BIOF 309 - Introduction to Python

Course Description

Python is a free, open-source, and powerful programming language that is easy to learn. This course is intended for non-programmers who want to learn how to write programs that expand the breadth and depth of their daily research. Most elementary concepts in Python coding will be covered, including basic syntax, reading from and writing text files, debugging Python programs, regular expressions, and creating reusable code modules that are distributable to peers. The course will also focus on potential applications of Python to bioinformatics, data visualization, and data analysis. Students will also learn to use notebooks in the form of Google Colaboratory, which is free.

Learner Outcomes

When you complete the course successfully, you will be able to:

Demonstrate basic knowledge of object-oriented programming in Python
Create transparent and reproducible notebooks in Google Colaboratory
Identify foundational principles in writing high-quality code
Perform hands-on exercises with entry-level concepts in scientific data analysis using Python.
Run a program of your own design in the terminal or a cloud-based environment.

This course applies toward the Bioinformatics Endeavor digital badge.

What FAES Learners are Saying

"The guided code before each assignment was really great - that was almost sufficient to understand and complete each work. Extra reading material was nice as it (for me) worked as recommendations of where to find more info." - FAES Learner

"I really liked how the videos were directly applicable to the notebooks we'd then complete, and also how the notebooks had lots of practice and examples ahead of doing our own. This made it easy for me to grasp concepts before trying them out." - FAES Learner

Textbook Information

There is no textbook for purchase required for this course.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Additional Information

This course is for learners looking to learn the Python coding language for data analysis, specifically focused on biological sciences. A computer with Google Chrome installed + a Gmail Account is needed. Additionally, a Mac or Windows 10 computer (with Ubuntu terminal for Windows installed) may be helpful.

Refund
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Scholarship and Funding

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A computer with Google Chrome installed + a Gmail account is needed. Additionally, a Mac or Windows 10 computer (with the Ubuntu terminal for Windows installed) may be helpful.