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Principles of Computing (Part 1)

Scott Rixner, Joe Warren, and Luay Nakhleh

This two-part course builds upon the programming skills that you learned in our Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python course. We will augment those skills with both important programming practices and critical mathematical problem solving skills. These skills underlie larger scale computational problem solving and programming. The main focus of the class will be programming weekly mini-projects in Python that build upon the mathematical and programming principles that are taught in the class. To keep the class fun and engaging, many of the projects will involve working with strategy-based games.

In part 1 of this course, the programming aspect of the class will focus on coding standards and testing. The mathematical portion of the class will focus on probability, combinatorics, and counting with an eye towards practical applications of these concepts in Computer Science.

Recommended Background - Students should be comfortable writing small (100+ line) programs in Python using constructs such as lists, dictionaries and classes and also have a high-school math background that includes algebra and pre-calculus.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Required Python knowledge, coding standards, and machine grading

This week, we will introduce you to the structure and standards of the Principles of Computing courses.

Testing, plotting, and grids

This week, we will explain the importance of testing. We will also learn to solve problems with grids.

Probability, randomness, and objects/references

This we will learn how to use probability and randomness to solve problems.

Combinatorics, generators, and debugging

This week, we will learn how to use combinatorics to solve problems.

Counting, growth of functions, higher-order functions

This week, we will explain the importance of counting in solving complex problems.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Emphasizes industry-standard coding practices and testing techniques

Provides foundational skills in probability, combinatorics, and counting, which are essential for various computational tasks

Employs interactive mini-projects in Python to reinforce concepts and foster practical problem-solving abilities

Suitable for individuals with a background in algebra and pre-calculus, making it accessible to a wide range of learners

Taught by experienced instructors who are recognized for their expertise in introductory computing concepts

Requires a basic understanding of Python, including constructs like lists, dictionaries, and classes, which may limit accessibility for complete beginners

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Reviews summary

Well-received course with challenging projects in python

According to students, this course offers engaging projects in Python that are designed to help learners develop their programming skills. The projects are challenging but offer opportunities to apply the concepts learned in the lectures. The course also emphasizes the importance of testing and problem-solving using mathematics, statistics, and probability. While the instructions for the projects could be more clear, overall, learners say this course is a well-structured and highly recommended beginner course for computer science.

Course focuses on Python programming.

"This course gave me an easy entry into the world of coding that I couldnt get elsewhere. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn how to code."

"The questions are sometimes in very tricky form."

Course places emphasis on testing and problem-solving with math, statistics, and probability.

"It also shows that the teaching team took the time to write up testing units for each assignments, to make sure that the assignments are well graded, and appropriate feedback was able to be provided, as best as they could."

"Does a great job of starting to transition students from introductory, highly guided projects toward more independent research and experimental exploration of the scientific underpinnings of coding with Python."

Projects in this course are demanding but provide opportunities to apply concepts.

"Really makes you think."

"Substantially more difficult than than the first two classes."

"While the projects are very interesting and highly relevant, the descriptions, at least for me, can be confusing and difficult to understand from time to time."

Instructions for mini-projects could be clearer.

"The only downside is that the instructions for the mini-projects were not very clear and it took some effort to figure out what was being asked."

"Make the project descriptions more clear."

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 Principles of Computing (Part 1) with these activities:

Review Python Basics

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Review the basics of Python syntax and programming to prepare for the course.

Browse courses on Programming Basics

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Review Python Data Types
Practice writing simple Python programs

Read 'Think Python'

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Gain a deeper understanding of Python programming principles and problem-solving.

View Think Python on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book
Read and study the chapters
Complete the exercises and projects

Review 'Introduction to Mathematical Thinking' by Keith Devlin

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Reinforces knowledge of probability, combinatorics, higher-order functions, and other mathematical concepts essential to this course.

View Introduction to Mathematical Thinking on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
Solve practice problems and exercises from the book to test your understanding.

12 other activities

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Follow tutorials on object-oriented programming in Python

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Strengthens understanding of object-oriented programming concepts, which are utilized extensively in the course projects.

Browse courses on Python

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Search for tutorials on Python object-oriented programming.
Follow the tutorials and complete the accompanying exercises.
Apply the concepts learned in your own Python projects.

Work through Python Tutorials

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Follow online tutorials to reinforce Python programming skills.

