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PyEarth: A Python Introduction to Earth Science

Lecture 1: Introduction && Python 101

Course Overview

  • Focus on Python programming for Earth Science applications
  • Topics include:
  • Python basics
  • Data analysis with NumPy and Pandas
  • Data visualization with Matplotlib and Cartopy
  • Machine learning with Scikit-learn
  • Deep learning with PyTorch
  • Project-based learning

Grading

  • Attendance: 10%
  • In-class and homework exercises: 60%
  • Project presentation: 10%
  • Project report: 20%

Bonus points:

  • Assisting classmates: 10%
  • Contributing course materials: 10%
  • Achieving success in a Kaggle competition (top 10% rank): 10%

Class Tools

GitHub

  • Version control system
  • Collaboration platform

Codespaces

  • Cloud-based development environment
  • Pre-configured with necessary tools and libraries

Copilot

  • AI-powered coding assistant
  • Helps with code completion and generation

How to Use Copilot

  1. Install Copilot extension
  2. Authenticate with your GitHub account
  3. Start coding and watch for suggestions
  4. Accept suggestions with Tab or continue typing

Tips: - Write clear comments to guide Copilot - Review and understand the suggested code

Using Chatbots for Programming and Earth Science Questions

  • AI-powered language models, such as GPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, LLama, etc.
  • Can assist with:
  • Explaining concepts
  • Debugging code
  • Answering Earth Science questions
  • Providing coding examples

Tips: - Be specific in your questions - Verify information with reliable sources - Use as a learning aid, not a substitute for understanding

4. Introduction to Python

What is Python?

  • High-level, interpreted programming language
  • Known for its simplicity and readability
  • Widely used in scientific computing and data analysis

Python Basics: Variables and Data Types

# Integer
age = 25

# Float
temperature = 98.6

# String
name = "Earth"

# Boolean
is_planet = True

# List
planets = ["Mercury", "Venus", "Earth", "Mars"]

# Dictionary
planet_info = {
    "name": "Earth",
    "diameter": 12742,
    "has_atmosphere": True
}

# Print variables
print(f"Age: {age}")
print(f"Temperature: {temperature}")
print(f"Name: {name}")
print(f"Is planet: {is_planet}")
print(f"Planets: {planets}")
print(f"Planet info: {planet_info}")

Python Basics: Arithmetic Operations

# Addition
sum = 5 + 3
print(f"5 + 3 = {sum}")

# Subtraction
difference = 10 - 4
print(f"10 - 4 = {difference}")

# Multiplication
product = 6 * 7
print(f"6 * 7 = {product}")

# Division
quotient = 20 / 4
print(f"20 / 4 = {quotient}")

# Integer division
int_quotient = 20 // 3
print(f"20 // 3 = {int_quotient}")

# Modulo (remainder)
remainder = 20 % 3
print(f"20 % 3 = {remainder}")

# Exponentiation
power = 2 ** 3
print(f"2 ** 3 = {power}")

Python Basics: Control Flow

If-Else Statements

temperature = 25

if temperature > 30:
    print("It's hot outside!")
elif temperature > 20:
    print("It's warm outside.")
else:
    print("It's cool outside.")

For Loops

planets = ["Mercury", "Venus", "Earth", "Mars"]

for planet in planets:
    print(f"{planet} is a planet in our solar system.")

Python Basics: Functions

def celsius_to_fahrenheit(celsius):
    fahrenheit = (celsius * 9/5) + 32
    return fahrenheit

# Using the function
temp_c = 25
temp_f = celsius_to_fahrenheit(temp_c)
print(f"{temp_c}°C is equal to {temp_f}°F")

Conclusion

  • We've covered the course overview and tools
  • Introduced basic Python concepts
  • Next class: Numpy & Pandas for data analysis

Questions?