Here is few sources that you can go through, when you get bored during the course...
- Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide
- Bash one-liners explained
- How redirection really works
- What version of bash you need for X to work
- Martin Krzywinski: Keynote on Visual Design Principles
- Nature Methods' Points of View
- Gestalt principles 1
- Gestalt principles 2
- Well designed color palettes