Computing in Python IV: Objects & Algorithms from edX

Complete your introductory knowledge of computer science with this final course on objects and algorithms. Now that you've learned about complex control structures and data structures, learn to develop programs that more intuitively leverage your natural understanding of problems through object-oriented programming. Then, learn to analyze the complexity and efficiency of these programs through algorithms. In addition, certify your broader knowledge of Introduction to Computing with a comprehensive exam.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to write programs in Python that leverage your more natural understanding of data structures by creating objects to represent the structures you work with most often. For example, if you were creating a class roster application, you'll learn how to create an object representing a student's name, ID number, and attendance record. Then, you'll be able to create applications that leverage sorting and searching algorithms to sort that roster alphabetically, search for a particular student, and evaluate the efficiency of both those operations.

Structurally, the course is comprised of several parts. Instruction is delivered via a series of short (2-3 minute) videos. In between those videos, you'll complete both multiple choice questions and coding problems to demonstrate your knowledge of the material that was just covered. These exercises count for 20% of your grade. Then, after each major chapter, you'll complete a problem set of collected, more challenging problems. These count for 40% of your grade. Finally, you'll complete a final course exam, which counts for the remaining 40% of your grade.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Working with instances of objects in python.
Creating new data structures using object-oriented programming.
Using objects with earlier control and data structures.

Writing common search algorithms, like linear and binary search.
Writing common sorting algorithms, like bubble sort, insertion sort, and merge sort.
Evaluating the computational complexity of algorithms using big o notation.

Working with instances of objects in python.
Creating new data structures using object-oriented programming.
Using objects with earlier control and data structures.
Writing common search algorithms, like linear and binary search.
Writing common sorting algorithms, like bubble sort, insertion sort, and merge sort.
Evaluating the computational complexity of algorithms using big o notation.

Syllabus

Chapter 1. Objects. Working with instances of complex data types or defining your own, like creating a class to represent a video game character, a class syllabus, or an item for sale.

Chapter 2. Algorithms. Creating complex code for searching in large lists or sorting lists of data, and analyzing code for its complexity.

Chapter 3. Course Recap. A comprehensive review of the Xseries as a whole, leading into the final exam.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Assessments include a mix of multiple-choice questions and coding problems, which is a useful variety of assessments for evaluating learner understanding

Provides a capstone exam for the Introduction to Computing series of courses

Students who complete this course will be able to create complex Python programs and analyze their complexity. This is valuable for anyone who wants to work as a software engineer

This course is part of a comprehensive series on Introduction to Computing. Completing the full series offers a structured learning experience

Learners will be able to write different types of search and sorting algorithms, like linear search, binary search, bubble sort, and merge sort

Learners will be able to develop custom data structures using object-oriented programming techniques

Reviews summary

Python for all: objects and algorithms

learners say this course in Python programming is excellent. Students develop strong foundations in basic concepts for Python programming and gain theoretical knowledge. The course is well-paced, engaging, and effective, with helpful assignments and clear explanations from the instructor.

This course features lots of practice problems. Some are quite challenging, but they help instill comprehension.

"This course was worth every penny."

"Programming is one of those areas where you can learn by repetitive practice and this course does not only explain the basic concepts briefly and effectively but also provides 100s of coding exercises for you to master what you have learned."

This course provides learners with a firm grasp of Python and other computing basics.

"After completing this course, I feel I have a firm grasp on python and other computing basics."

"The amount of practice required to work through the material forces strong familiarity with the concepts introduced."

The instructor in this course, Professor David Joyner, presents the material in a solicitous manner. Concepts are explained analytically and thoroughly.

"Professor David Joyner teaches in such a solicitous manner that I haven't found a single word to be redundant or boring in his lectures."

"The base that I needed to develop for Python programming has been made possible through completing this 4x Course series per se."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Computing in Python IV: Objects & Algorithms with these activities:

Review binary search algorithms

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Start your course on the right foot by refreshing your knowledge of essential search algorithms.

Browse courses on Binary Search

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Go through binary search tutorials and examples
Practice writing binary search code in the language of your choice

Review 'Head First Java'

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Expand your understanding of object-oriented programming concepts with a comprehensive review of 'Head First Java'.

View Head First Java: A Brain-Friendly Guide on Amazon

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Read through the book, taking notes and highlighting key concepts
Complete the exercises and examples provided in the book

Join a study group focused on Python object-oriented programming

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Engage in collaborative learning and knowledge sharing by joining a study group dedicated to Python's object-oriented programming concepts.

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Find or create a study group with peers who have similar interests
Meet regularly to discuss course materials, work on problems together, and share knowledge

Five other activities

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Practice object-oriented programming problems

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Deepen your understanding of object-oriented programming through deliberate practice with coding problems.

