Biocomputing
Classes
There are no classes currently available for registration.
Overview
Programming is an essential skill for bioinformaticians. This Biocomputing short course focuses on Python, the most widely used programming language for bioinformatics. On this course you will learn about:
- the core features of Python
- how to write short scripts for handling biological data
- more advanced topics such as regular expressions and how to write user-defined functions
- specialist topics relevant to bioinformatics, such as Biopython
- how to use Biopython to handle DNA and protein sequence data
- how to set up a basic web server
- how to create, access and modify a relational database using SQL
- good programming practices
- how to address practical challenges associated with larger-scale and collaborative programming tasks.
This course is primarily aimed at science graduates with an interest in computational biology who are keen to develop their programming skills. As the course teaches programming from scratch, no prior knowledge of programming is necessary or assumed. If you have some programming experience (especially in languages other than Python) you will still find the course stimulating as you can opt to work on harder problems provided alongside the easier ones.
This short course is assessed by open-book, limited-time, online tests (60%) and coursework tasks (40%).
-
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
A second-class STEM honours degree (2:2) or equivalent is the normal entry requirement for this course. However, we will consider all applicants on merit, taking into account professional qualifications and experience alongside your academic record.
As part of the enrolment process, you may be required to submit a copy of a suitable form of ID.
International students who wish to come to the UK to study a short course can apply for a Visitor visa. Please note that it is not possible to obtain a Student visa to study a short course.
-
How to apply
How to apply
You register directly onto the classes you would like to take. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis - so apply early. If you wish to take more than one short course, you can select each one separately and then register onto them together via our online application portal. There is usually no formal selection process, although some modules may have prerequisites and/or other requirements, which will be specified where relevant.