Prerequisites

No previous programming experience is needed, but a basic knowledge of Biology is assumed.

You will need your own laptop, and most of the course will involve working with it. Any machine able to run a current version of Windows/OSX/Linux will be fine. You will need to install some software (we will guide your through that) but the software itself is "gratis".

For the first seven weeks of the course, we will mainly follow Hello World! Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners (do not be fooled by the title and appearance of the book, it is quite sophisticated). You may either purchase a hard copy of this book or download the relevant chapters from this resource. In the course, chapter 1 Basics and branches - First steps in Python, we indicate the chapters that are relevant to the course.

In case you already have experience in programming, the condensed information in the summaries we provide may be sufficient.

The Flipped Classroom

This course will run as a Flipped Classroom. On this website, you will find short video explanations, written text, reference to book chapters, and interactive exercises.

• Under Course you can find what you need to do in advance of the class.
• The classroom hours (13:00 to 17:00 on Tuesday or Thursday, depending on your group) are for actually writing programs and for discussion with your collegues as well as with the tutors in case of questions or problems.
• Most of the classroom time will be spent working on your computer. Power sockets are available in the lecture hall.
• Please also bring headphones, in case you need to revisit lecture videos.

Using this platform Open EdX

1. You need to first sign in (see the button at the top right of this page) with your SWITCH edu-ID.
2. Once you have signed in, you will be taken to your personal dashboard. All courses you are enrolled in will be displayed (may be an empty list). Click the EXPLORE COURSES button at the top of the page. Find this course on the menu, click it.
3. Click the “ENROLL NOW” button (only after September 1). Now you can explore the course materials.