We also have a free eBook that accompanies this module! Check it out at python.hsma.co.uk.
If you’d rather follow along with the recorded HSMA sessions and exercises, these can be found below.
Session lead: Dr Daniel Chalk
In this session, we introduce the HSMA programme and your trainers.
We take a look at some myths about programming and some reccomendations for how you might approach your programming journey.
We explore why the programme has a commitment to open-source software and why this matters, particularly for organisations like the NHS.
This session does not making use of a coding environment
Session lead: Dr Daniel Chalk
In this session, we introduce the fields of operational research and data science. We explore why modelling is beneficial and get a brief overview of some of the techniques that will be tackled on the course.
We also take a look at the process of conceptual modelling and some of the key steps you would need to undertake in your own modelling projects, such as process mapping and stakeholder analysis.
We also start to explore the concepts of variability and probability distributions.
Finally, we take a look at the idea of model validation.
This session does not making use of a coding environment
Session lead: Dr Daniel Chalk
In this no-code session, we start to explore some of the key terminology and concepts that will be useful for your programming journey.
This includes
This session does not making use of a coding environment
Session lead: Dr Daniel Chalk
In this session, we introduce VSCode and demonstrate how to set up VSCode for Python coding on the HSMA course and beyond.
We also demonstrate Jupyter Notebooks and Google CoLab.
Finally, we spend some time talking about installing Python packages and working with virtual environments using the Anaconda distribution.
Session lead: Dr Daniel Chalk
In this session, we introduce some of the fundamental building blocks of Python coding, exploring outputs and inputs, mathematical operations, conditional logic, loops, variables, lists and dictionaries and more.
This content is also covered in the following parts of the HSMA 'Intro to Python' book:
This session uses core Python features only and does not require a specific environment
Session lead: Dr Daniel Chalk
In this session, we talk about writing functions in Python, exception handling and working with .csv files.
We also introduce two of the most important libraries for data science - NumPy and Pandas.
This content is also covered in the following parts of the HSMA 'Intro to Python' book:
Session lead: Dr Daniel Chalk
In this video we'll be looking at Object Oriented Programming in Python.
We also take a look at using the MatPlotLib library to generate graphs.
This content is also covered in the following parts of the HSMA 'Intro to Python' book: