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Skills4Scientists

PSDI and our partners provide a variety of online courses that you can follow at your own pace.

Skills4Scientists on Moodle​

Skills4Scientists provides a range of self-paced courses that are designed to give students and researchers a good grounding in key skills that will help them succeed in their research. This course list is constantly being updated, so check back later for new courses that have been added to the list.

Some of our courses require you to log in to access them. Others enable you to access the courses as a guest without logging on. If you access a course as a guest you will not be able to complete quizzes and your progress will not be saved.

To log in to a course:

  • Click the link for the appropriate course from the options below.
  • Click Log in at the top right of the screen, or click Continue for courses that require you to enrol.
  • Click PSDI Login to log into Moodle with a PSDI account.
  • If your institution supports single sign on, use the UK Institution Sign In or add your account details in the Sign in to your account section and click Sign In. If you do not already have a PSDI account, you can click Register beneath the sign in details to create an account.

Python I​

This course is designed to teach participants the basics of programming using Python. For new programmers, the course will teach you the fundamentals of programming using Python as an example. Whilst those who are more familiar with programming concepts can use the course to learn Python syntax and its unique features.

This course requires you to be logged in using a PSDI account.

Click Python I, to access the course on Moodle.

Python II​

This course builds on the basics of programming covered in the Python I course. For beginners, it expands on the foundational concepts taught in the Python I course. For more experienced programmers, further examples and guidance are added to help you master Python syntax and its unique features.

This course requires you to be logged into Moodle using a PSDI account.

Click Python II, to access the course on Moodle.

Version Control and GitHub​

This course is designed to help participants understand the principles of version control and how it can be used effectively in research projects. Participants will explore common version control methods, learn the associated terminology and find out how software like GitHub implements these methods.

Click Version Control and GitHub, to access the course on Moodle.

Literature and Referencing​

This course covers the fundamentals of literature and referencing in the physical sciences. Participants will learn to identify various scholarly sources, understand the purposes of citations, and appreciate their importance in the scientific process. This course covers the fundamentals of literature and referencing in the physical sciences. Participants will learn to identify various scholarly sources, understand the purposes of citations, and appreciate their importance in the scientific process.

Click Literature and Referencing, to access the course on Moodle.

Ethics​

This course provides an introduction to the subject of ethics and research integrity. This includes details of the ethical review process, how ethics needs to be applied to data that is used for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. The course also provides guidance on Responsible Research and Innovation.

Click Ethics, to access the course on Moodle.

Research Data Management​

This course provides an introduction to Research Data Management. Participants will explore the data lifecycle, identify its various stages, understand the importance of collaborative working environments, and learn how to identify and manage different types of data within their projects.

Click Research Data Management, to access the course on Moodle.

What to do next​

Related links:

  • Galaxy Training
  • Elixir TeSS: extensive training materials with a focus on computation in the life sciences, but many courses are also relevant for the physical sciences community.
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