Western Users of SAS Software is excited to announce a full slate of WUSS Virtual Classes for 2024 featuring several of our most popular half-day training classes taught by seasoned industry experts. These classes are a tremendous value at just $175 per class. All classes are held from 10am to 2pm PT (1pm to 5pm ET).
Registration is NOW OPEN for all classes! Please click on each class title for a detailed description of the course and information about the instructors.
Course Descriptions
From %MACRO to %MEND: Getting Started with SAS Macro Language Basics – Part I
Josh Horstman
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time
This two-part seminar is designed for the SAS programmer who is new to the Macro Language. We will start with the basics and cover the fundamentals necessary to start applying SAS macros in your programs. Part 1 covers how the Macro Language works, what the Macro Symbol Table is and how to store values in it, how the SAS System uses Macro Variables, calling and executing macros, using macro parameters, and other key Macro Language concepts. It is intended to be paired with Part 2 for a complete foundation in the macro language.
From %MACRO to %MEND: Getting Started with SAS Macro Language Basics – Part II
Josh Horstman
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time
This two-part seminar is designed for the SAS programmer who is new to the Macro Language. We will start with the basics and cover the fundamentals necessary to start applying SAS macros in your programs. Building on the foundational concepts of the first part, Part 2 covers how to control your SAS programs with macros, the use of key SAS Macro Language statements, interfacing with data values in the macro language, macro functions, macro language arithmetic, and other fundamental macro language concepts. Using examples, this course demonstrate the power and flexibility of this part of the SAS System and will enable you to apply its functionalities to your own programs right away.
The Complete Guide to PROC SQL: Mastering Essentials and Unlocking Advanced Techniques – Part 1 (Single Table Queries)
Tasha Chapman
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time
The Complete Guide to PROC SQL: Mastering Essentials and Unlocking Advanced Techniques
Part 1 – Single Table Queries
SQL is a common language used across many computing platforms to store, retrieve, and manipulate data in relational databases. You can use SQL code in SAS, instantly doubling the tools in your coding toolbox, but after this course you’ll also be able to seamlessly query and manipulate data from multiple data tables on any programming platform AND easily communicate with non-SAS programmers in a language they understand.
This course is appropriate for beginners who have never used SQL as well as intermediate level users who would like to strengthen their existing skills. The course will cover the basic syntax of SQL to develop a firm understanding of how the language is used, and then move to more advanced topics. With engaging activities and exercises, there will be plenty of opportunities to practice what you’ve learned both in and out of the classroom.
This class is split into two parts. While each part can be taken individually, it is strongly recommended that both parts be taken together.
By the end of part one attendees will have an understanding of:
Basic database concepts
SQL select statements
Restricting rows and sorting data
Using SAS syntax within PROC SQL
CASE/WHEN expression
Group functions
The Complete Guide to PROC SQL: Mastering Essentials and Unlocking Advanced Techniques – Part 2 (Multiple Table Queries)
Tasha Chapman
Thursday, March 14, 2024
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time
The Complete Guide to PROC SQL: Mastering Essentials and Unlocking Advanced Techniques
Part 2 – Multiple Table Queries
SQL is a common language used across many computing platforms to store, retrieve, and manipulate data in relational databases. You can use SQL code in SAS, instantly doubling the tools in your coding toolbox, but after this course you’ll also be able to seamlessly query and manipulate data from multiple data tables on any programming platform AND easily communicate with non-SAS programmers in a language they understand.
This course is appropriate for beginners who have never used SQL as well as intermediate level users who would like to strengthen their existing skills. The course will cover the basic syntax of SQL to develop a firm understanding of how the language is used, and then move to more advanced topics. With engaging activities and exercises, there will be plenty of opportunities to practice what you’ve learned both in and out of the classroom.
This class is split into two parts. While each part can be taken individually, it is strongly recommended that both parts be taken together.
