Registration: To apply for a space at this camp, please fill in this preregistration form before April 26. We will allocate spaces to individuals and groups we believe will most benefit. Priority will be given to applicants from the five colleges (UMass, Amherst College, Mt Holyoke, Smith, Hampshire).

Instructors: Tracy Teal, Erik Bray

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

Contact: Please mail for more information.