Python Boot Camp for Biologists

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. This course covers the basics of the language, with specific attention given to techniques aimed at introductory data science and machine learning. Those new to coding will be able to learn comfortably, as foundational concepts will be emphasized. Coursework will cover Python installation, basic programming concepts, an introduction to data wrangling with the popular Pandas library, basic plotting, and a brief introduction to constructing machine learning models using scikit-learn (a popular modeling package). The course will focus on the fundamentals of Python coding in an interactive computing environment (i.e., within Jupyter notebooks).

Why consider learning Python if you already know R? For general data science, R and Python are very similar and both great tools. You may find Python useful if you have interest in data-heavy careers in the private sector, where Python is more commonly used than R. Additionally, Python has an edge over R for some machine learning and bioinformatics use cases. If you are interested in software engineering (in addition to statistical analysis), then Python will be a useful skill as it is a more fully-featured language than R.

No prior experience is required.

• Python: https://www.python.org/downloads/

• Various online resources introduced throughout the course

Module 1: Introduction to Python

Objective: Provide an overview of Python’s capabilities and learn how to install and use the language

Outcomes:

• Describe how Python is used in the world today.

• Install Python and the associated suite of useful software (Conda, Jupyter, and an integrated development environment of the user’s choice).

• Use these different pieces of software together to build a reproducible development environment.

Module 2: Python basics

Objective: Describe Python fundamentals, with emphasis placed on interactive usage.

Outcomes:

• Write code in the Jupyter environment.

• Create variables.

• Perform arithmetic with Python.

• Manipulate text strings.

• Install Python packages.

• Use functions to simplify repetitive tasks and improve code organization.

Module 3: Coding fundamentals

Objective: Learn programming building block that are combined to make great code.

Outcomes:

• Define functions that accomplish a specific task.

• Use conditional statements to specify the logic of a program.

• Use looping constructions that direct the computer to repeat tasks.

Module 4: Data ingestion and wrangling

Objective: Build knowledge of how to manipulate data using base Python and the popular Pandas package.

Outcomes:

• Ingest text files (e.g., comma separated values files).

• Data manipulation basics

• Basic plotting.

FORMAT:

• 3 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

DATES & PRICES:

• Winter: Dec 2 - Feb 23 (Early bird ends Nov 4th): $275 student / $375 professional

*Early bird saves $75

FORMAT:

• 3 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Associate/Certified Wildlife Biologist® (at any level) with The Wildlife Society

DATES & PRICES:

• Winter: Dec 2 - Feb 23 (Early bird ends Nov 4th): $425 student / $525 professional

*Early bird saves $75

FORMAT:

• 12 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Associate/Certified Wildlife Biologist® (at any level) with The Wildlife Society

• Earn 1 credit towards a professional certificate in Applied Quantitative Ecology with CWS

• Earn an additional 1-2 academic credits with an Applied Project

• Go to our Academic Credit Page for details

DATES & PRICES:

• Winter: Dec 2 - Feb 23 (Early bird ends Nov 4th): $575 professional / $675 student

*Early bird saves $75