The Apple University Consortium is pleased to announce it is offering 25 Scholarships to each of the Cocoa-Python workshops to be held at the Clifton Training Centre in Sydney & Melbourne. Recipients will be eligible to attend the two day workshop.

The workshop is designed to give those who attend a general understanding of Mac OS X development with Python. Students will learn the basics of programming Cocoa applications in Python, designing tools and applications using Xcode and Interface Builder, and using Python for web scripting. By the end of the workshop, attendees will know how to develop and release fully functional Cocoa programs written using Python. In addition, anyone who wants to learn Cocoa can use this workshop as an introduction!

A maximum of 25 people can attend each workshop so seats will be allocated on competitive basis. The AUC strongly encourages students to attend.

What is Cocoa and Python?

Cocoa is an object-oriented application environment designed specifically for developing Mac OS X native applications. Cocoa consists of a number of frameworks which allow creation of a graphical user interface for applications, and provides various functionality, such as networking, graphics, and sound.

Python is an open source scripting language that is fully object oriented and part of Mac OS X. Python is based on a clean simple syntax which is easy to learn and use. In addition to this, it has a vast collection of modules to perform simplify complex tasks related to web programming, systems administration, graphics and many more. Python is an excellent language to rapidly build scripts to solve complex problems. For further information visit the Python Website.

Wouldn't it be nice if developers could marry the power of Python with the functionality found in Cocoa frameworks? Well as of Mac OS 10.5 developing Cocoa applications in Python is officially supported by Apple. This bridge, called Cocoa-Python (aka PyObjC) is fully bidirectional, allowing the Python developer to not only take full advantage of the power provided by various Cocoa and custom Objective-C based toolkits, but also allow Objective-C programmers to transparently access Python based functionality.

What will I learn?

The Cocoa-Python workshop is designed for those who have never programmed in Python before but already have some programming experience with (preferably) C or Java. You will learn the basics, starting with the Python language and gradually work up over the two days to integrating Python programs with Cocoa frameworks.
A outline of the key topics discussed during the workshop is outlined below.

Day One

The first day of the workshop is designed to give those who attend a general understanding of the Python language with a focus on Mac OS X development. Students will learn the basics of programming in Python, designing tools and applications, using Python for web scripting, and how to leverage Python's powerful modules. Students will also be introduced to the basics of Cocoa programming.

•     Introduction to Python
•     The Python Interpreter & Tools on Mac OS X
•     The Python Language
•     Classes and Object Orientated Programming
•     Standalone Python Applications
•     Web Development
•     Introduction to Cocoa

    
Day Two

The second day is designed to give participants a solid grounding in Cocoa programming. Attendees will gain insight and experience on accessing Mac OS X's powerful Cocoa and other Objective C frameworks from inside pure Python applications. Attendees will learn how to use these frameworks to create powerful Mac OS X scripts and applications, as well as creating Aqua user interfaces. Finally, existing Objective-C developers will learn how they can expand their programs with Cocoa-Python plugins and code.

•     Introduction to Cocoa-Python (PyObjC)
•     Cocoa-Python & Xcode
•     Syntax & Objective-C
•     Using Cocoa Frameworks
•     Cocoa User Interfaces
•     Mixing Python and ObjC
•     Packaging & Distributing Applications

Who should attend?

The workshop is aimed specifically at students who study computing science, computer engineering, information technology, mathematics or related disciplines and/or those that have an interest in developing software for computers. The workshop is also aimed at staff of similar background and interests. It is expected that those who attend will have some computer programming experience using languages such as, but not limited to, Java and C++. It is not expected that students/staff have previous experience programming on the Mac OS X platform.

Scholarship & Registration

The scholarship covers return economy airfares, accommodation for one night (two nights for WA, NT & FNQ attendees) for the duration of the event and notes/text books. Those who attend must pay a registration fee of $50.00 (student) or $100.00 (staff) once enrollment is confirmed.

Registrations will be processed on a competitive basis based on the information supplied in the application form.

Accommodation & Travel

You will need to organise your own flights and accommodation to attend the event. The AUC nor Apple Computer can assist with organising flights or accommodation.

Dates & Venue

The workshops will be held at Cliftons Training Centre in the Sydney & Melbourne as follows:

20 & 21 August 2009	3 & 4 September 2009
Cliftons Training Centre Level 2, 200 George Street Sydney NSW 2000	Cliftons Training Centre Level 1, 440 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000

A map of the Clifton's training facility can be found here.

Each session commences at 9:30am and will conclude at roughly 4:30pm.

Scholarship Subsidies

Accomodation

Recipients of the scholarship from eastern states (NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS) receive funding for duration of the workshop. Recipients from other states (NT, WA,SA) receive funding for an additional night to allow arrival the day before the Workshops commence.

Departure Point	Maximum Accommodation Subsidy Claimable
Western Australia (PER), NT (DAR) (2 nights)	$300
All Others (1 night)	$150

The above accommodation subsidy of $150 per night is based on budget accommodation in their closest capital city. It is the responsibility of the individual to arrange accommodation. Tax Invoices should be kept to support your claim for funding.

Airfare

For recipients of the scholarship the AUC is offering to cover return economy airfares up to a maximum amount as detailed below. We encourage you to use discount airfares to keep your airfare under the maximum airfare claimable. Tax Invoices should be kept to support your claim for funding.

Departure Point	Maximum Airfare Subsidy Claimable
Melbourne (MEL)/Sydney (SYD)	$250
Northern Territory (DAR)	$600
Western Australia (PER)	$640
South Australia (ADL)	$470
New South Wales (BHS/ARM/WGA/LSY)	$350
ACT (CNB)	$350
Tasmania (HOB/LCN)	$430
Queensland - Far North (TSV/ROK/CNS)	$450
Queensland (BNE)	$350

Suitable Tax Invoices must be kept to support your claim. To submit a claim for the Scholarhips you must fill in the AUC_Claim_Form and send it in within 3 months of the event (refer to instructions on form).

Application Form

To apply for a place at the Cocoa-Python Workshop you must fill in the online application form by July 24 2009. You will recieve notice as to your success in obtaining a place at this program by July 31.

If you have any questions regarding this program please call (02) 4221 5230 and speak with Andrew Jeffrey or email ajeffrey@auc.edu.au