SAS 8  Series

Summary:

This training introduces users to the SAS 8 system, the basic data concepts and the structure of the SAS programming language.

It discusses the basic statements used when coding SAS programs, using the SAS log to troubleshoot coding errors, and the different modes for executing SAS.

The training also covers optional statements used to modify data, and statements and options available to program features in the DATA step.

Creating specialized output and basic statistical procedures are also covered.

Additional topics examined include using Display Manager to run SAS jobs interactively, SAS data libraries, using SQL in SAS, and combining and updating SAS data sets.    

Learning Segment 1: Introduction    

Summary:

This learning segment provides a preview of the SAS System and describes some of its software features and components. It also covers basic data concepts and the structure of the SAS programming language.  

Objectives:

• Describe the SAS System
• Examine data to be used with SAS
• Define terms related to SAS
• Describe the structure and language of SAS  

Topics:

• SAS Preview
• Data Basics
• SAS Language    

Learning Segment 2: Using SAS    

Summary:

This learning segment discusses the basic statements used when coding SAS programs and explains how to use the SAS log to troubleshoot coding errors. It also presents the different modes for executing SAS.  

Objectives:

• Code basic DATA and PROC steps in a SAS programInterpret a basic SAS log
• Select a mode for executing SAS
• Use Display Manager mode to write and submit a SAS program
• Save and access SAS programs in Display Manager  

Topics:

• Using SAS Statements
• Analyzing SAS Logs
• Executing the SAS System    

Learning Segment 3: Data Manipulation    

Summary:

This learning segment covers optional SAS statements used to modify data so that more complex data analysis tasks can be performed.  

Objectives:

• Select variables for the output data setUse an assignment statement to create variablesCode SAS expressions
• Work with dates
• Process selected observations
• Create subsets of observationsTroubleshoot problems using SAS logs  

Topics:

• Reviewing the Course ProgramUsing Variables
• Using ExpressionsWorking with DatesWorking with Observations
• Analyzing SAS Logs    

Learning Segment 4: DATA Step Programming    

Summary:

This learning segment describes statements and options available to program various features in the DATA step.  

Objectives:

• Sort a data set and establish sorted variable groupsUse a previously created SAS data set
• Use observations in calculations
• Create total variables
• Use DO groups to control processing
• Produce reports using the DATA step
• Analyze SAS logs with problems  

Topics:

• Working with Sorted DataAccumulating Totals
• Writing OutputAnalyzing SAS Logs   

Learning Segment 5: Results    

Summary:

This learning segment describes SAS procedures used to create more informative and specialized output as well as some basic statistical procedures.  

Objectives:

• Use printing procedures to tailor reports
• Employ plotting and charting procedures to graphically represent SAS data setsUse SAS procedures to perform statistical analysis
• Use PROC REPORT to prepare reports that combine both summary and detail dataAnalyze SAS logs with problems  

Topics:

• Printing Basic Output
• Simple SAS StatisticsPROC REPORT
• Analyzing SAS Logs    

 Learning Segment 6: Display Manager System    

Summary:

This learning segment explains how to use Display Manager, a full-screen facility that allows you to create and run SAS jobs interactively.  

Objectives:

• Describe the features and components of Display Manager
• Manipulate the window environment with commands and function keys
• Enter, edit and submit a SAS program
• Save and retrieve programs
• View and manipulate program outputUse SAS Text Editor and Display Manager commands to modify text
• Manage SAS files using Display Manager windows  

Topics:

• Understanding Display Manager
• Managing the Windowing Environment
• Using Display Manager Windows
• Using the SAS Text EditorManaging SAS Files    

Learning Segment 7: Data Libraries    

Summary:

This learning segment explains the model that SAS uses to store and access data in SAS files. It shows how to use SAS procedures and Display Manager windows to manage SAS data libraries and their members.  

Objectives:

• Describe the model SAS uses to organize, reference and store SAS files
• Explain the SAS data set model and the use of indexes and passwords
• Use SAS procedures and Display Manager windows to manage and modify SAS data library files
• Use SAS procedures and Display Manager windows to copy, move and delete SAS data library members  

Topics:

• Data Library ModelSAS Data SetsGetting Information
• Modifying Data Library Files
• Managing Data Library Members    

Learning Segment 8: Inputting Data and PROC SQL    

Summary:

This learning segment describes ways to create and manipulate SAS data sets, including an introduction to using the SQL procedure in SAS.  

Objectives:

• Describe various input styles used with the INPUT statementUse the INPUT and INFILE statements to handle external filesExplain the basics of using SQL with SASUse PROC SQL to query data sets and generate reports  

Topics:

• Input Styles
• Reading External Files
• Introduction to SQLUsing PROC SQL    

 Learning Segment 9: Combining and Updating Data Sets    

Summary:

This learning segment presents various methods for combining and updating existing SAS data sets.  

Objectives:

• Create new data sets through concatenating, interleaving or merging observations
• Update a master data set with values from a transaction data set
• Manipulate a SAS data set in placeRead a data set twice
• Determine the source of an observation
• Combine portions of data setsRead only certain observations
• Access observations nonsequentially  

Topics:

• Concatenating Data Sets
• Interleaving and Merging Data Sets
• Updating with UPDATE
• Updating with MODIFY
• Using Other Techniques

Features:

• Simulations teach learners to perform specific tasks in applications through guided, multi-step exercises.
• Exercises allow learners to practice in the actual application being studied.
• Supplied sample files include sample documents, application files, programs, and programming code that enable learners to practice with these files, enhancing the learning experience.
• A Course Topics list contains active hyperlinks, permitting quick access to specific topics.
• Find-A-Word allows learners to look up an unfamiliar term in the Glossary, on the Web, or in a dictionary. In addition, it lets them find other occurrences of the term in the same course.
• Search text enables learners to rapidly search all text within a course to easily retrieve information required.
• Courses challenge the learner with a variety of question formats, including multi-step simulations, true/false, multiple choice, and fill-in-the-blank.
• A skill assessment generates a customized learning path based on the results of a pre-test.
• A glossary provides a reference for definitions of unfamiliar terms.
• Bookmarking tracks the learner's progress in a course.  

Technical Requirements:

P500+ Processor, 128MB of RAM; Windows 2000, 2003, XP, Minimum screen resolution 800x600, Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher; Windows Media Player 9.0 or higher; Flash 8.0 or higher; 56K minimum connection; broadband (256 kpbs or higher) connection recommended; Cookies enabled; Sound card with speakers or headphones strongly recommended.