This course is now fully booked and has a long waiting list. If you would like to be informed of similar events in the future, please e-mail us on swc2012@ncl.ac.uk.

What: Our goal is to help scientists and engineers become more productive by teaching them basic computing skills like program design, version control, testing, and task automation. In this two-day bootcamp, short tutorials will alternate with hands-on practical exercises. Participants will be encouraged both to help one another, and to apply what they have learned to their own research problems during and between sessions. Attendants are offered online office hours: regular events to get one-on-one help from Software Carpentry instructors, online.

Who: The course is aimed at postgraduate students and other scientists who are familiar with basic programming concepts (like loops, conditionals, arrays, and functions) but need help to translate this knowledge into practical tools to help them work more productively.

Requirements: Participants must bring a laptop with a few specific software packages installed. (The list will be sent to participants a week before the bootcamp.)

Content: The syllabus for this bootcamp will include:

• using the shell to do more in less time
• using version control to manage and share information
• basic Python programming
• how (and how much) to test programs
• documentation and debugging

Registration: Please use this form to register your interest by April 6. We will allocate places to individuals and groups we believe will benefit, while aiming for a balance of subjects and geographical areas. We strongly encourage learners to attend with colleagues, so please create or join a team when you sign up. Ideally we would like teams of 3 to 6 members, and we will give preference to teams including one more knowledgeable member who is interested in organizing further training at their own institution. By registering you are stating that you will attend both days of the boot camp and participate in the online exercises and follow-up sessions in the following weeks. We will notify all applicants as to whether they have a spot no later than April 13.

Contact: Please mail swc2012@ncl.ac.uk for more information.

Material from the boot camp:

Monday May 14th
What we actually know about developing software, and why we believe it's true — Steve Crouch
The bash shell — Steve McGough
Version control — Chris Cannam
Software Carpentry — Greg Wilson
The basics of Python — Mike Jackson

Tuesday May 15
Continuing Python programming
- Round 1 (Functions) — Steve Crouch
- Round 2 (Testing) — Mike Jackson
Using relational databases — Steve Crouch
Putting it all together — Mike Jackson

Event Evaluation:

Evaluation of the event venue and local organisation: http://forms.ncl.ac.uk/view.php?id=3205