Introduction to Scientific Computing

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Applications open now.

Our next set of Introduction to Scientific Computing modules will take place in our training centre at the University of Leeds. If you would prefer to be notified when we schedule our next set of online modules please register your details.

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In each course module you will gain an understanding of the topics listed below.

Introduction to the bash shell (Linux) (1 day)

Introducing the shell – why is it useful?

Navigating files and directories

Working with files and directories

Combining commands using pipes and filters

Loops

Shell scripts

Shell variables

Finding files and searching file contents

Working on a remote computer

File and directory access permissions

Job control (tracking and controlling multiple processes on a machine)

Command substitution (what is it and how to use it)

Introduction to Python Programming (2.5 days)

Why use Python?

Python variables and data types

Control flow using ‘while’ and ‘for’ loops

Lists, indexing and slicing

Tuples

Strings

Aliasing

Functions and help

Python libraries

Using Pandas

Plotting

Sets and dictionaries

Handling errors and exceptions

Suggestions for further Python learning

Python programming – working with data (2.5 days)

Python basics: recap

Geospatial data

Raster and vector data

NetCDF format and the NetCDF4 library

Working with Satellite imagery

Vectorisation with Numpy

Slicing and subsetting

Visualisation using Matplotlib and Cartopy

Weather API Exercise – working with real data

Using version control with Git

Creating, cloning and interacting with a remote GitHub repository

The Linux and “Introduction to Python Programming” modules are designed for complete beginners as well as those with a little experience who wish to further their knowledge. Some prerequisite Python knowledge is necessary to study the “Python Programming – Working with Data” module.

Basic Python programming skills are required to study the final module, “Python Programming – Working with Data”. If you wish to skip the “Introduction to Python Programming” and go straight to the “Working with Data” module, you may indicate your preference in the application form. You will then be asked to complete a quiz to test your Python knowledge. A score of 7 (out of 9) or higher is needed for acceptance directly onto the “Working with Data” module; a lower score means you will need to study the Introduction to Python programming module first.

The Introduction to bash shell module will use Zoom and Slack technologies. Details of how to prepare your own computer and links to the Zoom session and dedicated Slack workspace will be emailed the week before the module commences.

The workshop will be led by software developers and data scientists drawn from our Centre for Environmental Data Analysis (CEDA), Computational Modelling Service (CMS), and the Operations Group. All the trainers use Linux and Python in their day-to-day work.

Course timings are as follows:

Introduction to the bash shell (Unix/Linux): 09:00 – 16.30 30th October 2023 (Presented virtually using Zoom)

Introduction to Python programming: 10:00 13th November – 12:00 15th November 2023

Python programming – working with data: 13:15 15th November – 16:00 17th November 2023

There is a charge to attend the Introduction to Scientific Computing Modules. You will be asked to pay for your place on the course via the University of Leeds online store once you have been offered a place.

Introduction to the bash shell

Full academic price: £127

Educational discounted price: £89

This may be available to students or post-doctoral researchers not eligible for the subsidised rate.

NCAS subsidised price: £59

This subsidy is for UK & EU students attending UK universities or students that are supervised by NCAS staff.

Introduction to Python programming or Python programming – working with data (Price per module)

Full academic price: £367

Educational discounted price: £277

This may be available to students or post-doctoral researchers not eligible for the subsidised rate.

NCAS subsidised price: £181

This subsidy is for UK & EU students attending UK universities or students that are supervised by NCAS staff.

Once you have been offered a place on this course, you will be asked to pay the course fees via the University of Leeds online store.

Commercial rate

Attendees from commercial organisations should contact training@ncas.ac.uk to discuss the course fee. Please contact training@ncas.ac.uk.

The course fee includes all tuition, activities, and materials.

Fees

Attendees are required to pay in full by credit/debit card or provide a valid purchase order from their home organisation by the confirmation deadline. All payments and refunds are processed by the University of Leeds.

Cancellations/ refunds

Attendee cancellations are subject to a £50 administration fee, plus any accommodation cancellation costs incurred by us, where the cancellation is made more than six weeks (twelve weeks for the Atmospheric Measurement and Modelling Summer School) before the date of the training course. The remaining balance of the course fee will be refunded.

No refund is payable for a cancellation made within six weeks (twelve weeks for the Atmospheric Measurement and Modelling Summer School) immediately prior to the training course – in this event the full course fee will remain payable. In the event that a place can be filled by another student then the full fee (less the £50 administration fee) will be refunded once the replacement student has paid in full.

All cancellations must be sent in writing to training@ncas.ac.uk.

Amendments and cancellations

It may be necessary for us to change the content and timing of a course, the staff, the date or the venue. In the unlikely event of the course being cancelled, we will provide a full refund. For all bookings, the liability of the National Centre for Atmospheric Science/University of Leeds shall be limited to the amount of the fee paid to the National Centre for Atmospheric Science/University of Leeds by the delegate.