By the end of part two attendees will have an understanding of:
Basic database concepts
Creating tables
Joining tables
Unions
Subqueries
Tips for better coding
Using PROC SQL with non-SAS databases
Introduction to Statistical Analysis Using R Software
Lida Gharibvand
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time
The objective of this course is for the beginner and intermediate students to develop an overall understanding of how to use R software to analyze data in real-world applications. The students will first be introduced to statistics and critical thinking through foundational concepts such as types of data, quantitative and qualitative data with tables and graphs, normal distribution, Central Limit Theorem, sampling distribution and its use. Then, students will learn how to define a confidence interval, perform hypothesis testing, understand the difference between null and alternative hypotheses, Type I and Type II error, statistical significance, and clinical importance. Next topic will be the difference between the level of significance of a test and a p-value followed by how to use a p-value or critical value to determine statistical significance. The students will learn the important skill of how to use a confidence interval to determine statistical significance. The class will also provide practical knowledge so students can determine when to use a paired t-test and when to use an independent t-test or one way ANOVA using R. Finally, the course will discuss correlation and regression analysis using R software. This course aims to equip beginner and intermediate students with practical knowledge of R software to analyze real-world datasets and use the power of data to improve the decision process.
Custom Reports, Spreadsheets, and Dashboards Using PROC REPORT
Kirk Paul Lafler
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time
SAS users everywhere turn to the REPORT procedure, Output Delivery System (ODS), ODS EXCEL, and Statistical Graphics to customize and satisfy their reporting needs as they create and deliver quality custom detail / summary reports, spreadsheets, dashboards, and specialized output for management, end users, and customers. Attendees of this popular course learn how to create detail and summary reports, spreadsheets, dashboards, and specialized output using PROC REPORT, ODS EXCEL, and Statistical Graphics; acquire useful ODS and Statistical Graphics skills; combine PROC REPORT and the powerful ODS PDF, HTML, and Excel destinations to produce quick and formatted reports, spreadsheets, dashboards, and specialized results; customize output and results with SAS-supplied styles; compute subtotals and totals at the end of a report using COMPUTE Blocks; calculate percentages; produce statistics for analysis variables; apply conditional logic to control summary output rows; add background images, logos, and watermarks; build custom autofilter techniques to subset (or filter) reports and Excel workbooks; freeze row and column headers for frame-of-reference vantage points (viewing) while scrolling in Excel workbooks; add traffic lighting scenarios; and build custom (n-rows x n-columns) dashboards with ease.
Navigating ChatGPT in Biometrics: Unlocking Data Insights for Practical Application
Kevin Lee
Friday, April 26, 2024
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time
ChatGPT is at the forefront of the next revolution, and in this class, we’re about to embark on a journey that will demystify this remarkable technology. Imagine a virtual assistant that can comprehend and generate human-like text from Clinical Trial Data, a tool that can answer questions about specific patients, write SAS/R/Python codes, assist in content creation such as tables/listing/graphs, and even unleash its creativity in the realm of art. To truly harness its potential, you need to understand how to use ChatGPT in the art of prompt engineering, application development using ChatGPT API in Python/SAS and fine-tuning ChatGPT with your own data. In the class, we will embark on an exploration of ChatGPT that will equip you with the knowledge and skills to leverage its capabilities effectively while ensuring ethical and responsible use.
The class will cover various aspects of Large Language Models (LLM), with a focus on ChatGPT. It will begin with an introduction to LLM. The class then delves into ChatGPT, explaining its purpose, development history, and potential impact on organizations and individuals. The class will explore ChatGPT applications, including website prompts, API integration, Python coding and fine-tuning, and presents use cases ranging from simple inquiries, SAS coding, SAS migration to R/Python, to art generation. There’s an emphasis on how to effectively use ChatGPT through prompt engineering techniques. Concerns regarding ChatGPT, such as data privacy, bias, and ethical considerations, will be addressed. Finally, the class touches on enterprise-level ChatGPT implementation, discussing risk mitigation and regulatory compliance.
After attending the class, you will emerge with a comprehensive understanding of the LLM and ChatGPT phenomenon, including its architecture, practical use cases, prompt engineering, and API applications using Python/SAS. You will learn practical skills to effectively utilize ChatGPT in various domains, from effective prompts, content development, coding, art generation and more. Furthermore, you will gain insights into the ethical considerations surrounding LLM and ChatGPT, encompassing data privacy, bias, and regulatory compliance. You will also be equipped with knowledge about enterprise-level ChatGPT implementation and risk mitigation strategies. Ultimately, this class will empower you to leverage ChatGPT’s transformative potential while adhering to ethical and responsible ChatGPT practices in Biometric Department.
Advanced SAS Macro Language Techniques for Building Dynamic Programs
Josh Horstman
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time
NEW CLASS – JUST ADDED!
