CCB Bioinformatics Bootcamp FAQ

Here are some answers to common questions regarding the upcoming Python Bootcamp. If you have a question and don’t see your answer here, please don’t hesitate to email us at ccbadmin@berkeley.edu.

Is the bootcamp open to non-UC Berkeley attendees?

Yes! The registration fee, however, will vary pending on your status (student & postdoc, faculty & staff or industry participant).

What is the registration fee for the bootcamp?

The winter bootcamp will be offered online and the registration fees for the full 5 day bootcamp can be found here.

How can I register?

To register for the bootcamp, please click here.  If you are affiliated with UC Berkeley, you will have the option to have your lab/department pay for your bootcamp registration directly to CCB.  If you are paying with a UCB chartstring, please click here to proceed with your registration.

If you are a prospective Designated Emphasis student in the Compuational and Genomic Biology program, please click here for more information about registering for the bootcamp.

Do I need to have any Python knowledge prior to the bootcamp?

This bootcamp does not require experience with programming in Python. However, if you have previous experience with programming in other languages (i.e. r, Java, Perl, etc.), please briefly describe it on the registration form.

What if I need to miss the first day of the bootcamp?

Given that the first day will essentially cover the absolute basics for any coding language and we expect it to be one of the easier things to pick up.  You should be able to catch up with day 2 since the material from the first day will be an integral part of every other day in the bootcamp, so you’ll be able to familiarize yourself through constant repetition.  The lecture notes and recordings will also be distributed, so you’ll be able to review material after each day.  In addition, there will be opportunities for you to ask the instructors and TAs questions about parts that you might not understand and what is taught on the days you miss.

I need to cancel. What are your policies on that?

You can cancel your registration two week before the start of the bootcamp. You will receive a full refund minus the $10 service and transaction fees.  There is no refund after the two weeks before the start of the bootamp. If you are not able to attend you can transfer your registration to another participant but no refunds will be given after this date.

How are meals provided (for people attending in person)?

We are providing light breakfast refreshments during all five days of the bootcamp when it is held in person.

What do I need to bring (if I’m attending in person)?

We require each person to bring a laptop with a functioning web browser. Laptops running Windows, Mac OS or Linux are fine. You may need administrator accounts on your laptop in order to install the software tools and packages necessary for working with the example data.

Will the lectures be recorded?

Yes, the lectures will be recorded and will be available following each lecture.  Bootcamp participants can view the recordings and do the problems sets on their own time should they have to miss part the bootcamp.  Lecture notes will also be available and should be a good resource for the course and a good foundation for what is taught on the days you miss. Additionally, there will be plenty of opportunities to speak to instructors and TAs during the workshop who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.