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Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python

Eric Grimson, John Guttag, and Ana Bell

4.5

Based on 134 ratings

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Eric Grimson, John Guttag, and Ana Bell

This course is the first of a two-course sequence: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python, and Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science. Together, they are designed to help people with no prior exposure to computer science or programming learn to think computationally and write programs to tackle useful problems. Some of the people taking the two courses will use them as a stepping stone to more advanced computer science courses, but for many it will be their first and last computer science courses. This run features lecture videos, lecture exercises, and problem sets using Python 3.5. Even if you previously took the course with Python 2.7, you will be able to easily transition to Python 3.5 in future courses, or enroll now to refresh your learning.

Since these courses may be the only formal computer science courses many of the students take, we have chosen to focus on breadth rather than depth. The goal is to provide students with a brief introduction to many topics so they will have an idea of what is possible when they need to think about how to use computation to accomplish some goal later in their career. That said, they are not "computation appreciation" courses. They are challenging and rigorous courses in which the students spend a lot of time and effort learning to bend the computer to their will

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What's inside

Learning objectives

A notion of computation
The python programming language
Some simple algorithms

Testing and debugging
An informal introduction to algorithmic complexity
Data structures

A notion of computation
The python programming language
Some simple algorithms
Testing and debugging
An informal introduction to algorithmic complexity
Data structures

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Builds a strong foundation for beginners who want to learn the Python programming language

Examines some simple algorithms, which are fundamental in computer programming

Develops testing and debugging skills that are essential for programming

Provides an informal introduction to algorithmic complexity, a key concept in computer science

Introduces data structures, which are essential for organizing and managing data in programming

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Reviews summary

Rigorous introduction to cs and programming

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in computer science concepts and programming using Python. Students widely praise the challenging problem sets, noting they are difficult but highly rewarding for learning. While many find it an excellent introduction for beginners, a significant number of reviewers mention the pace is fast and the course requires a significant time commitment. It focuses on computational thinking and theory using Python as a tool, rather than just language syntax. Overall, it's considered a rigorous and valuable first step into the field, though prospective students should be prepared for its demanding nature.

Emphasis on computational thinking, not just coding.

"It's not just about Python syntax; they really teach you *how* to think like a computer scientist."

"The course stresses fundamental concepts and problem-solving approaches using Python as a tool."

"I appreciate that the focus was on algorithms and data structures rather than just basic programming commands."

Excellent intro to CS concepts for beginners.

"This course gave me a very solid foundation in both Python and fundamental computer science concepts."

"It provides a great starting point for absolute beginners who want to learn programming and CS principles."

"I feel much more confident tackling other programming challenges after completing this intro."

Problem sets are tough but incredibly rewarding.

"The problem sets were definitely hard, but solving them made me learn so much more than lectures alone."

"Assignments are rigorous and require deep thinking, which is exactly what I needed to grasp the material."

"Although difficult, working through the problems was the most valuable part of the course for me."

Requires significant time investment weekly.

"Plan to dedicate substantial time each week, particularly for the problem sets. It's not a light course."

"This course demands a serious time commitment if you want to keep up and truly learn."

"I spent many hours every week on the assignments, which was necessary but challenging alongside other commitments."

Can be fast-paced and difficult for newcomers.

"As a complete beginner, I found the pace incredibly fast, especially after the first few weeks. Had to rewatch lectures."

"The course is very challenging, perhaps too much so if you have absolutely no prior logical thinking background."

"Be prepared to spend a lot of time outside of lectures understanding the concepts and solving problems."

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 Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python with these activities:

Read 'Automate the Boring Stuff with Python'

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of Python programming and will help solidify your understanding of core coding concepts.

View Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 3rd... on Amazon

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Get a copy of the book
Read the book at your own pace
Complete the exercises in the book

Join a study group or online forum for Python programmers

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Networking with peers will broaden your perspectives on the subject and potentially introduce you to new topics.

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Find a study group or online forum for Python programmers
Join the study group or online forum
Participate in discussions and ask questions

Complete coding practice drills

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Constantly write code and practice using the Python language to solidify understanding of course concepts.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a Python coding practice website or app
Set aside time each day or week to practice coding challenges
Start with easy coding challenges and gradually increase the difficulty

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Follow video tutorials on advanced Python concepts

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Guided tutorials will allow you to learn at your own pace and focus on specific areas where you need improvement.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a video tutorial series on advanced Python concepts
Watch the videos and take notes on the key concepts
Practice the concepts you learn in the videos by coding along

Participate in coding competitions and hackathons

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Coding competitions and hackathons will test your skills and help you learn new technologies.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a coding competition or hackathon that you are interested in
Register for the competition or hackathon
Prepare for the competition or hackathon by practicing and studying
Participate in the competition or hackathon and do your best

Organize your notes and learning materials

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Cleaning up your notes and materials will make it easier to find and review them later.

