Astronomy 98/198 - The Python DeCal

Current Instructors

Nicholas Rui, Orion Lyau, Alex Ye

Past Instructors

Description

The IDL and Python DeCals (ASTRO 98/198) are 2 unit programming classes specifically designed for astronomers. (The term DeCal is just a Berkeley way of referring to a 1-3 unit, pass/no pass, student facilitated course). The two classes are taught by students who have taken the decals and are proficient in the particular language they are teaching. One language is taught each semester, with the current setup being IDL in the Fall and Python in the Spring.

These classes are very useful and should be taken as an underclassmen if possible. The upper division lab courses are based entirely on programming to perform astro experiments and having a good background before hand will make your life easier during these courses. These languages are also important to know if you plan on doing research in the field of astronomy as the first question asked during an interview by faculty is, How much programming experience do you have? Being able to say you already have a background in one or two languages will make you the more attractive candidate in a competitive position.

Generally students take these courses in their first or second year as some students like to take the lab or start research in their third year. In fact, some students take the upper division lab (Astro 120), which covers taking data with telescopes and analyzing it in python, the semester immediately after taking the decal. For more information about the Decals you can check out their current websites or email the current instructors, both of which are listed above.

Websites

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