Emma Alexander, 20.10.2022

Abstract: Do you think that 'the terminal' is a 2004 hit film starring Tom Hanks? Does a 'super user' sound like a really bad name for a superhero? In this introductory JACS session we will cover all you need to know to get started with Linux here at JBCA, covering the essential commands for your daily activities. Linux might feel a bit difficult and unfamiliar at first, but even after this short session you should be comfortable with managing your files, dealing with some minor software issues and solving some small problems. We'll also cover what to do when you're stuck and where to ask for help.

Slides. Recorded Session Passcode: JACS#2022 (recording is available for 30 days from the session)

George Bendo, 27.10.2022

Abstract: This talk will review several topics related to paper writing.  I will first review LaTeX, which is the mark-up language used for professional paper writing.  I will then describe the typical outline of an astronomy paper.  I then conclude with some writing tips and some discussion on the practical aspects of publishing a paper.

Slides. Recorded Session Passcode: JACS#2022 (recording is available for 30 days from the session)

Rachael Ainsworth, 03.11.2022

Abstract: Making research results more accessible and reproducible can contribute to better and more efficient science. Governments, funding agencies and journals are increasingly requiring research products (such as data, code and publications) to be made openly available in order to make results more accessible, transparent and reproducible. Recent studies have also shown that open research practices benefits researchers through increases in citations, media attention, potential collaborators, job and funding opportunities. In this talk I will discuss the different aspects of Open Science, the barriers we face to practicing openly, and how to "open" up your research workflow using open and transparent data and software services in order to reap the benefits associated with open research practices. I will end with some example case studies in astronomy.

Slides are available over here.

Soheb Mandhai, 10.11.2022

Abstract: In this session, I'll go through the key components of python programming. This will consist of a beginner friendly introduction of scripting in Python. We will cover themes such as scopes, functions and classes, best practices to use, useful coding libraries, commenting, debugging and traceback, and a brief note on environment control. Near the end of the session, I will cover the key pitfalls that other PhD students have faced in the past and pass on the wisdom gained.

Slides can be accessed here.

Anthony Holloway, 17.11.2022

Abstract: When you need more power than your desktop can provide, the next place to look is High Performance Computing. The session will look at what facilities we have available at JBCA and to what purposes they are dedicated.

We will look at the methods and issues involved in moving from a serial code to a parallel code and how that can speed up your processing. There will also be a look at what options you have if your processing outgrows the JBCA facilities.

Michael Keith, 24.11.2022

Abstract: In this talk I will give an overview to parameter estimation and model selection using a “Bayesian” methodology. The aim is to help you understand what is meant when people say they “use a Bayesian approach” and to help you see where such an approach may be helpful for your own work. I will also provide a demo for the emcee (parameter estimation) and dynesty (model selection) software packages.

Slides and example Jupyter notebooks can be accessed here.

George Bendo, 8.12.2022

Abstract: The FITS image format is a very commonly-used format for storing and transferring astronomy data.  In this talk, I give a brief introduction to the FITS image format, provide a brief overview of how to understand and use some of the header information, and how to work with the data.  I will also include some python scripts that illustrate how to import and export FITS images as well as how to work with them.

Slides, scripts, and example images can be accessed here. The guide mentioned in the session is available here.

Micah Bowles, 26.1.2023

Abstract: In this session I will talk briefly on back ups, and then introduce git as thoroughly as I can in the time allowed. Git is an essential part of best coding practices. It is used ubiquitously across all sectors where software is developed (as far as I am aware) and as such is something we should all be making time to learn before graduating.

Michael Walmsley, 9.2.2023

Abstract: Learning from data is key to modern astronomy.

Current and upcoming surveys will only be scientifically useful if we can accurately and reliably decide which radio images show AGN jets, which lightcurves are unusual supernovae, etc.

Learning from data is also highly valued in industry, with perks to match.

I'll talk through the fundamental types of machine learning and how to decide which, if any, might be appropriate for your research problem. I'll raise some common pitfalls to be aware of and discuss how to practically go about choosing the hardware and packages you'll need.

The content will be aimed at grad students who have not yet used machine learning.

Soheb Mandhai, 23.2.2023

Abstract: As astrophysicists, we’re generally met with large quantities of data that we need to process and analyse. In this beginner friendly session, I’ll cover the pythonic methods required to load, process, manipulate, visualise, and export data. I’m aiming for this to be an interactive session, so there’ll be some exercises too. There’ll be additional emphasis on the usage of the python package “Pandas”.