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Find answers to common questions about our High School Coding for Medicine programs.
General
Which subject is covered by Coding for Medicine?
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We train students in computational biology. This cutting-edge interdisciplinary field, covering biology, computer algorithms and data science, has become the main engine of medical and biological research.
Where are the in-person and lab classes held?
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All in-person and lab classes take place at the Bellevue College (Bellevue, WA) located near I-90. Note: We are not affiliated with the Bellevue College. We simply rent rooms there to conduct both lab and coding-related in-person classes.
Do you send us any certificate after completion of the courses? Can I post it in my linkedin profile?
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Yes, we send everyone a paper certificate after completion of the course. Please make sure to tell us your address at the end of the module. The certificates are usually mailed by the end of summer, and you are welcome to add a copy to your linkedin profile if you like.
Computational Modules
What do you cover in the Coding for Medicine - Level 1 module, and who should sign up?
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The Level 1 module is perfect for students new to coding. It teaches Python programming by using problems from biology (primarily genetics). This module has no prerequisites. We also organize debates on various scientific topics, and the students seem to enjoy them. This encourages critical thinking.
What do you cover in the Coding for Medicine - Level 2 module, and who should sign up?
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This module is designed for student with some expertise in Python. The students learn how coding is applied to biology, and also develop several important skills including - (i) converting ideas into algorithms, (ii) applying coding in the context of biological data, (iii) using Linux operating system. Students will complete a challenging project involving analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, where they will - (i) use a Linux account, (ii) identify all genes in the genome using their code, (iii) compare sequences with related viruses (e.g. from bats) to learn about evolutionary principles. We also organize debates on various scientific topics, and the students seem to enjoy them. This encourages critical thinking.
What do you cover in the Coding for Medicine - Level 3 module, and who should sign up?
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The Level 3 assumes good coding skills and focuses on applying them to biological problems. Key topics include: 1. Gene identification from genome and GFF files. 2. Learning to use BioPython, a powerful library for biological data analysis. 3. Understanding biological data formats and file types. 4. Investigating real-world biological questions such as: (i) The evolutionary origin of whales, (ii) A human genetic disorder using genome data. 5. You will also learn how to find and use public biological databases to obtain data for your research. 6. Finally, we spend a day on how to understand research papers and find information on related topics using citation tools like google scholar. Students are assinged a recent paper, and they present on its content.
I do not see the intermediate module from last year. Do you still plan to offer it?
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The intermediate module is renamed as Level 3. We broke the introductory module into two levels - (i) level 1 - for those without coding background, (ii) level 2 - for those, who know some coding.
What do you cover in the in person Coding for Medicine module, and who should sign up?
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The in person module is a hybrid of level 2 and level 3 discussed above. You are encouraged to brush up your basic coding skills before joining it. We have free Python tutorials if you need help.
What do you cover in the AI and Machine Learning module, and who should sign up?
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This module is designed for student with expertise in Python. Students will spend the two weeks learning the scikit-learn library and Pytorch libraries respectively. We will also go over some recent applications of AI in biology and medicine.
Research modules
Who should sign up for the Research module?
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The Advanced Module is a summer-long program where students work on a research project. Limited seats: We only accept a small number of students, so admission is selective. Eligibility: You must complete the Intermediate Module before applying. If you have not, your application is unlikely to be accepted. What happens after sign-up: We review all applications and reach out individually. This can take time, as we receive a high volume of interest.
Lab module
I do not see dates on the lab modules. When will they take place?
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Currently, the lab modules do not have specific dates posted for the following reason. We typically conduct the lab sessions in dedicated rooms at the Bellevue College, and they are available only after the college finalizes its summer program. We should have a good idea by early April.
Payment
I already registered for a module. How do I pay?
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Paying is simple. Just follow these steps: 1. Go to the menu at top right corner of the website and click Member Dashboard. 2. Log in using your account credentials. (Note:If you registered for a module, we already created an account with your registration email as user name. In that case, simply use the Forgot your password form, and a reset link will be sent to your email. Use it to set a new password and log in. You will also need to confirm your email, which is a different step.) After logging in, you will find your invoice under the Invoices section of your dashboard. You can pay directly from there. Alternatively, please contact info@coding4medicine.com, and we will email you your invoice.
I cannot see the module I registered for in the invoice. How do I pay?
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A module may not get included in the invoice for a couple of reasons: 1. Course plans are not finalized yet: For example, we are still finalizing dates for the lab modules, and the invoices are not generated until everything is confirmed. We will notify you once the module is ready. 2. Advanced module: This module has a selection process. Invoices are generated only after a student has been accepted.
Computer Requirement
What does a typical online class look like?
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In our online class, we use both Zoom and a chat-based platform to facilitate learning. We deliver instructions live over Zoom and then use the chat forum for ongoing communication. Every student sends his code to the instructor via direct messages in the chat platform. This allows everyone to work independently without distractions from others. We respond to each student individually through direct message offering feedback and guidance. If a concept or issue is relevant to everyone, the instructor either posts it in the main chat or bring it up during our Zoom session so the whole class benefits.
Will you provide video recording of a session, if I cannot attend due to other commitment?
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That is totally okay for the coding-related modules. If you let us know in advance, we will make sure the session is recorded. You can watch the recording later at your convenience, and then send us your code through direct message just like during class. We will review it and provide feedback as usual, so you will not fall behind.
What kind of computers do I need? Any special installation?
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For the introductory module, any laptop with internet connection is ok. We use Python sandbox during the first few days. For later part of the introductory module and the entire intermediate module, you will log into our server to work. So, make sure you have admin access or can install ssh software to log into a remote machine.
Can I use Python installed in my laptop instead of Python sandbox?
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Absolutely. If you are familiar with it, feel free to go ahead.
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