TALISMAN Summer School: Computer Programming for Social Scientists
July 21-27, 2014 at the University of Leeds
The TALISMAN node of the National Centre for Research Methods is pleased to offer a seven-day summer school on computer programming for social scientists. This hands-on school aims to bring social scientists without any programming experience to the point where they can program their own social science models and applications. It will provide a beginner’s-level introduction to computer programming using examples drawn from social science. It will also introduce key libraries, methodologies, and platforms available for social science programmers.
The emphasis for the school will be on practical, hands-on development of skills, each day building up core programming ideas. Students will learn the high-level programming language Java. Java was chosen because it is the most in-demand language in industry, and because people who learn the language should have no difficulty subsequently picking up other languages. Students will be introduced to general good practice in coding and other aspects of programming.
Practical work will include building up social science models. Practicals will centre on Agent-Based Modelling, as it is a powerful technique that is nevertheless relatively clear for beginners. However, the course will also introduce students to Spatial Microsimulation, a range of Artificial Intelligence techniques, and Scientific Visualisation. Days four and seven will be “hacking” workshops specifically for students to build their own software with advice from experienced staff.
We welcome applications from postgraduate students/researcher and academics. The deadline for applications is May 23, 2014

Fees: £210 for postgraduate students/researchers and £420 for academic staff (Fees will include tuition, refreshments and lunches for the week. Travel and accommodation are not included in the fees).

For further information and to apply, please visit: http://www.geog.leeds.ac.uk/research/events/computer-programming-for-social-scientists/

Rosie Temple
School of Geography
Faculty of Environment
University of Leeds
LS2 9JT

Tel: 0113 343 3330