Introduction to the SAS System

The aim of the course is to teach students programming in 4GL language, which is base language of the SAS System. The students will be able to create macros to parametrize and automatize their 4GL codes. The students will possess a working knowledge of the applications of the SQL language in the SAS System. The aim is to provide students with a valuable tool to handle complex issues from the field of data management and analysis.

Prerequisites: Databases

Lecture:

An introduction to the SAS System: an overview of SAS products and dis-cussion of the main modules.

SAS Data sets, libraries, catalogues and catalogue entries. An introduction to 4GL. Basic structure of SAS programs: DATA and PROC steps.

Basics of 4GL: the implicit loop, DATA step variables and their attributes.

Basics of 4GL continued: expressions and operators, control statements, data set options and SAS System options.

SQL in the SAS System.

SAS input and output: reading and writing data sets and external files.

Transforming SAS data sets: sorting and indexing, subsetting, By-group processing, array processing, transposing.

Joining SAS data sets.

SAS formats and informats.

SAS basic statistical procedures: FREQ, MEANS, UNIVARIATE, CORR.

Macroprogramming: an introduction. Macroprocessing. Macrovariables: creating and referencing, understanding scopes (global and local macrovar-iables).

Macroprogramming continued: macros.

Macroprogramming continued: interfaces with the Macro Facility.

SAS graphics. Basics of reporting.

Large data sets processing. Hash-Tables.

Lab:

The labs will follow the lectures.

1. SAS System: http://www.sas.com

2. SAS Product Documentation: http://support.sas.com/documentation/

3. L.D. Delwiche, S.J. Slaughter, The Little SAS Book, SAS Publishing, 2003.

4. Carpenter's Guide to Innovative SAS Techniques, Art Carpenter.

There will be two tests - one in the middle of the semester (worth 40 points) and one at the end (worth 60 points). The aim of the tests is to check students' practical knowledge of SAS programming, so they will be held at the computers, with books and notes closed - students are only allowed to use the online documentation to the SAS System. During the tests, students will be asked to write some programs which will be tested and graded. The final grade will be based on those tests only. There will be homeworks, but they will not be graded.