Nature in Code: JavaScript for Biology
Learn JavaScript while exploring key biology concepts like natural selection, genetics, and epidemics.
Learn JavaScript while exploring key biology concepts like natural selection, genetics, and epidemics.
Discover the fascinating intersection of biology and programming in this unique course that teaches JavaScript through the lens of biological concepts. Over 7 weeks, you'll dive into fundamental programming principles while simultaneously exploring crucial biological theories such as population genetics, evolutionary biology, and infectious disease spread. This course is perfect for aspiring programmers seeking a more engaging context for learning, or for those interested in biology who want to understand core concepts through code implementation. No prior programming experience is required, making it accessible to beginners while still offering valuable insights for those with some coding background. By the end of the course, you'll have gained practical JavaScript skills and a deeper understanding of the computational aspects of modern biology, all through hands-on coding exercises that bring biological concepts to life in your browser.
Instructors:
English
English
Powered by
What you'll learn
Learn basic JavaScript programming principles and syntax
Understand and implement key biological concepts in code
Explore the Hardy-Weinberg principle through programming
Model genetic drift and mutation in JavaScript
Simulate natural selection and coevolution processes
Develop a computational model of epidemic spread
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
Shareable certificate
Closed caption
Get a Completion Certificate
Share your certificate with prospective employers and your professional network on LinkedIn.
Created by
Provided by
Top companies offer this course to their employees
Top companies provide this course to enhance their employees' skills, ensuring they excel in handling complex projects and drive organizational success.
There are 7 modules in this course
This course uniquely combines JavaScript programming with key biological concepts. Students learn to implement and visualize fundamental principles of biology through code, covering topics such as genetic drift, natural selection, and epidemic modeling. The curriculum is structured to progressively build both programming skills and biological understanding, starting with basic concepts and moving to more complex models. By coding biological phenomena, students gain a deeper, more intuitive grasp of both programming and biology. The course emphasizes practical application, encouraging students to think computationally about biological processes.
Introduction
Module 1
The Genes, They Are a-Changin'
Module 2
Genetic Drift: The Power of Chance
Module 3
Mutation: The Power of Mistakes
Module 4
Migration: Spatial Models
Module 5
Natural Selection: The Best Idea Anyone's Ever Had
Module 6
Epidemics: The Spread of Infectious Diseases
Module 7
Fee Structure
Instructor
Digital Epidemiology Pioneer and AI Innovation Leader
Marcel Salathé, born in 1975 in Basel, has established himself as a leading figure in digital epidemiology and artificial intelligence. After completing his PhD at ETH Zurich in biology and environmental sciences in 2007, he conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford University before becoming an assistant professor at Penn State University's Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics in 2010. In 2015, he joined EPFL as an Associate Professor with a dual appointment in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences and the School of Life Sciences, where he founded the Digital Epidemiology Lab at Campus Biotech in Geneva. His contributions include founding the EPFL Extension School in 2016, launching AIcrowd.com, and organizing the Applied Machine Learning Days conference. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served on the Swiss National COVID-19 Science Taskforce and led the development of the SwissCovid app. Currently, he serves as co-director of the EPFL AI Center and president of the steering committee of NRP 78 (COVID-19) of the Swiss National Science Foundation. His research combines epidemiology, artificial intelligence, and public health, with recent focus on nutritional epidemiology and AI-based tools for food tracking. He has been recognized as one of Switzerland's Digital Shapers multiple times and has published numerous influential papers in biological, medical, and computational fields.
Testimonials
Testimonials and success stories are a testament to the quality of this program and its impact on your career and learning journey. Be the first to help others make an informed decision by sharing your review of the course.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.