Overview
Introductions
Course Logistics
To-Dos for this week
Hello!
Bárbara D. Bitarello (she/her/hers)
PhD in human evolutionary genetics
Professor \@ BMC since July 2021
Computational biologist/population geneticist/evolutionary biologist/statistical geneticist, etc
Interested in all things related to evolution
Pre-Reqs
No prior experience with programming is required!
BIOL B110 or B111 highly recommended (though not required). Why? Examples are heavily focused on biology, though the concepts and skills learned will be transferable
Students who have taken PSYC B205/H200 or SOCL B265 are not eligible to take this course.
High school algebra - if you’re not sure, I recommend checking Khan Academy - Algebra Basics for a recap
Logistics
Everything I am about to say is in the syllabus!
Materials
Things to do/install
Course structure
Policies
How to succeed
Materials
Textbook: Whitlock and Schluter The Analysis of Biological Data , 3rd edition (2nd: ok, but check pages)
Tech things to do
Have a laptop for labs and calculator for exams
Join Piazza
Make accounts in DataCamp and Posit Cloud using BMC/HC email
Then accept invite sent by email (check spam)
Other things to do
Read course info document and schedule (posted on Moodle)
Answer pre-course survey
Check course schedule and reach out asap if there are issues
Check midterm dates and plan accordingly
Course Pages
Course website: https://bbitarello.github.io/b215f2025/ has syllabus, schedule, etc.
All assignments must be uploaded on Moodle (except DataCamp)
Keys, slides, study guides will also be posted on Moodle
Course Pages
Piazza is the preferred method for any questions that may benefit classmates, both logistical and content-related
Piazza allows you to post anonymously (note: I will still know your identity)
Course Structure
Lectures: Statistical concepts, address questions based on readings. In-class activities will occur often and count towards participation. Lectures are designed with the assumption that you have completed the pre-assigned readings, enabling us to dive deeper into nuances, applications, and questions. Labs: R computer lab (bring your laptop) with guided tutorial. R Labs are due by the end of the day.
Summative Assessments
Evaluate students’ individual progress: have they met the learning goals? Have they mastered the material?
Typically occur at the end of a learning period
The first coding assignment will actually be formative and you will be allowed to resubmit; the 2nd will be summative
DataCamp
Assigned weekly to practice lab skills
DC shows the hard deadlines but ideally you should complete the weekly DC activities as they are assigned, weekly
Attendance and Late Work
Please communicate need to miss class by email.
Grace days: every one gets 4, no questions asked, just email a day before deadline and say how many days you need for a given assignment
Late work otherwise penalyzed -10% per day
AI policy
We are following the BMC Honor Code. Please see syllabus.
Questions about this: now or later on Piazza.
who has read the syllabus? if not, read now the part on this
How to succeed
Attendance
Pre-class prep
Complete all activities — be consistent and diligent
Check Piazza regularly, attend office hours at least 2x
Don’t leave everything for last minute — that will not work well
Communicate proactively
