Introduction to the Course

The Python for Scientific Computing MOOC is designed to help learners from various backgrounds get equipped with the essential programming skills needed for scientific and numerical computing. This course introduces Python as a powerful tool to accomplish various tasks such as data analysis and visualization, scientific computations, etc. using popular libraries such as Matplotlib, NumPy, and SciPy. The course builds from basic Python concepts to advanced programming techniques.

Who May Benefit?

This course is ideal for a wide range of learners, whether you're starting out or looking to apply Python in your domain-specific projects:

Meet Your Course Instructor

Prof. Prabhu Ramachandran

Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Bombay

Prof. Prabhu Ramachandran is a faculty member in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Bombay and has served as the Head of the Computer Centre from 2022 to 2025. He is also associated with the Center for Machine Intelligence & Data Science (C-MInDS) at IIT Bombay and is an alumnus of IIT Madras.

His research interests lie in Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Scientific Computing, development of high-performing open-source softwares to enable computation and simulation of the above. An advocate for Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), in his spare time he loves to develop free/ open-source software.

He has been a nominated member of the Python Software Foundation since 2010. Prof. Ramachandran brings a wealth of experience to the course, blending academic rigor with practical insights.

Prof. Prabhu Ramachandran

Phases

Phase I: Enroll in the Course

  • Participants will be enrolled on the BodhiTree Platform
  • The platform hosts all course materials, including videos, slides, quizzes, and programming assignments.
  • Participants will be required to complete the learning material and submit assignments to demonstrate their understanding.

Phase II: Certification Exam (Optional)

  • Register for the exam, and make fee payments.
  • Attempt the exam at the IIT Bombay Campus (Dates out soon...)
  • Candidates with a satisfactory performance will be get a certificate of course completion!

Syllabus

📘 Python for Scientific Computing – Certificate Exam

The certificate exam for "Python for Scientific Computing" will be held in two slots – July 20 and July 27, 2025.

  • The exam will be conducted at the Department of CSE, IIT Bombay, and physical attendance of the candidate is mandatory.
  • The candidate may choose either of the slots as per her/ his convenience.
  • The exam fee is ₹3,540/-
  • The exam fee, once paid, is non-refundable.
  • Payment of the exam fee does not guarantee a certificate; the candidate must obtain a satisfactory result to be awarded one.

For Syllabus, click here.

Know More
Event Date Note

Weekly Live Support Sessions

Live support sessions will be conducted every weekend by our TAs to help learners with their doubts and provide general guidance on Python.

  • The first support session will be open to all learners.
  • From the second session onward, live support will be available only to paid certification candidates.
  • Learners accessing the course for free can still use the discussion forum to post queries, which will be answered by the same TAs.

Course Prerequisites

Rudimentary knowledge of programming concepts.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Regular Category: Anyone interested in learning Python programming
  • Student Category: Any student currently enrolled in a recognized UG or PG Program
  • Teacher/Educator Category: Any teacher currently teaching in a recognized college

Course Timeline & Additional Info

  • Course Duration: 12 weeks of online (asynchronous) coursework followed by an optional certification exam at IIT Bombay
  • Venue (for Exam): Dept. of CSE, IIT Bombay
  • Mode of Conduct: Hybrid — online coursework + live weekly sessions + offline certification exam (optional)
  • Course Fees: The course is free of cost. However, to appear for the certification exam, participants must pay a non-refundable examination fee of ₹3,540
If you are unable to view the above form, click here.

⚙️ Common Troubleshooting Tips – VLab (cLab) App

1️⃣ Please revisit the installation guide:
Ensure you've followed all the steps correctly in the installation instructions.
👉 Installation Guide

2️⃣ If installation was successful but you're unable to log in:

  • Click on the "Change Server URL / Workspace Directory" button below the login box.
  • Set the server URL to: https://robin.bodhi.cse.iitb.ac.in/api (Make sure this is correct!)
  • Restart the application after making the change.

3️⃣ If you are able to log in but not able to attempt any activities:

  • Make sure Docker or Docker Desktop is installed on your machine.
  • To verify if Docker is installed:
    • Windows: Open Command Prompt and type docker --version
    • Mac/Linux: Open Terminal and type docker --version
    If Docker is installed, it will show the version information.
  • If Docker is not installed, please follow the installation instructions here:
    👉 Install Docker
  • For Windows users: Always start the Docker Desktop application before launching the VLab app.

4️⃣ Still facing issues?
Let us know your problem by filling out this short form:
📝 Submit VLab Issue Form