Using Python for scientific applications

A Python course will be offered on July 18-20 to the scientific community in Woods Hole by Rob Hetland, Assistant Professor in the Department of Oceanography at Texas A & M University.

About Python:
Python is a computer language that is easy to learn and use (like MATLAB), and is very powerful. Python is rapidly becoming a standard language for scientific scripting -- chances are if you work with code, you will eventually have to deal with somebody else's Python scripts even if you don't use it as your own primary language. Many scientists are developing packages and toolboxes in Python (see, for example http://www-pcmdi.llnl.gov/software-portal/cdat, http:// www.pyngl.ucar.edu/, and countless other, smaller packages). Many utilities are being developed with Python hooks build in (like VTK, a 3D visualization library). Stop by and see what all the fuss is about.

Where: Redfield Auditorium
When: July 18, 19, 20 from 9am - 11am each day

Topics Day Date
The core Python language

Tuesday

July 18

Numerical tools (NumPy and SciPy)

Wednesday

July 19

Visualization tools (matplotlib)

Thursday

July 20

Appropriate Audience:
All are welcome. The course is not a programing course, but a Python course, aimed at people who already have some programing experience. Basic knowledge of MATLAB, IDL or other scientific scripting language should be plenty.

Course Format:
The course format will be lecture for the first hour (plus a bit). If you would like to stay around and try out some of the things discussed, bring your laptop for help with working examples and installing modules in the second part of the class. No extra modules are necessary the first day -- just core Python available at python.org, although you may wish to install ipython (a 'turbo' interactive Python shell) available at ipython.scipy.org so you can do the examples with me in class.

For more information, check out these websites:

Bring a laptop to work with examples. There will be wireless networking available to facilitate downloading.

 

Contact / Sponsor Rich Signell of USGS was the local contact for Rob and suggested the course to WHOI's Staff Training and Development coordinator in CIS. Contact Christine Hammond at chammond@whoi.edu with questions.