Programming in Python: Master your first project

Programming in Python: Master your first project

15 October 2026 - 05 November 2026

Online

ELIXIR
online
programming
live training

Programming in Python: Master your first project

Target Audience:
VIB PhD student
VIB postdoc
VIB staff scientist
VIB group leader or expert
VIB technical support
Flemish academic or researcher
Non-Flemish academic or researcher
Industry professional
Location:

Online

Duration:

15 October 2026, 14h00-17h00

22 October 2026, 14h00-17h00

29 October 2026, 14h00-17h00

05 November 2026, 14h00-17h00

General context

Do you want to learn programming skills that will boost your research? In this course, we introduce you to the Python programming language, starting from the very basics. You will explore core programming concepts through a mix of guided practical afternoons, and self-paced exercises. We emphasize hands-on learning in a supportive environment where you can ask plenty of questions. By the end of the course, you will be able to read, modify, and write Python programs and feel confident continuing with more advanced programming topics.

Learning outcomes
  • Understand core programming concepts including functions and values

  • Analyze programs written by peers to understand their structure and logic 

  • Modify existing programs to improve functionality or adapt them to new tasks

  • Develop new programs to solve practical problems 

  • Apply techniques to detect errors and fix problems in code 

Approach

This course combines self-paced learning with interactive sessions to support your progress:

  • You will receive a welcome email before the course opens. This email will contain all of the information you need to get started
  • During the kick-off meeting, you will meet the trainers and your fellow students. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and set out your goals and expectations. 

The trainers will explain: 

  • The expectations of you as students: participation in weekly Q&A, what you should complete before each weekly Q&A session, project participation, etc.
  • How to use the Dodona and Hedy learning websites 
Required skills

This course is designed for participants with no prior programming experience. 

Extra information

This course is part of multiple learning paths 

Trainers

Jolan Heyse
VIB Training & Conferences - Trainer picture - Jolan Heyse
VIB Training & Conferences, BE

Jolan Heyse is a trainer at VIB specializing in artificial intelligence and data science for life sciences. He holds a master's degree and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Ghent University, where his research focused on applying AI to EEG-based epilepsy diagnosis. Before joining VIB, Jolan worked as a data scientist at AZ Delta, developing AI applications for healthcare. His expertise includes machine learning, biomedical signal processing, Large Language Models (LLMs), and translating complex algorithms into practical tools for researchers. At VIB, he designs and delivers training programs to help scientists with data-driven methods.

Contact Jolan Heyse :
Bruna Piereck
VIB Training & Conferences - Trainer picture - Bruna Piereck
VIB Training & Conferences / ELIXIR, BE

Bruna Piereck is a bioinformatics trainer at VIB and ELIXIR-BE training coordinator deputy. She obtained a Master and PhD degree in Molecular Genetics, with a focus on Bioinformatics from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, in 2019. During her PhD, she had the chance to collaborate with the university of Luxembourg and the McGill university in Quebec Canada for a short time. Ever since she has been involved with teaching and research and Since March 2022, she joined VIB with the mission of teaching and assist other trainers in a variety of topics.

Contact Bruna Piereck :

Program

15 October - Kickoff meeting

22 October - Review, questions and project

29 October - Review, questions and project

5 November - Review, questions and project

12 November - Last day to submit activities (NO online session)