Short Course: Coding Skills for Biologists
About
The Life and Health Sciences sector in Northern Ireland has identified key skill gaps in biocomputing and programming. This week-long course aims to inspire and train up those interested in learning coding skills in Python and Linux.
This course is designed for those with a primary degree in science or engineering or in a related area. No prior knowledge of maths, computing or statistics is required.
Start date
Wednesday 11 February 2026.
Attendance dates
This course requires no campus attendance and is fully online, during Semester 2 in 2026.
- Wednesday 11 February 2026, 9:00am – 1:00pm
- Thursday 12 February 2026, 9:00am – 1:00pm
- Friday 13 February 2026, 9:00am – 1:00pm
- Monday 16 February 2026, 9:00am – 1:00pm
- Tuesday 17 February 2026, 9:00am – 1:00pm
*Please note, dates and timetabling may be subject to change.
Location
Delivered fully online.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Each day will consist of 2 hours of workshops and 2 hours of tutorials.
Teaching will be in a workshop format. Suggested reading materials and tutorials will facilitate learning and understanding. Assessment is 100% coursework using on-line submission.
In order to complete the programme, all successful applicants must have access to a broadband connection, a computer or laptop, a webcam and a microphone. A basic-entry PC or laptop would be sufficient.
Career options
On successful completion of this programme students can choose to study further modules and build towards completion of a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Development (PgCertPD).
Academic profile
Dr Shukla was was awarded twice (back-to-back) Ulster University’s ‘Distinguished Education Excellence Award’; first time under ‘Professional Practice Innovation’ category in 2018, and a second time under ‘Early Career Educator Category’ in 2019.
Further Information
Modules
This programme consists of one module which focuses on Python programming in Linux environment.
Entry requirements
Academic qualifications
Primary degree in science or engineering, or in a related area.
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are 18 or over at the point of enrolment;
- have a right to work and undertake training in the UK at the point of application and for the duration of the course and must not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status. Proof of this will be required to progress your application. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements including competency in English (as evidenced by GCSE Grade C in English or alternative). For English competency, a degree taught in UK or Ireland covers this requirement. If your degree is from outside the UK or Ireland, please see our list of acceptable qualifications or tests.
- are available to register in person at the campus as required.
Apply now - limited places available
There are a limited number of places for this course. Offers will be extended to those applicants who meet the entry requirements following successful completion of the application process, and have provided evidence of such, on a first come, first served basis. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all offers are extended. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all places are filled. Applications cannot be considered once a course has started.
Please note you can only be funded by DfE for a maximum of two courses at any one time across all institutions who offer courses as part of SkillUp. You will only be permitted to study one course at Ulster in each academic year or a maximum of two microcredentials up to 45 credits per semester.
When creating your application you will need to have the following documents saved electronically as they need to be uploaded as part of the application process:
- Passport
- Evidence of having right to work and undertake training in the UK*
- Degree Certificate
- English Competency (If you have a degree from UK/ROI, you don't need to provide anything else)
* Holders of UK or Irish passports automatically have this right. if you hold a passport from another nation, please provide evidence of UK immigration permissions to include a ShareCode and/or BRP.
To select the correct course, in the field called Please select the subject area, select Life & Health Sciences from the drop down box. Then select Coding Skills for Biologists from the next drop down box.
