Basic Programming in Python I from Coursera

This hands-on Python programming course offers students an opportunity to obtain proficiency in the core concepts of Python as well as the programming skills for building applications using tools from various task-specific Python libraries. The course covers important topics in computer science and information systems such as data types, reading and writing to standard IO, using operators, controlling the flow of execution, using functions, reading and writing Python source code files, basic object-oriented programming concepts, and more.

You will be introduced to preliminary topics in data science and explore the process of building a web application using Python. You will complete hands-on programming tasks using your creativity and learn how to apply Python to resolve real-world problems.

What's inside

Syllabus

Python as a Programming Language

This module focuses on the fundamental steps needed to start your Python programming journey, such as learning about Python’s key features, installing Python, writing your first lines of code, and examining what it means to be a responsible programmer.

Variables, Expressions, & Statements

This module focuses on the foundational Python concepts of variables, expressions, and statements. These concepts lay the groundwork for more advanced programming techniques and skills. In this week, you will learn about different data types, specifically integers, floats, strings, and booleans. You’ll also explore variable naming conventions in order to refine your syntax. Finally, you’ll examine different statement types, including assignment, conditional, and looping statements before you put your knowledge into practical application.

Conditionals & Logical Operators

This module focuses on the concepts of conditionals and logical operators in Python. Throughout this module, you will explore how conditionals and logical operators can be used for decision-making, control flow, error handling, and algorithm design. By the end of this module, you should be able to put your knowledge of conditionals and logical operators into practice by creating more dynamic code to solve real-world problems.

Basic Functions

This module will expand on the wide world of functions in Python. Throughout this module, you will refresh your knowledge on basic concepts such as defining functions before exploring new topics such as the scope and lifetime of variables, and function documentation and calling. From there, you will build on your understanding by learning about decorators and error handling. By the end of this module, you should be able to put your knowledge into practice by creating efficient functions that solve complex problems and handle errors with ease.

Python Loop Basics

In this module, you will further your knowledge of Python loops. First, you will start by refreshing your knowledge of for and while loops. From there, you will dive into more advanced loop concepts, such as using break and continue statements to enhance the functionality of loop behavior. By the end of this module, you should be able to put your knowledge into practice by creating loops that use control statements and conditionals for dynamic iteration.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores Python as a programming language, conditionals and logical operators in Python, and teaches basic function use

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in Python programming

Develops proficiency in the core concepts of Python

Strengthens an existing foundation of the core concepts of Python

Teaches skills, knowledge, and tools that are highly relevant in an academic setting

Offers a comprehensive study of Python programming

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 Basic Programming in Python I with these activities:

Read 'Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science'

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Supplement your learning and understanding of core Python programming concepts by reading a comprehensive and easy-to-follow book on the subject.

View Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer... on Amazon

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Obtain the book or access it online
Read the chapters on variables, expressions, statements, conditionals, and loops
Complete the exercises and review the solutions

Solve coding problems

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Reinforce your understanding of Python programming by repeatedly solving coding problems that focus on common Python looping and conditional concepts.

Browse courses on Control Flow

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Sign up for an online coding platform
Choose a set of problems focusing on loops and conditionals
Solve problems and review solutions

Follow tutorials on Python data structures

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Expand your knowledge and understanding of Python data structures by seeking out and following well-regarded tutorials on the topic.

Browse courses on Data Structures

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Identify and select tutorials on Python data structures
Follow the tutorials and complete exercises
Review and reinforce your understanding

Five other activities

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Attend a Python study group

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Engage in collaborative learning by participating in a Python study group, where you can discuss concepts, work on problems together, and share knowledge.

Browse courses on Python

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Find or create a Python study group
Prepare for group meetings
Attend and participate in study group sessions

Attend a Python workshop

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Learn from experts and enhance your Python skills by attending a workshop focused on specific topics or projects related to Python programming.

