Interdisciplinary Qualification course: “Practical Introduction to Research Software Engineering”

In Summer Semester 2026, the IBT will offer the 2-day workshop “Practical Introduction to Research Software Engineering”. The course is worth 1 ECTS and is a hands-on introduction to the Unix shell, the version control system Git, and Python.

The workshop Practical Introduction to Research Software Engineering aims to give students a hands-on training on the fundamental programming skills needed to conduct research. No previous knowledge on the material covered in the workshop is required.

Software Carpentry Logo Students will learn how to automate tasks using the Unix shell (3h15, day 1), how to track and share work using version control (3h15, day 1), and how to write software in Python that is readable, reusable, and reliable (6h30, day 2).

During the workshop, short tutorials alternate with practical exercises, and all instruction is done via live coding (learners write their code along with the instructors).

Participants are expected to bring their own computer to the workshop and to have installed required software.

Table of contents:

The Unix Shell: navigating files and directories, working with files and directories, pipes and filters, loops, shell scripts
Version Control with Git: introduction to automated version control, tracking changes with Git, exploring history, remote work and collaboration on GitLab, conflicts resolution
Programming with Python: Python fundamentals, analyzing and visualizing data, storing multiple values in lists, repeating actions with loops, making choices, creating functions, errors and exceptions, defensive programming

Evaluation:
This module is ungraded. The module is passed with successful assessment of an individual software project.

Language: English
Schedule: April 16-17, 2026 from 9:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:00.
Location: Building 20.30 Seminarraum 0.016

The course is limited to maximum 20 students.