Study scientific computing
Dates:
Introduction to the bash shell (Unix/Linux): Online, 09:00-16:00 4th November 2024
Introduction to Python programming: Leeds, 10:00 18th November – 12:30 20th November 2024
Python programming – working with data & Introduction to Git/GitHub: Leeds, 13:30 20th November – 16:00 22nd November 2024
Location: NCAS Headquarters, University of Leeds
The Introduction to Scientific Computing (ISC) course covers the skills needed to start using the Linux Shell and Python in environmental science research. The course is 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. On the final day of the “Working with Data” module there will be two parallel sessions focussing, respectively, on the use of atmospheric science data and earth observation data. Students may join either session depending on their own learning needs and preferences.
The course is taught as a series of hands-on workshops. Students may register for the whole course as a package, or individual modules to suit their own learning needs.
We aim to equip students with fundamental knowledge and build the skills that are essential for almost all researchers in modern scientific disciplines. Each topic will be introduced and students will then apply their learning by working through practical exercises, supported by the trainers. The course is highly interactive – students are encouraged to ask questions and request support as needed.
The course will also provide you with the necessary experience to attend our Data Analysis Tools course and Atmospheric Measurement and Modelling Summer School.
How to apply
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.
Subscribe to our Reach for the Skies mailing list to be kept in the loop about upcoming courses.
Learning outcomes
In each course module you will gain an understanding of the topics listed below.
Introduction to the bash shell (Linux) (1 day)
Introduction to Python Programming (2.5 days)
Python programming – working with data (2.5 days)
Prerequisites
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.
Teaching staff
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 schedule
Course timings are as follows:
Costs
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.
Terms and conditions
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.