Only one application needs to be completed for all courses desired during the quarter.

Deadline:

09/04/2026

Format:
In-person
Term Offered:
Fall

Overview

This course provides an introduction to essential tools and skills for data science, focusing on Python programming and industry-relevant tools. Students will learn command line basics, version control with Git, documentation with Markdown, remote execution, and high-performance computing (HPC). Integrated throughout the course, the Python component covers syntax, flow control, data management, visualization, libraries for data science, and algorithms and data structures common in interviews.

Course Details

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Navigate the command line, execute file operations, write shell scripts, and execute commands remotely using SSH.
  • Use Git for version control, including branching, merging, collaboration on GitHub, and documenting with Markdown.
  • Develop Python scripts for data management, visualization, and basic machine learning with applications in research and industry.

DATASCI 213 or equivalent (knowledge of probability/statistics and familiarity with programming concepts, e.g., from using R). This course is part of the Health Data Science Master's and Certificate Program and may have space limitations.

Weekly lectures followed by Labs with demonstrations and hands-on exercises.

This will be a variable 1-2 unit course. Students taking the 1-unit version will complete the first five weeks focused on basic Python and complementary data science tools (Git, shell scripting, remote execution). Students taking the 2-unit version will continue for the full 10-week course, delving deeper into Python programming.

Students join the class Discord server to interact with each other, the TAs and the instructor.

All course materials and handouts will be posted on the course's online syllabus.

Only UCSF students (defined as individuals enrolled in UCSF degree or certificate programs) will receive academic credit for courses. Official transcripts are available to UCSF students only. A Certificate of Course Completion will be available upon request to individuals who are not UCSF students and satisfactorily pass all course requirements.

UCSF Graduate Division Policy on Disabilities

For UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee for the 1-unit course is $1,100; for the 2-unit course is $1,300

For Non-UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee for the 1-unit course is $2,100; for the 2-unit course is $2,500

 

UC-Affiliation: Concurrent enrollment in a University of California-sponsored residency or post-doctoral fellowship program that is recognized by the Office of Graduate Medical Education; or a registered student in one of the professional schools or graduate programs at the University of California (in a program other than the TICR program); or individuals who hold full-time salaried University of California faculty, academic or staff positions. Please note: Individuals will be asked to provide proof of UC status.

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Navigate the command line, execute file operations, write shell scripts, and execute commands remotely using SSH.
  • Use Git for version control, including branching, merging, collaboration on GitHub, and documenting with Markdown.
  • Develop Python scripts for data management, visualization, and basic machine learning with applications in research and industry.

DATASCI 213 or equivalent (knowledge of probability/statistics and familiarity with programming concepts, e.g., from using R). This course is part of the Health Data Science Master's and Certificate Program and may have space limitations.

Weekly lectures followed by Labs with demonstrations and hands-on exercises.

This will be a variable 1-2 unit course. Students taking the 1-unit version will complete the first five weeks focused on basic Python and complementary data science tools (Git, shell scripting, remote execution). Students taking the 2-unit version will continue for the full 10-week course, delving deeper into Python programming.

Students join the class Discord server to interact with each other, the TAs and the instructor.

All course materials and handouts will be posted on the course's online syllabus.

Only UCSF students (defined as individuals enrolled in UCSF degree or certificate programs) will receive academic credit for courses. Official transcripts are available to UCSF students only. A Certificate of Course Completion will be available upon request to individuals who are not UCSF students and satisfactorily pass all course requirements.

UCSF Graduate Division Policy on Disabilities

For UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee for the 1-unit course is $1,100; for the 2-unit course is $1,300

For Non-UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee for the 1-unit course is $2,100; for the 2-unit course is $2,500

 

UC-Affiliation: Concurrent enrollment in a University of California-sponsored residency or post-doctoral fellowship program that is recognized by the Office of Graduate Medical Education; or a registered student in one of the professional schools or graduate programs at the University of California (in a program other than the TICR program); or individuals who hold full-time salaried University of California faculty, academic or staff positions. Please note: Individuals will be asked to provide proof of UC status.

Meet the Faculty

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Christopher smiling at the camera. He is bald and wearing a dark grey t shirt.
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Christopher Seaman, MA

How to Enroll

Whether you're exploring the field, enhancing your skills, or working toward a larger academic goal, most individual courses are open to everyone. Current learners enrolled in DEB Education programs have priority in enrollment for this course. Any extra spaces are available to non-DEB Education learners (i.e., those from the Institute for Global Health Sciences, School of Nursing, external groups, etc).

You’ll find details on course fees, how to apply and pay, and the full course schedule on the Course Enrollment & Payment page. Be sure you understand the enrollment policies and payment process before completing the enrollment form.

And remember: you only need to submit one form for all the new courses you want to take.

Course Enrollment & Payment Instructions