Programming: Techniques, Theory, and Multidisciplinary Applications

Course goals

Relationship between assessment and learning goals:

Description of assignment	Assesses which learning goals?
Portfolio  Assignments on programming fundamentals	1
Midterm exam Understanding of programming skills and techniques	1
Group project 1 Disciplinary programming: Elective technique 1	2 (& 3, 1)
Group project 2 Disciplinary programming: Elective technique 2	2 (& 3, 1)
Group project 3 Disciplinary programming: Elective technique 3	2 (& 3, 1)
Project proposal Applying programming skills in your own field of interest	3 (& 2)
Participation	3

Content

Programming is an increasingly useful skill and aspect in contemporary research, and more generally, in our modern society. This course teaches practical programming skills relevant for students in any discipline (science, social science, or humanities), emphasizing its broad application in diverse academic contexts. Being grounded in foundational programming techniques and theory, the course builds a strong basis for understanding computational advancements and challenges in our contemporary world. Furthermore, it provides hands-on experience with diverse applications, enabling you to apply your programming skills throughout your (academic) career.

Our course provides a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of programming, progressing from basics like statements and variables, to programming patterns and development techniques. Beyond experience with these skills, we provide relevant theoretical and historical context on the development of computers and programming languages, to help gain a deeper understanding of the skills you are applying.

After mastering the primary competencies, we display the broad applicability of programming within academia. In groups, you will apply a selection of modern and academically relevant programming techniques such as simulation, text analysis, database programming, and experiment programming, within the context of academic problems across disciplines. These techniques showcase the inter- and multidisciplinary nature of computational methods, and will equip you with the tools and understanding to use programming in your own field of interest.

Format

• Live-coding interactive introductions of programming concepts
• (Mini-)lectures providing historical, theoretical, and societal embedding
• Working sessions during which students complete programming exercises
• Programming homework exercises (collaboration encouraged)
• Programming assignments (individual)
• Pen-and-paper exam on programming techniques
• Mini-projects on discipline-specific programming techniques (group work)
• Presentations and discussions between groups
• Written proposal for programming project in own domain (individual)