Coding for biologists

Why do biologists learn to code? In this interactive tutorial, Dr Carla Cohen outlined how large biological datasets such as genomics data are analysed using the R coding language, and why programming is an increasingly desired skill among biologists. Students had the opportunity to code interactively and perform a guided statistical analysis of data on athletes’ performance in Decathlon athletics events at two international tournaments. The group then reflected on how these skills can be applied using real-world examples of personalised medicine approaches.

This tutorial took place as part of the Aim for Oxford programme for Year 12 students from state schools in the North East of England who are interested in studying science subjects at the University of Oxford.