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Find online coding platforms that offer object-oriented programming practice problems
Attempt to solve problems of varying difficulty levels
Review solutions and explanations to improve your understanding

Explore advanced sorting algorithms tutorials

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Enhance your knowledge of sorting algorithms by exploring advanced techniques and tutorials.

Browse courses on Sorting Algorithms

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Identify online tutorials on advanced sorting algorithms
Go through the tutorials, taking notes and understanding the concepts

Organize course notes and materials

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Stay organized and improve retention by compiling and reviewing your course notes and materials.

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Gather all notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
Organize them in a logical manner
Review the materials periodically

Attend a workshop on Python object-oriented programming

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Gain hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge by attending a workshop focused on Python's object-oriented programming capabilities.

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Research and identify relevant workshops
Register and attend the workshop
Actively participate and engage with the instructors and fellow attendees

Volunteer as a mentor for junior students learning Python

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Solidify your understanding of Python and object-oriented programming by mentoring junior students.

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Join online forums or platforms where junior students seek help with Python
Offer your assistance and provide guidance on Python concepts
Review and provide feedback on their code

Career center

Learners who complete Computing in Python IV: Objects & Algorithms will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects to achieve specific goals and objectives. They work with stakeholders to define project goals, develop project plans, and track progress towards completion. This course helps build a foundation by teaching one how to evaluate the computational complexity of algorithms using Big O notation, which can be useful when managing projects. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as a Project Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for analyzing data using scientific methods, applying machine learning algorithms, and developing new analytical models. This course helps build a foundation by giving experience writing common search algorithms, like linear and binary search and writing common sorting algorithms, like bubble sort, insertion sort, and merge sort. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as a Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations improve their performance by analyzing business processes and systems, and recommending changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This course helps build a foundation by teaching one how to evaluate the computational complexity of algorithms using Big O notation, which can be helpful when analyzing business processes. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers research, design, construct, and test software systems. They apply engineering principles to create applications or computer programs. This course helps one work with instances of complex data types or define their own, like creating a class to represent a video game character, a class syllabus, or an item for sale. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as a Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights and make informed decisions. This course helps build a foundation by giving experience writing common search algorithms, like linear and binary search and writing common sorting algorithms, like bubble sort, insertion sort, and merge sort, important skills for analyzing data. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course helps build a foundation by teaching one how to evaluate the computational complexity of algorithms using Big O notation, which is essential when analyzing the security of computer algorithms. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as an Information Security Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists create computer hardware or software to solve problems, including research in the areas of artificial intelligence, databases, networking, and computer graphics. This course helps build a foundation by giving experience with writing common search algorithms, like linear and binary search and writing common sorting algorithms, like bubble sort, insertion sort, and merge sort, giving experience with core concepts of computer science. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as a Computer Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications or computer programs. This course helps one work with instances of complex data types or define their own, like creating a class to represent a video game character, a class syllabus, or an item for sale. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as a Software Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers design, develop, and test computer programs and applications using programming languages. This course helps one work with instances of complex data types or define their own, like creating a class to represent a video game character, a class syllabus, or an item for sale, which is a foundational skill for this role. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as a Computer Programmer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Information Architect

Information Architects are responsible for the design, organization, and structuring of information systems and data to support business needs. This course helps one work with instances of complex data types or define their own, like creating a class to represent a video game character, a class syllabus, or an item for sale, which is an important skill for this role. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as an Information Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems to meet an organization's needs. They analyze existing systems, design new systems, and implement changes to existing systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This course helps build a foundation by giving experience creating new data structures using object-oriented programming, a necessary skill for this role. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as a Computer Systems Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Information Systems Manager

Information Systems Managers maintain, design, and implement information systems. They use their knowledge of information technology to run an organization's technology and computer systems. This course helps build a foundation by teaching one how to evaluate the computational complexity of algorithms using Big O notation, which is used in the field to analyze the performance of algorithms. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as an Information Systems Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Systems Manager

Analyst Programmer

Analyst Programmers analyze and design computer hardware or software to meet the needs of an organization, using their knowledge of programming languages and software engineering principles. This course helps one work with instances of complex data types or define their own, like creating a class to represent a video game character, a class syllabus, or an item for sale, which is a foundational skill for an Analyst Programmer. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as an Analyst Programmer.

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Object-Oriented Programmer

Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm that uses "objects" to design applications and computer programs. "Objects" are data structures consisting of data fields and methods together with their interactions. This course helps one work with instances of complex data types or define their own, like creating a class to represent a video game character, a class syllabus, or an item for sale. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as an Object-Oriented Programmer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Object-Oriented Programmer

Software Applications Architect

Software Applications Architects design software applications and programs by planning and guiding the development process. They determine the overall structure and architecture of the software, and develop high-level designs for the software's components and modules. This course helps one work with instances of complex data types or define their own, like creating a class to represent a video game character, a class syllabus, or an item for sale. Thus, this course may be useful for those seeking work as a Software Applications Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Applications Architect