Biology is a data-driven discipline facilitated greatly by computer programming skills. This article describes an introductory experiential programming activity that can be integrated into distance learning environments. Students are asked to develop their own Python programs to identify the nature of alleles linked to disease. This activity effectively engages students in a problem solving exercise that provides an opportunity for application of basic programming skills as well as understanding eukaryotic gene structure. We provide sets of mapped alleles for two well-known genes, CFTR and HFE, as well as a suite of relevant Python programs to achieve these outcomes or allow subsequent exercise modifications.