[Bioinformatics.Org] Introductory Python course

[Prashanth Suravajhala]

Python for Biologists, Level 1 is being held again online, November 17-21, 2008.

OBJECTIVE:
This course teaches biologists how to use Python as a programming language to automate routine data management tasks in biological research and solve difficult data-related computational problems. Data could be DNA or amino acid sequence, microarray data, images, mass spectrometry data, LIMS data, or any other kind of biological information.

COURSE OUTLINE:
The course is divided into 4 sessions. The 5th session is reserved for project discussion and any other issues the students may want to discuss. There will be quizzes and homework assignments after every lecture.

Day 1: Installation issues and simple exercises that illustrate how to create and execute simple Python programs using variables and the print statement. The Python interpreter and editor will be introduced.

Day 2: Fundamentals of programming with Python, such as operators (mathematical, conditional, logical), file input/output, loops (if-then-else, for, while), etc.

Day 3: Functions, hashes and object oriented programming

Day 4: Installation of Python packages such as iPython, NumPy (Numeric Python), and Biopython. Some basic tasks in these packages will be covered. Project discussion.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
http://wiki.bioinformatics.org/CS101E_Python_for_Biologists,_Level_1

These online courses offer several advantages to scientists over books and self-paced learning:

- In-depth courses with innovative, easy-to-understand materials (slides, scripts and datasets)

- Live instruction is done online via streaming multimedia with shorter, distributed sessions and plenty of time for assignments.

- Opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification

- Recorded videos of lectures and materials, which are available indefinitely for attendees

- Discussion forums for students and instructors to share expertise and information

Discounts are available for those in non-profit organizations and those who are unemployed.  Please check the description pages for details.

Thank you, and please forward this information to others who may find this useful.

 

Best,

Prash