Introduction to Python for Biologists (ONLINE LIVE TRAINING) Beginners
Description
This course provides a practical introduction to the writing of Python programs for the complete novice. Participants are lead through the core concepts of Python including Python syntax, data structures and reading/writing files. These are illustrated by a series of example programs. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to write simple Python programs.
If you do not have a University of Cambridge Raven account please book or register your interest here.
Additional information
- Our courses are only free for registered University of Cambridge students. All other participants will be charged according to our charging policy.
- Attendance will be taken on all courses and a charge is applied for non-attendance, including for University of Cambridge students. After you have booked a place, if you are unable to attend any of the live sessions, please email the Bioinfo Team.
- Further details regarding eligibility criteria are available here.
Target audience
- Graduate students, Postdocs and Staff members from the University of Cambridge, Affiliated Institutions and other external Institutions or individuals
Prerequisites
- The course is aimed at beginners and assumes no prior programming experience.
Topics covered
Python, Data handling
Objectives
After this course you should be able to:
- Edit and run Python code
- Write file-processing python programs that produce output to the terminal and/or external files
- Create stand-alone python programs to process biological data
- Know how to develop your skills in Python after the course
Aims
During this course you will learn how to:
- Create and use variables
- List the most common data types in Python
- Use different data structures in Python
- Use conditions to execute specific code block
- Employ loops to repeat code block
- Manipulate strings
- Read a file and write to a file in Python
Format
Presentations, demonstrations and practicals
Timetable
This is subject to change in line with the online training schedule.
| Day 1 AM | Topics |
| Session 1 | Introduction |
| Session 2 | Print and Variables |
| Session 3 | Simple data types, Arithmetic and Saving code in files |
| Day 1 PM | |
| Session 1 | Collections: Lists and String |
| Session 2 | Collections: Sets and Dictionaries |
| Session 3 | Summary of first day's teaching |
| Day 2 AM | |
| Session 1 | Introduction |
| Session 2 | Conditional execution |
| Session 3 | Loops |
| Day 2 PM | |
| Session 1 | Files |
| Session 2 | Delimited Files |
| Session 3 | Wrap Up and summary |
Registration Fees
- Free for registered University of Cambridge students
- £ 60/day for all University of Cambridge staff, including postdocs, temporary visitors (students and researchers) and participants from Affiliated Institutions. Please note that these charges are recovered by us at the Institutional level
- It remains the participant's responsibility to acquire prior approval from the relevant group leader, line manager or budget holder to attend the course. It is requested that people booking only do so with the agreement of the relevant party as costs will be charged back to your Lab Head or Group Supervisor.
- £ 60/day for all other academic participants from external Institutions and charitable organizations. These charges must be paid at registration
- £ 120/day for all Industry participants. These charges must be paid at registration
- Further details regarding the charging policy are available here
Duration
2
Frequency
A number of times per year
Theme
Basic Skills and Programming
Events available