This seminar shows you how to take advantage of SAS Macro Language capabilities that enable you to write dynamic programs and applications. By mastering the concepts and techniques presented in this class your programs will become free of hard-coded data dependencies, thus eliminating the need to re-write the code every time a data set name, variable name, or other data attribute changes. Topics will include how to build and process macro variable lists, using the macro language to control the data environment, using control files, working with datasets and libraries in the macro language, accessing the SAS data dictionaries, and other miscellaneous macro topics that will help you create dynamic code. Let “them” change the project’s specifications as often as “they” want … your code is ready!
Advanced Statistical Data Analysis Using R Software
Lida Gharibvand
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time
NEW CLASS – JUST ADDED!
This course aims to explore advanced conceptual frameworks, data analysis techniques, and quantitative research methodologies using R software. Emphasizing the process of obtaining and utilizing evidence-based research, it covers various topics including power analysis and sample size calculation. Additionally, it delves into non-parametric tests such as chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon’s Matched-Pairs Signed-Ranks, and Kruskal-Wallis One-Way ANOVA tests.
Moreover, the course elucidates the mixed model and repeated measure model, demonstrating techniques like Spaghetti plot visualization. It also introduces Logistic regression (logit model) for modeling dichotomous outcome variables.
Throughout the course, students will acquire essential skills in model selection methods for regression and logistic regression analysis using R software.
Mastering Oncology Studies : A Comprehensive Guide for Programmers and Biostatisticians
Kevin Lee
Friday, July 12, 2024
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time
NEW CLASS – JUST ADDED!
Compared to other therapeutic studies, oncology studies are generally complex and difficult for programmers and statisticians. There is more to understand and to know such as different clinical study types, specific data collection points and analysis. In this seminar, programmers and statisticians will learn oncology specific knowledge in clinical studies and will understand a holistic view of oncology studies from data collection, CDISC datasets, and analysis. Programmers and statisticians will also find out what makes oncology studies unique and learn how to lead oncology study projects effectively.
The seminar will cover four different sub types and their response criteria guidelines. The first sub type, Solid Tumor study, usually follows RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor). The second sub type, Immunotherapy study, usually follows irRC (immune-related Response Criteria). The third sub type, Lymphoma study, usually follows Cheson. Lastly, Leukemia studies follow study specific guidelines (e.g., IWCLL for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia). The seminar will show how to use response criteria guidelines for data collections and response evaluation.
Programmers and statisticians will learn how to create SDTM tumor specific datasets (RS, TU, TR), what SDTM domains are used for certain data collection, and what Controlled Terminology (e.g., CR, PR, SD, PD, NE) will be applied. They will also learn how to create Time-to-Event ADaM datasets from SDTM domains and how to use ADaM datasets to derive efficacy analysis (e.g., OS, PFS, TTP, ORR, DFS) and Kaplan Meier Curves using SAS Procedures such as PROC LIFETEST and PHREG.
Finally, programmers and statistician will understand how to build end-to-end standards driven oncology studies from protocol, study sub-types, response criteria, data collection, SDTM, ADaM to analysis.
Applying Machine Learning Algorithms to Real-World Data with Python: Programming by Example
Ryan Paul Lafler, Anna Wade
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time
This virtual half-day course is open to all data scientists, statistical programmers, software engineers, researchers, project managers, and Machine Learning enthusiasts searching for an example-oriented training seminar incorporating supervised and unsupervised Machine Learning algorithms to:
- Confidently work with both labeled (tagged) and unlabeled (raw) data,
- Automate classification and regression tasks for Artificial Intelligence workflows,
- Mine real-world data to uncover relationships between features,
- Perform clustering and dimensionality reduction on unlabeled data,
- Optimize, evaluate, and measure the performance of Machine Learning algorithms using Python’s Scikit-Learn library.
Several supervised and unsupervised Machine Learning algorithms will be thoroughly discussed, programmed, and fine-tuned using Python, including:
- Decision Trees for Multi-Class Classification and Non-Linear Regression,
- Random Forest and Gradient-Boosting Ensemble Methods,
- Clustering strategies for Observation Segmentation and Anomaly Detection,
- Dimensionality Reduction (and Manifold Learning) techniques to reduce the complexity of Big Data.
By enrolling in this course, attendees receive the documented Python code, their personal copies of the PDF version of the slides, and the confidence to implement supervised and unsupervised Machine Learning algorithms in their organizations.
