This module is aimed at postgraduate students in the Biosciences, wishing to learn about methods for use in data-intensive research. The module provides a broad introduction to the use of Python coding for performing basic tasks in the biological sciences. The student will get practical experience in writing their own Python scripts for basic bioinformatics tasks, such as manipulating DNA, RNA, and protein sequences, file input/output, and working with other programs, such as BLAST. There is also an introduction to data visualisation using Python, and simple techniques used in data science. Python is the global standard language for Artificial Intelligence development. "Data Science" is the foundational discipline of Artificial Intelligence. By teaching students to structure data and use libraries for analysis, we are teaching the prerequisite skills for all Artificial Intelligence implementations.
Around 10 hours of lectures will be provided on core topics, with a strong emphasis on practical activity in workshops (totalling around 40 hours), allowing students to gain confidence in writing scripts for their own tasks. The module will be assessed through a portfolio-style coding assessment and an individual data science mini-project. The portfolio assessment allows students to build and evidence their coding skills progressively, while the mini-project gives students the opportunity to apply Python to a more substantial data analysis task.