Programming for Scientists S2 2026

Description#

This course teaches introductory programming, computer science concepts, and computational problem solving illustrated with applications common in science, maths, and engineering. The course does not require any prior knowledge of programming, computer science or IT. There is an emphasis on designing and writing clean and correct programs: testing and debugging are seen as integral to the programming enterprise.

New in 2026 S2: Prompting and working with GenAI, with emphasis on testing, debugging and problem decomposition, and using GenAI to help understand code.

We will use Python, a simple yet extraordinarily powerful programming language. Python is a great first computer programming language to learn. Python is widely used, so being able to code in Python is a very broadly applicable skill.

See the course page on ANU Programs & Courses for more information, such as, e.g., Learning outcomes.

Further information is also available in the assessments, lectures and labs tabs above.

In-Person Study#

This course is taught in-person. Lectures will be delivered on campus or online live; Lecture recordings will be available on Echo360. Labs are also held on campus, in the computer labs (CSIT/Hanna Neumann buildings).

Contact#

Please see the communication page.