Skills-Based Workshops and Short Courses
To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional technical proficiency, the WAVE HPC Center offers a variety of skills-based workshops and short courses. These programs are designed to equip the Santa Clara University community with the practical tools required to effectively utilize our high-performance computing environment. Initially established with support from the Fletcher Jones Foundation, these courses provide flexible, hands-on training for users across all academic levels.
Who These Workshops Are For
WAVE training programs are open to members of the Santa Clara University community across disciplines. Participants include:
- Undergraduate and graduate students beginning computational research
- Faculty integrating HPC into their teaching or research
- Researchers working with large datasets or simulations
- Staff supporting data analysis and research computing
These workshops help ensure that the SCU community can confidently utilize WAVE’s computing infrastructure for coursework, research, and professional development.
Core Training Topics
Workshops focus on practical, hands-on skills that help participants work effectively in a high-performance computing environment. Topics commonly covered include:
- Navigating Linux environments and remote HPC systems
- Managing files and large datasets on HPC storage systems
- Submitting and monitoring jobs using SLURM job scheduling
- Using Python and Jupyter Notebooks for computational analysis
- Running machine learning and AI workflows on GPU clusters
- Developing efficient command-line and automation workflows
These skills allow participants to scale their computational work beyond the limitations of standard laptops or desktop systems.
Example Workshops
WAVE regularly offers workshops covering a range of computational topics, including:
Introduction to Machine Learning and AI with Python on the HPC
A foundational workshop introducing machine learning concepts and demonstrating how to scale Python-based workflows using high-performance computing resources.
Introduction to High Performance Computing
An entry-level workshop covering essential HPC skills such as Linux navigation, efficient file management, and job scheduling with SLURM.
Leveraging Jupyter Notebooks to Introduce Computational Skills to Non-CS Students
A workshop designed to help students analyze data and develop programming skills using an accessible Jupyter Notebook environment.
Efficiency-Driven Command Line Skills for High-Performance Computing
An advanced training session focused on improving productivity through command-line techniques, workflow automation, and efficient research practices.