This will please those with SAS experience but may dissuade those with an aversion to that package. No previous knowledge of SAS is assumed, however. Furthermore, nearly all the techniques taught in the course can be translated fairly easily to other packages. The course also includes detailed comparisons and evaluations of other statistical packages. At least one hour each day is devoted to carefully structured and supervised assignments on personal computers.
Participants work in pairs, with one computer for each pair.
Computers are on site throughout the day, so that much additional time is available for exploring other sample data sets. Or you can bring your own data and try out new techniques as you learn them. The course meets Monday through Friday in the International House, located on the University of Pennsylvania campus. This attractive, modern building also has dormitory rooms for those who want inexpensive accommodations. The class is held in a large conference room, half of which is set up as a computer lab.