to answer research questions. Along the way, readers will explore key statistical methods, including:

• Correlation (linear and rank-based)

• Distance metrics and hierarchical clustering

• Linear regression and hypothesis testing

• Proportional hazards regression for survival analysis

• Principal component analysis (PCA)

These techniques are explained from first principles and applied throughout the case studies to help readers understand their practical relevance and application.

Key Features:

• A beginner-friendly introduction to computational analysis for biologists, requiring no prior coding or statistics background

• Clear explanations of statistical concepts, paired with detailed examples using R

• Step-by-step analysis workflows, with all R commands presented and explained for hands-on learning

• Real-world data from a range of platforms: DNA methylation and genotyping microarrays, RNA-seq, genome and bisulfite sequencing, ChIP-seq, and high-throughput phenotypic screens

• Focused examples in cancer research, with broad applicability to other areas in molecular biology and biomedical science

Developed through years of teaching bioinformatics to biological scientists and clinicians, this book is ideal as both a classroom textbook and a practical reference for researchers seeking to build bioinformatics skills and confidence.