Python basics for geoscience and geotechnics

Are you curious about programming but unsure where to begin? This 16-hour course, delivered over four sessions, offers a practical and accessible introduction to Python programming tailored for professionals in geoscience and geotechnics. No prior coding experience is needed.

Python is the most widely used and versatile programming language. It enables efficient access to APIs, processing of complex datasets, automation of workflows, and interaction with other tools and platforms. In this course, we remove the barriers to getting started by focusing on clear, hands-on teaching from domain experts who understand your daily challenges and data.

You'll gain foundational programming skills that are directly applicable to your work. Through small tasks and guided exercises, you will develop practical confidence in using Python to solve real-world problems.

By the end of the course, you will be ready to apply Python in your daily tasks and take your first steps towards more advanced data workflows.

What You Will Learn:

• Introduction to Python 3
• Interactive vs non-interactive programming
• Core data types: integers, floats, strings, lists, dictionaries, and more
• Variables and control structures
• Functions and modular code
• File reading and writing
• Exception handling and clean code practices
• Working with common scientific libraries: numpy, pandas, and others

Hands-On Examples and Exercises May Include:

• Analysing Cone Penetration Test (CPT) data
• Exploring Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) operational logs
• Processing geotechnical laboratory datasets
• Working with geophysical data formats

We aim to include a selection of these datasets during the course, depending on time and interest. If you have specific datasets or objectives in mind, we welcome your input and may include tailored demonstrations using your data.

Join us to build a strong programming foundation and bring new tools into your professional practice.