Introduction to Python for Health Research

Course Overview

  • Written by experts
  • Introductory
  • 100% online
  • Video content
  • Multiple choice quiz
  • Approx. 20 hours to complete
  • CPD Accredited Certificate

About this course

This course is for you if:
  • You are a complete/near complete beginner to programming
  • Work in health-related sector as either clinical, administrative or academic staff - for example as a nurse, health administrator, consultant, biomedical researcher, etc.
  • You require flexible learning format
  • You need to start using more data for your current or future role
  • You want to be able to perform basic tasks in Python, such as making plots and sorting through tables, based on health-data without getting too deep into the theory of coding


Learning Aims:
By the end of this module, you will be able to use Python to import and manipulate datasets, and be confident in performing programming operations such as using conditionals, loops, and functions, as well as conducting basic statistical analyses

You will be able to demonstrate subject-specific knowledge and understanding, and have the ability to:
  • Develop your theoretical understanding of the basics of programming
  • Understand the use and usefulness of conditionals, iterations, and functions
  • Identify appropriate methods for solving particular data manipulation problems
  • Formulate sensible programming solutions for data sets, and demonstrate an ability to check the correctness of your manipulations.
  • Become an independent user of Python, in finding help online, and demonstrating how to select appropriate packages for your projects

In terms of general, knowledge and understanding, you will be able to:
  • Understand and explain basic programming concepts
  • Justify and critique the use of programming solutions for real-life applications
  • Show confidence in the use of Python in manipulating data sets for real-life application
  • Communicate ideas effectively and professionally by written, oral and visual means
  • Study autonomously and undertake activities / projects with minimum guidance
  • Select and properly manage information drawn from books, journals, and the internet


How this course is delivered

The course topics are delivered over a series of interactive lecture videos and practical assignments using Jupyter Notebooks with a CPD accredited certificate awarded on completion. As a rough guide, you should be able to complete this module within a total 20 hours of study.
        

Course authors and designers

Angus Roberts

Course Instructor
Senior Lecturer in Health Informatics, Biostatistics & Health Informatics
NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)

Daniel Stahl

Academic Lead
Professor of Medical Statistics & Statistical Learning, Biostatistics & Health Informatics
NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)

Zahra Abdullah

Education Lead
Senior Teaching Fellow, Biostatistics & Health Informatics

John Langham

Online Course Developer