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SWD1a: Introduction to Python programming

Booking for this course is through the IT Training Unit.

Click here to book

 

Suitability

Research postgraduate students and staff from all faculties and research domains who are new to Python programming.

 

Workshop content

PLEASE NOTE: This course includes two full-day workshops, usually one week apart. Please do not apply for this course unless you are able to attend both sessions.

This is a friendly introduction to programming in Python for absolute beginners; no previous programming experience in any language is expected. This course will introduce you to basic concepts and conventions in Python, covering some frequently used data analysis and plotting tools.

In this course, we cover (amongst other topics):

  • Basic Python syntax and conventions
  • Different data structures available in Python
  • Using packages to extend Python’s functionality
  • Demystifying error messages: fixing problems in your code
  • Working with tabular data
  • Plotting data

This course includes practical exercises and hands-on coding that you will be guided through.

 

Prerequisites

  • This course uses a virtual machine in the cloud, so no specialised software is required to be installed/downloaded.
  • If attending an online iteration of this course, we recommend using a second screen so that you can follow along easily during the practical sections.

 

Duration

2 full-day sessions

 

Frequency

This course runs two to three times per year depending on demand. If you would like a bespoke version of this course run in your department then please contact us.