Python 201: Programming with Interdisciplinary Fields
Instructors: Shreya Kochar and Aneesha Sreerama
Introduction
The Python Research Program is offering a 5 week summer project-based course to explore different fields in conjunction with computer science. It will be offered twice throughout the summer, so students need only apply for one of the two cohorts:
Cohort 1: June 16th to July 21th
Cohort 2: July 23rd to August 27th
There will be fifteen one-hour sessions all held on weekdays. Students will learn intermediate and advanced python programming techniques, work with large datasets using data analysis & visualization frameworks in python, and develop a project related to a field of study of their choice.
Additionally, students will receive the following:
Prerequisites include either Python 101 or prior python programming experience. Students can choose one of the following three tracks, depending on their interests:
Cohort 1: June 16th to July 21th
Cohort 2: July 23rd to August 27th
There will be fifteen one-hour sessions all held on weekdays. Students will learn intermediate and advanced python programming techniques, work with large datasets using data analysis & visualization frameworks in python, and develop a project related to a field of study of their choice.
Additionally, students will receive the following:
- Certificate of completion
- One free college application advice session (see more information here)
- Letters of recommendations for high performing students who build good projects and generally take the time out of their day to succeed in our program
Prerequisites include either Python 101 or prior python programming experience. Students can choose one of the following three tracks, depending on their interests:
Python for Bioinformatics/Pre-med/Neuroscience Track:
note: the research project’s focus here is on learning bioinformatics tools, and your project will pertain towards this
- Brain scans and image processing
- Bioinformatics tools
- Protein genomic datasets
- Learn how to read complex scientific research papers (in preparation for writing your own)
- Research a specific protein using all the tools you have learned; write a scientific research paper on it and create a project.
Python for Data Science/Computer Science Applications:
note: the research project’s focus here is on learning more about computer science, data science, and engineering through hands-on projects!
- Object Oriented Programming
- Analyzing social media data (Twitter, Reddit, etc.)
- Creating interesting visuals (ex: https://datavizcatalogue.com/)
Python for Economics/Finance/Business Applications:
note: the research project’s focus here is on learning more about the mentioned subjects through a programming and quantitative perspective
- Using python to extract data regarding unemployment, GDP, and inflation rates
- Analyzing sales data (ex: How often do people buy soda with a pizza?)
- Creating a stock predicting model
Structure
Students are expected to be in good communication with the instructors – by this, we mean if they need to skip a class or will be late for any reason, they should notify us in advance. Students are also expected to complete homework assignments by the due dates given, unless they need extra time.
Expectations
We will be using Google classroom, so every student is expected to have a email account and access to the internet. We will also be meeting over Zoom daily for lecture and to discuss the relevance of the topics of the day. Instructors and TAs will be hosting several after-hour sessions to get to know students as well, in addition to providing support with homework and talking about future goals.
Contact
Feel free to send any questions to shreya.kochar@wellesley.edu or sreerama.a@northeastern.edu
