The basis for this course presentation style and teaching paradigm was based on Software Carpentry a non-profit organization which runs many workshops around the world to help researchers learn the basics and best practises of computing. Lessons include topics such as the Unix Shell, version control, and programing with languages such as Python. All workshop materials are available online so they can be, to some degree self taught, though the lessons are really meant to be presented in a workshop environment. To find out about an upcoming workshop near you, see the SWC main page under the “Upcoming Workshops” pane.