Nature, in code

What laws govern nature and life? How does natural selection influence populations? Are gene mutations useful?

Computer simulations can answer these questions and even predict which genetic characteristics will be transmitted to future generations. Today, this revolutionary tool is essential for scientists, as much as theory and experiments.

During this pre-university week, participants will learn the basics of JavaScript programming and implement key biological concepts in code to analyze their impact on life. The findings are presented in a visual form that is easy to interpret.

All the participants will have the opportunity to code their own simulations and share the results with their friends.

Practical information

Where and when: July 7-10, 2025 at EPFL (Lausanne)
Timetable: From 10:00 to 17:00 (to be confirmed); a detailed program with the final schedule will be sent to the participants
Who: High school students who have passed their 1st year
Prerequisites: No prior knowledge
Languages: Handouts and course in French and English
Material: The course material is based on the book Nature, in Code by M. Salathé, EPFL professor in the School of computer and communication science and the School of life sciences
Teaching staff: Students from the School of computer and communication sciences as well as from the School of life sciences

Dr Barbara Jobstmann, lecturer, School of computer and communication sciences
Costs: CHF 50.- (excluding VAT).
The lunch on the first and last day will be provided. Lunch on the other days and any accommodation costs are at the charge of the participants.
Registration: Online registration is closed.

Each student may register for one pre-university week per school year.
Exceptions may be considered if sufficient places are available.
Contact: Please contact the Education Outreach Department for any question: [email protected]

This pre-university week is supported by the School of computer and communication sciences and the Education outreach department.