This course will introduce life scientists to practical data science topics used in life sciences, such as data handling and visualisation, statistical analysis, application of AI, and use of publicly available databases. 

You will initially be introduced to data science theory and practice, including best practices for undertaking analyses, data management, and reproducibility. 

The course will provide hands-on training in tools and resources appropriate to your research, including introducing the use of Python for handling and visualising data, statistical analysis, and the application of machine learning.

Group projects

This course includes group projects where you will be placed in small groups to work together on a challenge set by trainers from EMBL-EBI. This allows you to explore the data sciences methods and resources you will learn about during the course and apply them to a set problem, providing you with hands-on experience. The group work will culminate in a flash talk session involving everyone on the final day of the course.

Groups are mentored and supported by the trainers who set the initial challenge, but the groups will be responsible for driving their projects forward, with all members expected to take an active role. 

There are two different group project topics, gene expression and protein structure. Both these projects will provide an opportunity for participants to apply the knowledge and skills learnt during the other sessions of the course, including data handling in Python, data visualisation, statistics and machine learning. The projects will also allow participants to gain experience of using EMBL-EBI data resources, including Expression Atlas and the Single Cell Expression Atlas for the gene expression project, and the resources PDBe and AlphaFold for the protein structures project. You will be asked during your application to select the group project topic you would most benefit from. 

The projects cover mammalian data sets, however, in many cases, the methods and approaches taught are transferable to data from various species.

Who is this course for?

Applicants are expected to be at an early stage of using data science in their research with the need to develop their knowledge and skills further. The course would most suit PhD students who are ready to start analysing their own data. No particular knowledge of programming is required for this course, however participants will be asked to complete some pre-course learning. We recommend this free tutorial to start learning Python:  http://swcarpentry.github.io/python-novice-gapminder/.

What will I learn?

Learning outcomes

After the course you should be able to:

• Use Python to handle and visualise biological data
• Describe and access data using EMBL-EBI data services 
• Apply statistical methods to analyse biological data
• Discuss applications of machine learning in life sciences 
• Use Cytoscape to explore networks

Course content

During this course you will learn about: 

• Using Python for biological data handling and visualisation
• Accessing data from EMBL-EBI data services 
• Statistical analysis of life sciences data
• Uses of machine learning for analysis of life sciences data
• Network analysis using Cytoscape

Trainers

Please read our support page before starting your application. In order to be considered for a place on this course, you must do the following:

• Complete the online application form.
• Ensure you add relevant information to the ‘submission details’ section where you are asked to provide information on your:
  • pre-requisite skills and knowledge
  • current work and course expectations
  • data availability
• Upload one letter of support from your supervisor or a senior colleague detailing reasons why you should be selected for the course.

Please submit all documents during the application process by 23:59 on 02 March 2025. Items marked * in the application are mandatory. Incomplete applications will not be processed. 

All applicants will be informed of the status of their application (successful, waiting list, unsuccessful) by 17 March 2025. If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Meredith Willmott.

Registration fees

The registration fee includes: 

• Catering as detailed on the course programme
• Accommodation for 4 nights (16, 17, 18, and 19 June 2025) at Hinxton Hall Conference Centre
• Bespoke course handbook with links to all course materials
• Use of a computer in the EMBL-EBI training suite throughout the course
• Secure virtual machines for practical sessions listed in the programme
• Shuttle bus on the final course day to Cambridge train station 

Financial assistance

Financial assistance is available for a limited number of participants on this course.

Registration fee waivers

We are able to offer a limited number of registration fee waivers for this course. If you receive a waiver, your registration fee will be reimbursed after you have completed the course.

You will need to apply for the fee waiver at the same time as submitting your application for the course, explaining why you require the waiver and how attending this course will benefit your career.

You will be informed about whether you have received the waiver at the same time as you hear about the application outcome for the course. If your course application is successful, you will need to pay the registration fee at the time you register. You will receive the waiver within a month of submitting your form. 

Travel grants

We are able to offer travel grants of up to a maximum of £500 for participants to travel to the course. This will cover the cost of travel to the site where the course is being held and can be used for airfare, train, bus, taxi, or visa costs.

Travel grants are applied for at the same time that you apply for the course. You will be informed about the travel grant, including the amount that you have been awarded, at the same time as the outcome of your course application. 

You will need to pay for the upfront costs of your travel. We will then send you a reimbursement form on your completion of the course. The form must be signed and submitted along with supporting receipts within one month of completion of travel. 

The organisers may reduce the amount offered for the travel grant to accommodate more participants. 

Terms and conditions of fee waivers/ travel grants 

The scientific organisers will select the recipients of financial assistance during the course application selection process. Selection for financial support is based on scientific merit, your current work study or location, the reasons for needing financial support and the impact this event will have on your career. Priority will be given to applications from low and middle income countries.