Python Basics: Introduction to Programming for Researchers 2022 (4-part series)

Description: This 4-part workshop series provides an introduction to using the Python programming language for reproducible data analysis and scientific computing. The focus of this workshop is programming basics and working with tabular data. Along the way, we'll discuss how to break down programming problems and organize computational code and projects for clarity and reproducibility.

Learning Objectives: After this workshop series, learners will be able to load tabular datasets into Python, compute simple summaries and visualizations, perform common data-tidying tasks, write reusable functions, and identify where to go to learn more.  

Prerequisites: No prior programming experience is necessary. All learners will need access to an internet-connected computer and the latest version of Anaconda and JupyterLab installed on their local machine prior to the start of the first workshop. Learners should commit to attending all four sessions of this series.          

Software: Before the first workshop, learners must install the latest versions of the Anaconda and JupyterLab software. Follow the DataLab Python Install Guide at https://ucdavisdatalab.github.io/install_guides/python-and-python-tools.html#python-and-python-tools.

If you need help with or want to check your installation, please stop by our drop-in office hours prior to the workshop.             

Instructor: Tyler Shoemaker

Instructor’s Bio: Tyler Shoemaker is a Postdoctoral Scholar at the DataLab, where he develops and implements methods for text analysis and natural language processing across a variety of research projects, ranging from the digital humanities to environmental and health sciences.