Nature, in code

EPFL – July 5-8, 2021
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 Summer school, 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 5-8, 2021 at EPFL (Lausanne) – subject to favorable developments in the health situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic
Who: High school students who have passed their first year
Prerequisites: No prior programming knowledge required
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.- (excl. VAT). Lunches are included but the participants have to cover their housing and living expenses. Rooms are pre-booked at SwissTech Hotel (on the EPFL campus) until May 24, 2021. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested
Registration: Online registration before 15.05.2021 by clicking on this link
Contact: Please contact the Education Outreach Department for any question: [email protected]

This Summer school is supported by the School of computer and communication sciences and the Education outreach department.