Browse courses on Python

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Gather all of your notes and learning materials
Organize the materials by topic or date
Store the materials in a safe and convenient location
Review the materials regularly

Create a blog post or video tutorial on a Python topic

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Creating content will help you solidify understanding of a topic by breaking it down and explaining it to others.

Browse courses on Python

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Choose a Python topic that you are familiar with
Write a blog post or create a video tutorial on the topic
Publish the blog post or video tutorial and share it with others

Build a data analysis tool using Python

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Creating a real-world project not only tests your skills, it helps you grasp the principles of computation, algorithms, data analysis, and coding concepts as a whole.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a real-world problem that you can solve using data analysis
Design a data analysis tool that will solve the problem
Build the data analysis tool using Python
Test and iterate on the data analysis tool until it is working correctly

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer and Information Research Scientist

Computer and Information Research Scientists conduct research to advance computing technology. This course can help build a foundation for this career by introducing core programming concepts and providing hands-on experience with Python. The course's focus on algorithms, complexity, and data structures will also help develop problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer and Information Research Scientist

Software Developer

Software Developers design, build, and maintain software applications. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing a comprehensive introduction to programming using Python. The course also covers concepts such as algorithms, complexity, and data structures, which are essential for designing efficient and scalable software solutions.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods to extract insights from data. This course can help build a foundation for this career by introducing core programming concepts using Python, including data structures and algorithms. The course also covers basic statistical concepts, which are essential for understanding and analyzing data.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and build machine learning models to solve complex problems. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing a comprehensive introduction to programming using Python. The course also covers concepts such as algorithms, complexity, and data structures, which are essential for designing and implementing machine learning models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and build websites and web applications. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing a comprehensive introduction to programming using Python. The course also covers concepts such as algorithms, complexity, and data structures, which are essential for designing and implementing efficient and scalable web applications.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, build, and maintain databases. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing a comprehensive introduction to programming using Python. The course also covers concepts such as algorithms, complexity, and data structures, which are essential for designing and implementing efficient and scalable databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects design and build computer networks. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing a comprehensive introduction to programming using Python. The course also covers concepts such as algorithms, complexity, and data structures, which are essential for designing and implementing efficient and scalable computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing a comprehensive introduction to programming using Python. The course also covers concepts such as algorithms, complexity, and data structures, which are essential for understanding and mitigating security vulnerabilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, build, and maintain computer systems. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing a comprehensive introduction to programming using Python. The course also covers concepts such as algorithms, complexity, and data structures, which are essential for designing and implementing efficient and scalable computer systems.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts study how businesses use computer technology. They find ways to improve the efficiency of computer systems and make them more useful for the business. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing a comprehensive introduction to programming using Python. The course also covers concepts such as algorithms, complexity, and data structures, which are essential for understanding and improving the efficiency of computer systems.

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IT Manager

IT Managers plan, organize, and direct the activities of an organization's IT department. They are responsible for ensuring that the organization's IT systems are reliable, efficient, and secure. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing a comprehensive introduction to programming using Python. The course also covers concepts such as algorithms, complexity, and data structures, which are essential for understanding and managing IT systems.

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Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers design, build, and test computer hardware. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing a comprehensive introduction to programming using Python. The course also covers concepts such as algorithms, complexity, and data structures, which are essential for understanding and designing efficient and reliable computer hardware.

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Computer Network Administrator

Computer Network Administrators install, maintain, and troubleshoot computer networks. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing a comprehensive introduction to programming using Python. The course also covers concepts such as algorithms, complexity, and data structures, which are essential for understanding and managing computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Administrator

Database Developer

Database Developers design and build databases. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing a comprehensive introduction to programming using Python. The course also covers concepts such as algorithms, complexity, and data structures, which are essential for designing and implementing efficient and scalable databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Developer

IT Support Specialist

IT Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing a comprehensive introduction to programming using Python. The course also covers concepts such as algorithms, complexity, and data structures, which are essential for understanding and troubleshooting computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read two articles that feature Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python:

25 Free Online Programming Courses for Beginners - 2017

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Transform Your Career with Python: A Complete Guide for Professionals

19 minute read

Reading list

We've selected 21 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python.

Introduction to Computation and Programming Using...

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Is written by the same instructors as the course and covers the same topics. It can be used as a textbook for the course or as a reference.

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python

What's inside

Learning objectives

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Rigorous introduction to cs and programming

Activities

Career center

Featured in The Course Notes

Reading list

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