Mateusz Malenta, 21.10.2021

You can find the presentation for this JACS session here!

Abstract: Do you think that 'the terminal' is a 2004 hit film starring Tom Hanks? Or a portal to another dimension? Does a 'super user' sound like a really bad name for a superhero? Does running 'rm -rf --no-preserve-root /' sound like a good idea to you (PLEASE DO NOT RUN THIS!)? Then this JACS session is for you! Learn the essential Linux commands to help you with 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, such as desktop icons disappearing for no reason at all.

George Bendo, 28.10.2021

You can find the presentation for this JACS session here!

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.

Mateusz Malenta, 4.11.2021

You can find the presentation for this JACS session here!

Abstract: In this session I will cover the best practices and options for making sure your work is safely backed up and up-to-date. I will introduce the general idea of version control systems and the benefits of using git for this task. I will cover the basic terminology, such as branching, merging, forking, etc. and all the essential commands to start using git for your projects. I will also discuss various hosting options and GUIs that can help you to quickly integrate git into your project without the need for learning new commands and using the command line interface.

Anthony Holloway, 11.11.2021

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 Walmsley, 18.11.2021

Recording available for this JACS session - email organisers.

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.

Michael Keith, 25.11.2021

Recording available for this JACS session - email organisers.

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.

George Bendo, 2.12.2021

You can find the presentation for this JACS session here!

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.

Rene Breton, 9.12.2021

Useful material for the session here.  

Abstract: How well can you write Python code? Ever wondered why your code is slow to run? How reusable is your code? Interested in learning tricks to improve your Python programming and eventually master the Force? This session will focus on sharing useful tricks to improve your Python programming, ranging from the rules of array broadcasting to unleash the power of Numpy, to basic code profiling to identify bottlenecks, to simple programming structure rules and setup that will keep you away from the dark side of the Force. Most of it will be based on practical examples taking for bits and pieces of code that will be shared at the session

Rachel Ainsworth, ESCAPE Summer School

Find the talk here and the slides here.