Amsterdam, Netherlands

Programming in Python for Beginners

In this course you will learn how to solve problems using structured programming. We will use the Python language, but the skills and principles taught in this course apply to any programming language.

Python code is relatively easy to read and understand and has a vast number of practical applications, including everything from the sciences to the arts. Python is currently in high demand; it’s a programming language that has enjoyed a meteoric surge in popularity among professionals. Even so, the skills you’ll pick up in this course will be transferable to other programming languages.

With supervised practicals and assignments that will be evaluated, students will learn how to program through active coding. As such, this course encourages an environment of independence where students can feel secure in their own understanding and application of Python.

Lectures will be light yet highly interactive, with many small exercises to engage student’s abilities under professional guidance. Course topics include, but are not limited to:

- Computer programming concepts
- Programming as a problem-solving tool
- The Python language
- The use of Jupyter notebook
- Best coding practices
- Debugging code
- Visualisation

Course leader

Nick Schutgens

Target group

Open to Bachelor/Master’s students, PhD candidates, and professionals.
This course is suitable for anyone curious about how to program a computer using Python. Master’s students and PhD candidates of diverse backgrounds, including every subject from natural/social sciences to humanities, can benefit from this course.

Final year Bachelor, (pre)Master’s students, PhD candidates, and professionals are welcome to apply. If you have doubts about your eligibility for the course, please contact us via graduatewinterschool@vu.nl.

Additional requirements:
Students are expected to follow an online introductory course in Python programming before attending the winter school. This online course will take between 2 to 3 days but can be done at the student’s leisure. It is important that participating students complete the online course because the winter school course builds on it. Details about this course will be sent out in December.

Course aim

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Utilize Python to write small computer programs
• Demonstrate confidence in their ability to further their programming knowledge through independent study

Credits info

3 EC
Contact hours: 30

Fee info

EUR 930: Tuition fee

For 2 ECTS courses:
Students, PhD students and employees of VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC or an Aurora Network Partner: €580*
Students and PhD students: €680*
Professionals: €880*
Applications received before 15 October -€50 (Early Bird Discount)

For 3 ECTS courses:
Students, PhD students and employees of VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC or an Aurora Network Partner: €630*
Students and PhD students: €730*
Professionals: €930*
Applications received before 15 October -€50 (Early Bird Discount)

* Auditor participants receive €100 discount. Not available for all courses. Early Bird Discount is not valid on the auditor fee. Find out more under the section: Type of participation

The tuition fee includes: 
* Application and registration
* Exclusive course content for a limited number of participants
* Individual/group guidance from the course organiser
* Access to all online VU facilities such as the library and online learning environments
* A certificate of attendance after completing the course 
* A transcript of records, including the grade and the obtained ECTS
* The full support of the winter school team
* Optional social activities

Scholarships

VU Graduate Winter School offers several scholarships. More information can be found on the website.