Advanced Research Computing (ARC) 2025 Summer School

Monday, July 7, 2025

9:30 – 11:30 AM

Introduction to Bash Command Line Interface

The command line interface is foundational to most computing systems, and for Linux environments, Bash is the most commonly used shell. In this course, participants will learn the basics of remotely connecting to a command line system, navigating file structures, copying and moving files, and modifying content using Bash. The session will also introduce Bash scripting, enabling users to automate complex tasks through a series of simple commands. This course is designed to provide a strong foundation for research computing and navigating high-performance computing (HPC) systems. 

Prerequisite: Although no prior programming skills are required, basic knowledge of computing systems and data processing is recommended. 

Instructor:  Jacob Boschee

Monday, July 7, 2025

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Introduction to High-Performance Computing and Data Storage

In the age of big data and complex computational challenges, the ability to efficiently process and store vast amounts of data is crucial across many disciplines. This workshop is designed for UBC researchers who are interested in using high-performance computing (HPC) and large-scale data storage solutions to facilitate their research projects. Participants will gain hands-on experience and deepen their understanding of the latest technologies and methodologies in HPC and data storage.

Prerequisite:  Basic knowledge of computer systems and data processing is recommended.

Instructor: Roman Baranowski

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

9:30 – 11:30 AM

Introduction to Python (Part 1)

This is part one of a two-part course. After completing both sessions, participants will have a solid foundation in Python programming, including control flow with loops. The course also introduces how to write functions for clean, reusable code, and how to use modules and libraries to extend Python’s capabilities for more complex tasks.

Please bring a laptop (Mac, Linux, or Windows) with administrative access—tablets and Chromebooks are not supported.

Prerequisite:  No prior programming experience is required, though an intermediate comfort level with computers is recommended.

Instructor:  Sarah Clarke (ACENET)

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Introduction to Research Data Management

This two-hour hands-on workshop, delivered by the UBC Library Research Data Management team, is designed for graduate students, researchers, and staff looking to strengthen their research data practices. The session covers essential strategies for organizing and documenting research data—including file naming conventions, sustainable formats, README files, and directory structures—followed by practical guidance on creating effective Data Management Plans (DMPs) that align with Tri-Agency and institutional requirements. Participants will also explore the DMP Assistant tool through real-world case studies.

Workshop Outcomes:

• Develop consistent file naming conventions and logical directory structures
• Identify sustainable file formats for long-term data preservation
• Create informative README files to support data reuse
• Understand the key components of a DMP and its role throughout the research lifecycle
• Use the DMP Assistant tool to create and manage data management plans
• Apply best practices for data storage, sharing, preservation, and ethics.

Prerequisite: None

Instructor:  Eugene Barsky

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

9:30 – 11:30 AM

Introduction to Python (Part 2)

This is part two of a two-part course. After completing both sessions, participants will have a solid foundation in Python programming, including control flow with loops. The course also introduces how to write functions for clean, reusable code, and how to use modules and libraries to extend Python’s capabilities for more complex tasks. 

Please bring a laptop (Mac, Linux, or Windows) with administrative access—tablets and Chromebooks are not supported. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Python (Part 1).

Instructor:  Tannia Chevez (ACENET)

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Cybersecurity Hygiene/Data Classification/Research guide to the updated UBC Encryption standard

As researchers, the integrity and security of your data are critical to your work. Regardless of the type of research you are conducting, a cybersecurity incident could have significant consequences on not only the institution, but also your ability to publish your research paper and your reputation in the research community. This three-part workshop will inform you about what is available to you at UBC to secure your research information from cyberattacks.

Part I - Information Classification and Tool Selection: Learn to classify your information based on risk and understand your protection obligations. Discover the impacts of cybersecurity breaches on various data types and select the right tools for your information classification.

Part II - A Research Guide to the Updated Encryption Standard: Discover the newly updated institutional encryption standard and learn how it applies in your research projects.

Part III - Cybersecurity Hygiene: Explore essential controls and strategies to improve cybersecurity hygiene in your research and beyond.

Prerequisite: None

Instructors:  Luc Letarte, Scott Baker

Thursday, July 10, 2025

9:30 – 11:30 AM

Introduction to Globus

Globus is a data management service that enables seamless file transfers between endpoints—computers connected to the Globus file transfer network. It has become the standard in research and high-performance computing for efficiently moving large datasets, especially when transferring data to or from institutions that already provide a Globus endpoint.

In this session, we will provide an overview of Globus, including a live demonstration of how to use this service via the Globus web interface and command line (CLI), as well as how to automate certain Globus tasks.

Prerequisite: None

Instructors:   Ben Lai and Michael Tang

Thursday, July 10, 2025

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Introduction to ARC OnDemand

Discover how to use ARC OnDemand, a user-friendly web portal to access high-performance computing. Through this interface, researchers can launch tools such as RStudio, JupyterHub, or a Virtual Desktop, supporting a broad range of interactive computing activities.

Prerequisite: None

Instructor:  Jacob Boschee

Friday, July 11, 2025

9:30 – 11:30 AM

Introduction to Digital Research Alliance of Canada

The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (“the Alliance”) is a non-profit funded by the Government of Canada that serves Canadian researchers, with the objective of advancing Canada’s position as a leader in the knowledge economy on the international stage.

In the context of Advanced Research Computing (ARC), the Alliance provides high performance compute (HPC), storage, and cloud computing services free of charge to UBC researchers. 

In this session, we will explore the various HPC and cloud computing resources available via the Alliance, how to gain access to and use these resources for your research projects, and how to apply for the annual Resource Allocation Competition (RAC).

Prerequisite: None

Instructors: Michael Tang and Venkat Mahadevan

Friday, July 11, 2025

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Ask Me Anything 

Bring your research questions to our AMA session hosted by ARC staff. This is a perfect chance to get advice and insight on how ARC technologies and services can support your work.

Prerequisite: None

Instructors: Roman Baranowski, Jacob Boschee, Luc Letarte, Jessica Galo, Scott Baker, Michael Tang, Venkat Mahadevan, Jayson To