Introduction to Python Programming

This course provides an introduction to programming and the Python language. Students are introduced to core programming concepts like data structures, conditionals, loops, variables, and functions. This course includes an overview of the various tools available for writing and running Python, and gets students coding quickly. It also provides hands-on coding exercises using commonly used data structures, writing custom functions, and reading and writing to files. This course may be more robust than some other introductory python courses, as it delves deeper into certain essential programming topics.

• Identify core aspects of programming and features of the Python language

• Understand and apply core programming concepts like data structures, conditionals, loops, variables, and functions

• Use different tools for writing and running Python code

• Design and write fully-functional Python programs using commonly used data structures, custom functions, and reading and writing to files

Syllabus

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Module 1 : Course Introduction, Intro to Programming and The Python Language, Variables, Conditionals, Jupyter Notebook, and IDLE
This first module covers an intro to programming and the Python language.
Week 2
Module 2 : Intro to Lists, Loops, and Functions
We’ll start by downloading and installing the necessary tools to begin programming and writing code in Python. After learning how to print to the console, we’ll get an understanding of Python’s basic data types, and how to do simple math. We’ll follow up by creating our first Python script, and learn how to define and assign variables, while controlling the flow of our program using conditionals. We’ll also learn how to get input from the user, including some very basic error checking. Let’s get started!
Week 3
Module 3 : More with Lists, Strings, Tuples, Sets, and PyCharm
We’ll start this module with a brief intro to lists, one of Python’s most commonly used data structures. We’ll learn just enough to get us started with loops, which are used to repeat a process or run a block of code multiple times. We’ll get into functions, which are blocks of organized code used to perform a single, related action. We’ll review some of Python’s built-in functions and learn how to design our own user-defined functions to use as building blocks in our own programs. Along the way, we’ll learn best practices for documenting our code for 2 different audiences: The users who are using our code and want to understand it at a high level, and the programmers who are reading it and want to know how it works.
Week 4
Module 4 : Dictionaries and Files
In this module, we’re going to start using PyCharm, another IDE for writing and running Python code. It has enhanced features that go way beyond the limited functionality of IDLE, and it’s also an industry standard. After revisiting lists, including more advanced usage of the commonly used sequence, we’ll take a deep dive into two other very important data structures : sets and tuples. We’ll learn how they can be leveraged to both store and manipulate information. And while we already have some experience working with strings, this module will explore the intricacies and more powerful functionality of strings.

FAQ

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Do I need to know how to program or have studied computer science in order to take this course?

No, definitely not! This Specialization is intended for anyone who has an interest in problem solving and wants to learn introductory Python or Java. No prior computer science or programming experience is required.

How much math do I need to know to take this course?

The only math that learners will need for this Specialization is arithmetic and basic concepts in logic.

This course was fun. How can I learn more?

This course is the first in the Introduction to Programming with Python and Java Specialization. If you enjoyed it, we recommend Courses 2, 3 and 4 in the series!

If you would like to learn the fundamentals of computer science beyond the basics of programming, consider applying to the Master of Computer and Information and Technology (MCIT) at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League computer science master’s program for people without a computer science background. For an on-campus experience, explore here. If you prefer an online setting, apply to MCIT Online. In fact, the lectures in this series are also used in the online degree program! The Specialization certificate will be viewed favorably by the admissions committee, so be sure to mention it when you apply.

Reviews

Very helpful for beginners to get hands-on experience.

Most assessments are challenging for people without coding background but incorporate most key concepts!

The course was really good. The assignments were challenging. It was very pleasure to solve the assignments and practice them to become perfect with the basics of Python language

I learned a lot from this course! Thank you Brandon and team. The course has more coverage than the one offered by Michigan U which I took prior to this.

Sometimes, it is difficult for a total beginner to perform the given assignments, as the instruction and sources provided way too little.