Department of Natural Sciences

Computing Science

Lecture

Welcome to the Computing Science module within the Applied Biology and Forensic Science degree programmes at H-BRS! This course focuses on learning the basics of Excel and Python, with some advanced functions and applications covered in greater depth. The learning objectives of this module are tailored to the day-to-day work of future forensic scientists, chemists and biologists, and will prepare you fully for the laboratory practicals and subsequent courses in your chosen degree.

In this lecture, students learn the essentials of working with computer technology, the softwares Excel and Python, mathematical and statistical processes, and their applications in everyday chemistry and biology. The lecture is accompanied by guided examples.

In detail, the course units cover the following topics:

Topic 1: Fundamentals and applications of Computing Science (module introduction)

Topic 2: Microsoft Excel: Fundamentals of data handling, mathematics, and statistics, calculation, functions, diagrams, correlation and distribution

Topic 3: Python: Fundamentals of programming languages, data types, variables, strings, numbers, and lists, functions, reading and generating files, programming with Python

→ Download lecture notes, exercises (LEA)

Exercises

In the Computing Science tutorial, students apply what they have learnt in the lecture by solving application-oriented exercises. In this, they are supported by a team of tutors who provide assistance with software navigation and problem-solving approaches.

In detail, the course units cover the following topics:

Topic 1: Microsoft Excel: Data handling, basic calculations, plotting, statistics

Topic 2: Python: Basic skills, calculating with Python, writing small programmes

→ Download lecture notes, exercises (LEA)

The tutorial will take place in two groups corresponding to even and odd matriculation numbers. The groups participate in the exercise on a biweekly basis.

Requirements

Computing Science is a compulsory course in first semester of the Bachelor study programmes Applied Biology and Forensic Sciences.

There are no entry requirements for the participation in lectures or exercises.

The course consits of:

2 contact hours per week of lecture
2 contact hours per week of exercise
4 ECTS

The students provide evidence of active participation in the tutorial by solving exercises in class and by taking a written test at the end of the semester.

The module is held in English.

Literature

Excel:
- Joseph E. Billo, Excel for Chemists, Wiley, New York (2001)
- Quirk, T. J.; Quirk, M. H.; Horton, H. F., Excel 2019 for Biological and Life Sciences Statistics, Springer: Cham, Switzerland (2020)

Python:
- Martin Jones, Python for Biologists, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (2015)
- Bernd Klein, Python-Kurs: https://www.python-kurs.eu/kurs.php
- Tutorialspoint, Python-Tutorial: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/python/index.htm
- W3Schools, Python Tutorial: https://www.w3schools.com/python/