COMP151 Programming for Scientists

Overview

An introduction to the basics of programming using the Python programming language, with an emphasis on programming of relevance to scientists.

COMP151 introduces programming in a way that is targeted towards the needs of scientists and those working with data. Although the paper is called "Programming for Scientists", it is equally useful for anyone interested in programming in general, or in programming with data specifically. COMP151 uses the Python programming language which is the most popular language for data science applications, and the 3rd most popular language overall and continues to grow in popularity.

About this paper

Restriction

COMP 150

Schedule C

Arts and Music, Commerce, Science

Contact

Dr Brendon Woodford
Computer Science Adviser

Teaching staff

Dr Brendon Woodford

Paper Structure

Two Lectures and two labs per week.
Programming is a skill that requires incremental mastery of concepts. Therefore, COMP151 uses the mastery model of learning. 

Textbooks

The course workbook is available free online for enrolled students or can be printed at cost.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

By completion of this paper students are expected to:

• Understand fundamental concepts relating to computer programming
• Demonstrate the ability to write small computer programs
• Develop an understanding of the basic needs of scientific programming including but not limited to: data input and output, data manipulation, and data visualisation
• Develop a basic understanding of ethical and best practice issues associated with collecting and storing data, including indigenous data

Assessment details

100% internally assessed.

Timetable