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Find Python tutorials on reputable websites
Complete the tutorials and practice the exercises

Solve Python coding challenges

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Enhances Python coding skills and problem-solving abilities, which are fundamental to the course assignments and projects.

Browse courses on Python

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Find coding challenges and exercises online or in books.
Attempt to solve the challenges on your own.
Check your solutions against provided answers or consult with peers.

Join a study group or participate in online discussion forums related to the course

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Facilitates collaboration, knowledge exchange, and peer support, enhancing the learning experience.

Browse courses on Collaboration

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Find a study group or join online discussion forums related to the course.
Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share knowledge with peers.

Solve Python Coding Challenges

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Practice solving Python coding challenges to strengthen programming skills.

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Find Python coding challenges online
Attempt to solve the challenges on your own
Review solutions and learn from mistakes

Join a Python Study Group

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Collaborate with peers to discuss Python concepts and work on projects.

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Find or create a Python study group
Attend study group meetings regularly
Participate in discussions and work on projects together

Build a Python program that implements a simple strategy-based game

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Provides hands-on experience in applying the programming and problem-solving skills taught in the course.

Browse courses on Python

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Design the game concept and rules.
Implement the game logic and user interface in Python.
Test and debug the program.
Share the game with peers for feedback and improvement.

Participate in online coding competitions or hackathons

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Provides a challenging and engaging environment to apply and refine programming skills.

Browse courses on Python

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Find online coding competitions or hackathons relevant to the course topics.
Form a team or participate individually.
Solve coding challenges and work on projects within the competition timeframe.
Reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement.

Build a Simple Python Project

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Apply Python skills to build a small project, reinforcing concepts and encouraging creativity.

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Identify a simple project idea that aligns with the course concepts
Design and plan the project
Implement the project using Python
Test and debug the project

Develop a blog post or presentation that explains a key concept from the course

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Solidifies understanding of concepts by explaining them to others and improves communication skills.

Browse courses on Python

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Choose a key concept from the course.
Research and gather information on the concept.
Create a blog post or presentation that explains the concept clearly and engagingly.

Contribute to an existing Python open-source project or start your own

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Encourages collaboration, real-world experience, and exposure to best practices in Python development.

Browse courses on Python

Show steps

Identify an existing Python open-source project or start your own.
Study the project codebase and familiarize yourself with its structure and design.
Make code contributions, such as fixing bugs or adding new features.
Participate in project discussions and collaborate with other contributors.

Contribute to an Open-Source Python Project

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the Python community.

Show steps

Find an open-source Python project to contribute to
Review the project's documentation and codebase
Identify an area where you can make a contribution
Implement your contribution and submit a pull request

Career center

Learners who complete Principles of Computing (Part 1) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

As a Software Developer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for software development. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Software Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Data Scientist

As a Data Scientist, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help businesses make better decisions. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for data science. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Quantitative Analyst

As a Quantitative Analyst, you will be responsible for using mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for quantitative analysis. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Quantitative Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Computer Scientist

As a Computer Scientist, you will be responsible for conducting research in the field of computer science. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for computer science research. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Computer Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Actuary

As an Actuary, you will be responsible for assessing and managing financial risks. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for actuarial science. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Actuary.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Operations Research Analyst

As an Operations Research Analyst, you will be responsible for using mathematical and analytical techniques to improve the efficiency of business operations. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for operations research. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Operations Research Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying areas for improvement. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for business analysis. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Analyst

As a Financial Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing financial data to make investment recommendations. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for financial analysis. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Financial Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Product Manager

As a Product Manager, you will be responsible for managing the development and launch of new products. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for product management. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for project management. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Project Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Database Administrator

As a Database Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining databases. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for database administration. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Database Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Administrator

As a Network Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for network administration. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Network Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Information Security Analyst

As an Information Security Analyst, you will be responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from security breaches. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for information security. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Information Security Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Systems Analyst

As a Systems Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for systems analysis. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Systems Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Computer Support Specialist

As a Computer Support Specialist, you will be responsible for providing technical support to computer users. This course will help you build a foundation in the principles of computing, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about coding standards, testing, probability, combinatorics, and counting, all of which are important concepts for computer support. This course will also help you develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for any Computer Support Specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

Reading list

We've selected 39 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 Principles of Computing (Part 1).

Introduction to Programming in Java

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This textbook deserves a place on any Computer Science students' bookshelf. It is one of the leading resources on all manner of algorithms and their implementation.

Principles of Computing (Part 1)

Three deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Well-received course with challenging projects in python

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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