Python is a dynamic, readable language that is a popular platform for all types of bioinformatics work, from simple one-off scripts to large, complex software projects.This workshop is aimed at complete beginners and assumes no prior programming experience.
It gives an overview of the language with an emphasis on practical problem-solving, using examples and exercises drawn from various aspects of bioinformatics work. The workshop is structured so that the parts of the language most useful for bioinformatics are introduced as early as possible, and that students can start writing plausibly-useful programs after the first few sessions.
After completing the workshop, students should be in a position to -
(1) apply the skills they have learned to tackling problems in their own research and
(2) continue their Python education in a self-directed way.
This event will be delivered virtually via Zoom & Slack, see more details on the further information tab.
Please see here for a detailed syllabus of the course.
“I loved this course. It started from very basic concepts and gradually came to more advanced tasks. I feel like I can apply knowledge gained during the course to my own data.”
"Introduction to Python for Biologists' is a great course with a very clear structure and many relevant examples. Martin succeeds 100% at explaining the logic behind and demonstrating during "live" coding session how to break down problems into smaller bits and combine it into a working solution. He really initiated some sort of coding intuition in my head. Thanks so much!”
“After 2-weeks time I have learned how to manipulate, analyse and visualise data different types of data. I wasn't sure I would enjoy this as I thought I might run into a lot of issues with misunderstanding what was being taught, but Martin delivers the material in a clear and understandable way.”
- Introduction to Python for Biologists virtual course attendees, July 2021
Who is this event for?
This workshop is aimed at researchers and technical workers with a background in biology, but no previous programming experience. Students should have enough biological/bioinformatics background to appreciate the examples and exercise problems (i.e. they should know what a protein accession number, BLAST report, and FASTA sequence is). The syllabus has been planned with complete beginners to programming in mind, so no particular computer skills (beyond the ability to use a text editor) are necessary.
If you are unsure about the suitability of this course for your needs, questions can be directed to Martin Jones.
About the trainer
Martin started his programming career by learning Perl during the course of his PhD in evolutionary biology, and started teaching other people to program soon after. Since then he has taught introductory programming to hundreds of biologists, from undergraduates to PIs, and has maintained a philosophy that programming courses must be friendly, approachable, and practical.
In his academic career, Martin mixed research and teaching at the University of Edinburgh, culminating in a two year stint as Lecturer in Bioinformatics. He now runs programming courses for biological researchers as a full time freelancer.