Browse courses on Python

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Research and identify relevant Python workshops
Register for and attend the workshop
Participate actively and ask questions
Follow up and review the materials

Design a Python calculator

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Enhance your understanding of Python's functionality by conceptualizing and creating a Python-based calculator that performs basic to intermediate mathematical operations.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify the mathematical operations to include
Design the user interface
Write Python code to implement the calculator's logic
Test and refine the calculator

Build a Python web application

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Apply your Python programming knowledge to a practical project by building a web application that addresses a real-world problem or need.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a problem or need that can be addressed with a web application
Design the application's architecture and user interface
Develop the Python code for the application's functionality
Deploy and test the web application

Create a comprehensive study guide

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Improve your knowledge retention and organization by compiling a comprehensive study guide that summarizes the key concepts and materials covered in the course.

Browse courses on Python

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Review course notes, assignments, and quizzes
Extract and summarize important concepts
Organize the study guide in a logical manner
Proofread and refine the study guide

Career center

Learners who complete Basic Programming in Python I will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing and developing websites and web applications. This course may be useful in your career as it covers the basics of Python, a popular programming language for web development. You'll also explore the process of building a web application using Python, which will give you practical experience in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Information Systems Analyst

Information Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing, designing, and implementing information systems. This course may be useful in your career as it covers important topics in computer science and information systems, such as data types, operators, control flow, and functions. You'll also gain experience in reading and writing Python source code files, which is a valuable skill for information systems analysts who need to work with data in various formats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Systems Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help organizations make informed decisions. This course may be useful in your career as it introduces you to preliminary topics in data science and explores the process of building a web application using Python. You'll also gain experience in reading and writing Python source code files, which is a valuable skill for data analysts who need to work with data in various formats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers are responsible for writing, testing, and maintaining computer programs. This course may be useful in your career as it provides a solid foundation in Python, a versatile programming language used in various industries. You'll gain experience in data types, operators, control flow, and functions, all of which are essential concepts for computer programmers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer, you'll be tasked with designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. This course may be useful in your career as it can help you build a foundation in Python, a widely-used programming language in the software industry. Through hands-on programming tasks, you'll gain experience in data types, operators, control flow, and functions, all of which are essential concepts for software development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. This course may be useful in your career as it provides a solid foundation in Python, a programming language that is often used for data manipulation and analysis. You'll also gain experience in reading and writing Python source code files, which is essential for database administrators who need to work with data in various formats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business needs and developing solutions to improve efficiency. This course may be useful in your career as it provides a solid foundation in Python, a programming language that is increasingly used in business analytics. You'll also gain experience in data types, operators, control flow, and functions, all of which are essential concepts for business analysts who need to work with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for testing and ensuring the quality of software products. This course may be useful in your career as it provides a solid foundation in Python, a programming language that is often used for software testing. You'll also gain experience in data types, operators, control flow, and functions, all of which are essential concepts for quality assurance analysts who need to work with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for creating and maintaining technical documentation. This course may be useful in your career as it provides a solid foundation in Python, a programming language that is often used for creating technical documentation. You'll also gain experience in reading and writing Python source code files, which is essential for technical writers who need to work with technical information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems. This course may be useful in your career as it provides a solid foundation in Python, a programming language that is often used for system administration tasks. You'll also gain experience in data types, operators, control flow, and functions, all of which are essential concepts for systems administrators who need to work with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. This course may be useful in your career as it provides a solid foundation in Python, a programming language that is often used for project management tasks. You'll also gain experience in data types, operators, control flow, and functions, all of which are essential concepts for project managers who need to work with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Computer Science Professor

Computer Science Professors are responsible for teaching and researching computer science. This course may be useful in your career as it provides a solid foundation in Python, a programming language that is widely used in computer science education. However, it's important to note that this course does not cover advanced concepts in computer science, so you may need additional training or education to qualify for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Science Professor

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and deploying machine learning models. This course may be useful in your career as it introduces you to preliminary topics in data science and explores the process of building a web application using Python. However, it's important to note that this course does not cover advanced concepts in machine learning, so you may need additional training or education to qualify for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Software Architect

Software Architects are responsible for designing and developing software systems. This course may be useful in your career as it provides a solid foundation in Python, a programming language that is often used for software development. However, it's important to note that this course does not cover advanced concepts in software architecture, so you may need additional training or education to qualify for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help organizations make informed decisions. This course may be useful in your career as it introduces you to preliminary topics in data science and explores the process of building a web application using Python. You'll also gain experience in reading and writing Python source code files, which is a valuable skill for data scientists who need to work with data in various formats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist