Instructors: Aron Ahmadia, David Ketcheson, Enas Yunis

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: The course will be delivered on the KAUST library computers using the Apple OS X operating system. Students are welcome to bring in their own laptops or connect to remote workstations during the boot camp.

Content: The syllabus for this boot camp will include:

• using the shell to do more in less time
• using version control to manage and share information
• basic Python programming and the IPython notebook
• how (and how much) to test programs
• reproducible documents and workflows with make and the IPython notebook
• using Python in high performance computing

Contact: Please email for general information about Software Carpentry bootcamps, local organizer Prof. David Ketcheson, or instructor Dr. Aron Ahmadia.