COSAM » Bioinformatics Bootcamp » Bootcamp FAQ

Bioinformatics Bootcamp FAQ


Q. Which airport should I plan to fly into for the Bootcamp?

A. The most convenient airport is Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, GA (which is a 1.5 hr drive from Auburn). But please be aware that Atlanta is in the Eastern Timezone while Auburn is in the Central Timezone, so be sure to factor the one (1) hour time difference between the two into your travel plans. 

Q. Can I take a shuttle from Atlanta to Auburn?

A.  Yes, Groome Transportation operates a shuttle service (website) and their phone # is (334) 821-3399. It has a scheduled drop off and pick up at The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center, which is the most accessible from campus. See the Groome website for additional stops as well as detailed schedules.

Q. What days should I plan on traveling to the Bootcamp?

A.  The recommended travel dates for the Bootcamp are a June 3rd arrival and June 8th late/June 9th departure. We’ll be starting around 8:30 AM on Monday, June 4th and wrapping up that Friday afternoon.

Q. Where should I plan to stay?

A.  We are creating a list of local hotels and places to stay that will be posted soon.

Q. Will I need to install Linux on my laptop prior to, or during, the Bootcamp?

A. No, you will not need to install Linux directly onto your laptop. If you have access to a Apple laptop for the Bootcamp, that would be ideal since many of the tools needed for the Bootcamp pre-assignment, as well as the Bootcamp itself, are natively built into that operating system. Similarly, a laptop running any variant of Linux will also work.


Those with a Windows laptop will need to install terminal emulation software such as Putty and software for secure file transfer, Cyberduck.  Another option is setting up a virtual machine running Linux using the freely available VMWare Player (https://my.vmware.com). Apple MacOS/OS X users should consider installing Cyberduck, and Nautilus file browser in Gnome can provide a similar functionality for Linux users.


Putty-0.70 (Windows)

http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html

Use links under "Package files" for the download and see their FAQ Entry to determine if you need the 32- or 64-bit version.


Cyberduck (Windows, OSX, MacOS)

https://cyberduck.io


Nautilus information (Linux)

http://linux.about.com/od/ubuntu_doc/a/ubudg10t9.htm


Importantly, ensure that you have WIFI and administrative privileges to install software on the laptop that you bring to the Bootcamp.



Q. Will I receive a syllabus of the topics covered in the Bootcamp prior to attending?

A. A syllabus is being finalized regarding what topics will be covered in each AM and PM session of each day and will be distributed well prior to the start of the Bootcamp. The reason for this is while the front half of the Bootcamp is universal (discussing data formats, data quality control and processing, etc), the latter half is tailored to the general interests of the participants (based on the materials you submitted) in each year.

Q. How do I get to class?

A.  The classroom will be located off the main Auburn University Campus, specifically the Hubbard Center for Advanced Science, Innovation and Commerce (CASIC) in the Auburn Research Park. More details on modes of transportation will follow.

Q. What time does class meet?

A. 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Q. Where can I park?

A. If you know you will need on-campus parking, please contact us and we will procure a parking permit for you.

Q. How do I continue to develop my bioinformatics skills once the Bootcamp ends?

A. We will be discussing near the end of the Bootcamp how participants might set up a Linux environment where they can further practice and develop techniques they are introduced to in the workshop. We have also compiled some documentation of how you can run the native Linux Subsystem that is now part of Windows 10.

Q. When is payment for Bootcamp due?

A. Payment is due by May 7th, 2018.

Q. How can I pay for Bootcamp?

A.  Please use the AU Department of Biological Sciences MarketPlace to pay for your 2018 registration. For other payment options, please contact us.



Last Updated: 05/03/2018