Introduction to Python Programming
Python is a hugely versatile programming language, used for everything from bioinformatics and data science to web development and AI. It's a core transferable skill that will both speed up your work, and open up new possibilities in how you work.
On this intensive, two-day course we'll cover the fundamentals of programming, then move on to more advanced concepts like functions and classes, before moving on to reading in, processing, and plotting real data.
By the end, you'll be proficient enough in Python to apply it to your everyday work and research.
Course Tutors
The course is taught by data scientists from the Technology Facility Data Science Hub. Between us, we have decades of experience in programming in a range of languages including Python, using it for everything from data analysis and visualisation through to web app design and using it in embedded devices like microscopes and weather stations.
.jpg)
Course Outline
| Time | Topic | Core Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1, AM | Getting Started | Variables, data types, objects and methods |
| Day 1, PM | Beginning to Program | Conditionals, loops, string formatting |
| Day 2, AM | Input and Output | Functions, I/O, basic data visualisation |
| Day 2, PM | Handling Complex Data | Complex data analysis and visualisation |
From 2026, our course materials have been shifted online, using the Carpentries Workbench, with coding in Google Colab. This means that our materials are cross-platform and should work on any laptop with an internet connection and web browser (our computer labs also have PCs available if you can't bring your own).
Coffee and refreshments, and lunch, is provided for delegates each day from either campus cafes or catering depending on the number of attendees. Options for special dietary requirements are available on request.
Course Location
The course is held on the University of York's beautiful campus, in one of the well-equipped computer labs on Campus West (either in the Biology Department or another department, depending on availability).
York is a beautiful and historic city in the North of England, with a rich mix of Viking, Roman, and Medieval history to explore, and one of the most spectacular and stunning Gothic cathedrals in Europe — York Minster.
Our course on 27/28 May 2026 is being held in computer room AEW/004 in Alcuin College, as shown in the Google Map below.
York is well-connected by rail, with London, Edinburgh, and Manchester all within 2 hours or less travelling time. If coming by train, then we would recommend using the U1 or U2 Unibus (every 10 minutes or so) to get from York Train Station to the University's Campus West, which is about a 15 minute journey.
Registration
The registration fee for this course is £400 for academics and £500 for non-academics, and this fee covers both days of teaching and lunch and refreshments on both days. Travel and accommodation is not included in the registration fee, and you should organise this yourself (although we would be happy to suggest suitable hotels).
Please contact btf-enquiries@york.ac.uk to book your place or for any queries.