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Programming 101

An Introduction to Python for Educators

Martin O'Hanlon

On this course, you’ll explore programming in Python. Guided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, you’ll discover basic programming concepts, learning how to understand the basics of Python syntax and interpret error messages.

Ultimately, you’ll use your new coding skills to create your first program – which will be able to solve a simple problem.

What you'll learn

Over the following four weeks, you will:

Explore basic programming concepts such as sequencing and repetition
Identify use cases for 'for' and 'while' loops, if statements and functions
Produce your own program to solve a simple problem
Interpret error messages, with a knowledge of basic Python syntax

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Explore basic programming concepts such as sequencing and repetition
Identify use cases for 'for' and 'while' loops, if statements and functions

Produce your own program to solve a simple problem
Interpret error messages, with a knowledge of basic python syntax

Explore basic programming concepts such as sequencing and repetition
Identify use cases for 'for' and 'while' loops, if statements and functions
Produce your own program to solve a simple problem
Interpret error messages, with a knowledge of basic python syntax

Syllabus

You will cover:

Basic programming concepts such as repetition and sequencing

When and how to use a 'for' loop, an 'if' statement, a 'while' loop, and functions

Creating your own program to solve a simple problem

The basics of Python syntax

How to interpret error messages

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops foundational programming skills relevant for industry, such as problem-solving and error correction

Uses a 'learn-by-doing' approach with a practical focus, allowing learners to apply concepts to real-world problems

Could be more comprehensive, as it does not cover advanced concepts like object-oriented programming or data structures

Requires learners to have access to a computer and basic programming knowledge, which may not be accessible to all

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Programming 101: An Introduction to Python for Educators. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Programming 101: An Introduction to Python for Educators will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Science Teacher

This course aligns well with the needs of a Computer Science Teacher. It offers a gentle introduction to Python programming, with a focus on basic programming concepts and syntax. These principles can be directly applied when teaching computer science at a beginner level.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Science Teacher

Data Scientist

Python is a widely used language for data analysis and machine learning. This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of programming with Python, which can be used as a stepping stone for developing the skills needed as a Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

This course provides an introduction to Python, which is widely used in machine learning applications such as data analysis, model building, and deployment. For those interested in a career as a Machine Learning Engineer, this course can help build a foundation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Web Developer

Python is a popular language for web development, particularly in the context of back-end development where the focus is on developing the server-side of a website. This course helps you understand basic programming concepts that translate across different web programming languages.

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Software Engineer

To be a proficient Software Engineer, it is essential to have a strong foundation in programming principles and syntax. This course helps build a foundation in programming concepts by introducing basic programming concepts such as sequencing, repetition, and using functions.

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Information Security Analyst

Python is widely used in Information Security, particularly for scripting and automating tasks. This course provides an introduction to Python and its syntax, which can be useful for those interested in working in security and risk management as an Information Security Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Business Intelligence Analyst

Python is widely used in business intelligence applications, and this course provides a good introduction to its syntax and basic programming concepts. Business Intelligence Analysts could benefit from this introduction to Python.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Automation Engineer

This course is a great starting point for those interested in becoming an Automation Engineer, as it covers basic programming principles and functions for Python, which is a language often used to automate tasks through the use of scripts.

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Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers commonly work with Python, including for scripting and automating tasks in cloud environments. This course offers a foundation in the basics of Python programming, building a foundation for further learning.

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Software Architect

This course may be helpful for those seeking to design and oversee the development of software systems. It covers basic programming concepts as well as syntax for Python, a language used in various capacities in software development.

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Database Administrator

This course may be useful as an introduction to Python programming for those interested in becoming a Database Administrator, as Python can be used to automate database tasks and perform data analysis.

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Computer Programmer

This course may be useful for those seeking to write and design programs, as the course covers basic programming concepts and functions for Python. Python is a relatively intuitive programming language with a readable syntax that is commonly used by professionals in various industries for software development and scripting.

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Data Analyst

A beginner-friendly introduction to Python programming like this course is a great entry point for those interested in becoming a Data Analyst, as Python is becoming increasingly common in the field for data visualization and analysis.

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Network Engineer

Python is sometimes used in network management and automation. While this course is not specifically targeted at network engineering, it may be a helpful introduction to Python for those interested in the field.

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Business Analyst

This course may be useful for Business Analysts seeking to explore the technical side of their role. It covers basic programming concepts, which can be helpful for understanding the processes and systems they work with.

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Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Programming 101: An Introduction to Python for Educators.

Think Python