Introduction to Python

Description

Python is a powerful open source programming language for many applications in bioinformatics. In this 3 hour, hands-on workshop, we will teach basic concepts and applications in Python programming. These materials are developed for a trainer-led workshop aimed at beginners, but are also amenable to self-guided learning.

Objectives

This workshop covers the fundamentals of Python, with the following learning objectives:

• Implement basic syntax
• Create and manipulate lists
• Apply built-in functions
• Load packages
• Perform data manipulation and visualization

By the end of this workshop, students should be able to understand the structure of a simple Python script, and can perform basic data analysis.

Requirements

To complete this workshop, you will need a computer and a Google account (to access Colab). There is no need to install Python or any other tool.

Who should take this beginner workshop?

You will find this workshop helpful, if you:

• Have none or very little background in programming, and would like to start learning a general programming language
• Have experience in other programming languages (e.g. R), but would like to learn and apply Python in your work
• Have sparse experience with using Python, but would like to brush up on fundamental concepts

Note: while this course is developed with teaching life science researchers in mind, it can be used for/by students with any technical background.

Note: we might be developing advanced topics of Python based on general interest, so stay tuned!

Lessons

Material for use during workshop - In-class version

Material for use post workshop - Post-class version