Prerequisites

Be prepared

As prerequisites for the course, we recommend that you have a look at the following resources:

  • Please have a look at the SciLifeLab Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) initiative website to understand what data-driven life sciences are, and how Sweden is investing in this area. Focus in particular on the concept of the data life cycle, which is central in this class.
  • We will use Python as the main programming language in the computer lab, so please make sure you know the basics of Python. See the Python introduction material below for more information.

For the computer lab, you will need a computer with internet access, and make sure you have the following set up:

  • Install the latest browser, e.g. Chrome
  • Register a Google account for the Google Colab access and use the Google Drive
  • Register a ChatGPT account (Note: No need to subscribe to the paid version of ChatGPT, using the free version is sufficient for this course)
  • Register a Github account for versioning of the code

Build a foundation in Python

As a warn up, please make sure you are comfortable with coding in Python. If not, this section will show you the basics of Python.

Learn

Here you can find the basics of Python:

You can also run the notebook in Jupyter Lite:


If you are new to programming, we recommend that you complete the following course video:

Quiz

What is the difference between lists and tuples?

Lists

  • Lists are mutable - they can be changed
  • Slower than tuples
  • Syntax: a_list = [1, 2.0, 'Hello world']

Tuples

  • Tuples are immutable - they can’t be changed
  • Tuples are faster than lists
  • Syntax: a_tuple = (1, 2.0, 'Hello world')

Is Python case-sensitive?

Yes