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Why and How to Learn Coding - RECAP! UP NEXT: Senior Sendoff!

Kiana Gee - Tuesday, May 11, 2021
 General 

Hello everyone! Thank you to those of you who were able to attend our meeting on why and how to learn Python. In case you missed it, here are some of the main points covered.

Why You Should Learn Python:

  • Experimental tasks for labs often require knowledge of a coding language.
  • It's essential for data analysis.
  • It's important for most majors and helpful for any RA position.
  • It allows you to build apps or websites.
  • Your resume will benefit! It shows skill and you’ve essentially learned another language.
How to Learn Python:
  • Python.org is a great place to start! They provide information on how to install Python as well as lists of introductory books, code samples, and tutorials for beginners.
  • “Python Tutorial - Python for Beginners [Full Course]” is a six hour long youtube video that goes over the basics, including how to download Python as well as introducing core concepts
  • Resources on campus include introductory courses to Python programming: I&C SCI 31 and COGS 14P
How to Find a Project:
  • Choose something that interests you; for example, if you’re interested in web development, your project may want to be making a small web application. Or if you’re into game development, your project can be making a small game.
  • Think about what you want to achieve with your project.
  • Start small so you can build a good foundation before adding more functionality later on.
Advice for When You Inevitably Get Stuck:
  • Break down the problem:
    • What small steps can you take? 
    • What is the goal of each section and how does it all come together?
  • Be patient and consistent
    • Sometimes, just taking a break helps you get back on track
    • Each person codes at a different pace; don't compare yourself to others. 
Q&A + Extra Resources:
  • Q: What is the most useful language?
    • A: Generally, Python is the most commonly used just because it tends to be the most accessible for students but having a solid background in any programming language can be very useful.
  • Q: What level of proficiency do labs look for?
    • A: The basics will generally suffice: know your for-loops, while-loops, and how to index arrays.
    • Most labs will be willing to help you out with the more complex concepts, as long as you are familiar with the basics. 
  • Use your UCI email to download the GitHub Student Developer Pack for free!
  • If you’re a beginner looking for a small project, take a look at these step-by-step building data skills projects, that provide numerous amounts of different project ideas for you to do depending on what you’re interested in
Again, thank you to everyone who attended our meeting tonight! 

UP NEXT: Senior Sendoff!

Calling all seniors (and all other non-graduate members)! Join us next Tuesday (5/18) at 7:00pm for the CSA's senior sendoff! During this event, we will be going over resources that will be available to alumni, ways to keep in touch with the CSA post-graduation, and attending CSA seniors (of all majors!) will have the opportunity to be recognized! Non-graduating members will also get the chance to hear seniors share their experience, any advice they have, and will have the opportunity to ask any questions. If you’re a current graduating senior that would like to be recognized, please email etarif@uci.edu, and make sure to RSVP to receive the zoom link. We hope to see you there!

Important Links

** If you're not already a member on campusgroups, please follow this link and click "join"

CSA Linktree - A link that will take you to the different CSA media sites, including the CSA Discord channel, CSA Facebook page, CSA Instagram page, and the CSA website. It will also take you to the CSA padlet website where you have access to a special goody bag. 

Interest Form - Required all members fill this out. We use these responses to create specific meeting topics and activities, as well as recruit guest speakers according to your interests.

CSA Campusgroups Page - Here you can see upcoming events and RSVP. We will also post meeting topics and links here.

UCI Cognitive Science Colloquium - This is a student-run speaker series on various hot topics in cognitive science. This series is more aimed toward graduate students so don't worry if some words/concepts sound like Latin

Cognitive Science Research Labs - A list of all the research/labs being done in the cognitive science program. A great place to find labs that you'd be interested in partaking in! 

Psych Research List - A website with a compiled list of internship opportunities and grad school information for psych and cog sci students. 

CSA Resume-Builder Resources - A document of resources compiled by CSA’s Opportunities Committee. This doc contains links to videos and courses to help you build up skills that are useful in the many areas of cognitive science, and will look great on your resume!

CSA Treasurer Application

The CSA is currently accepting applications for a treasurer to join the board in the upcoming year! The CSA treasurer will be responsible for handling club finances and fundraising. This is a perfect opportunity to build on your resume and gain leadership experience. Fill out the application by going to the “surveys and forms” tab in campusgroups OR by clicking on the “Treasurer Application” link below. We look forward to receiving your application!

Upcoming Workshops

Check out some of these upcoming workshops from the Division of Career Pathways!

  • Advanced Resume Writing: Wed. (5/12), 5:00-6:00pm - A virtual workshop hosted by the Division of Career Pathways that will help students improve their resume. Register HERE via Handshake.
  • Professional Communication Workshop with City Year: Thurs. (5/13), 1:00-2:00pm - A workshop that helps students learn the best practices for professionally communicating in-person and virtually. Register HERE via handshake.
  • How to Highlight your Experience for Capital Internships: Thurs. (5/13), 1:00-2:00pm - A virtual workshop that will help students market their experiences and skill sets to be competitive for capital internships (UCDC or UCCS internship programs). Register HERE!

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