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Dr Codie

This course will teach you the basics of programming in the python programming language and computing in line with the syllabus of the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) course which introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science.

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This course will teach you the basics of programming in the python programming language and computing in line with the syllabus of the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) course which introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science.

Decades of experience teaching at schools and Universities across the world have allowed us to perfect a successful approach to teaching programming to students of different ages, background and abilities. You will have access to simple videos that introduce the essential python concepts, and practical exercises so that you can gain and improve your coding skills.

We will cover the essentials of the Python language such as operators, variables, data types, conditionals, loops, basic data structures including lists, and functions.

The areas of Computer Science includes an introduction to the world of digital media and how computers work, the Internet and networks, data analysis, data security and programming areas such as pseudo code, logic and algorithms. These areas are essential for the AP CSP Exam.

The course was designed to be clear and suitable for beginners, using simple language so all learners can understand, with captions (subtitles) if required.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn the fundamentals of the python programming language
  • Learn to write python code by completing practical exercises
  • Learn the principles of computer science in line with the ap csp course
  • Learn essential material for the ap csp exam such as programming logic and pseudocode

Syllabus

Introduction
Course Introduction
Using Python
AP CSP Exam
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers essential material for the AP CSP exam, including programming logic and pseudocode, which are crucial for success
Uses simple language and clear explanations, making it accessible for learners with no prior programming experience
Provides a comprehensive introduction to Python fundamentals, including operators, variables, data types, conditionals, loops, and basic data structures
Includes practical exercises to help learners gain and improve their coding skills, reinforcing theoretical concepts with real-world application
Explores areas of computer science such as digital media, computer architecture, networking, data analysis, and data security, providing a broad overview of the field
Teaches Python, but does not specify which version, so learners may need to ensure compatibility with the latest libraries and tools

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Reviews summary

Beginner ap csp and python

According to students, this course provides a solid introduction for those new to both computer science principles and the Python programming language. Many learners found the content to be clear and easy to understand, making it particularly suitable for beginners. The practical exercises and coding activities are frequently highlighted as a major strength, helping students apply what they learn. While generally well-received, some reviewers felt that certain topics could benefit from more depth for intermediate learners.
Aligns well with the AP CSP syllabus.
"This course covered all the essential topics for the AP CSP exam outline."
"Found this very helpful in preparing for the AP Computer Science Principles curriculum."
"It introduced the breadth of CS topics just as described for AP CSP."
"If you're taking the AP CSP course, this aligns well with the theory and principles section."
Content is presented simply and clearly.
"The instructor explains complex concepts in a way that is simple and easy to grasp."
"Video lectures were concise and got straight to the point, which I appreciated."
"The language used throughout the course materials was simple and not overly technical, perfect for learning."
"Everything was explained very clearly, building blocks one by one."
Hands-on coding reinforces learning.
"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me. They really solidified my understanding."
"Lots of practical exercises helped me practice coding after each lesson. Very useful."
"I enjoyed being able to write code and test my understanding immediately with the provided problems."
"The exercises were relevant and challenging enough to make me think without being overwhelming."
Excellent starting point for newcomers.
"This course is a great place to start if you've never coded before. The explanations are very clear."
"As a complete beginner, I found the pace and content perfectly matched my needs. Easy to follow along."
"Ideal for those just dipping their toes into Python and computer science basics."
"I had zero prior experience and this course made learning Python and CSP approachable."
May be too basic for intermediate learners.
"While great for absolute beginners, someone with prior coding experience might find it a bit slow or basic."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex topics or advanced programming techniques."
"I felt some sections moved a bit quickly over certain details, wishing for more examples."
"It's a good overview, but not enough if you want to become proficient in Python for more than just the basics."

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 AP CSP: Computer Science Principles and Python with these activities:
Review Basic Algebra
Solidify your understanding of algebraic concepts to better grasp programming logic and variable manipulation in Python.
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Show steps
  • Review variables and expressions.
  • Practice solving equations.
  • Work through word problems involving algebraic thinking.
Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist
Deepen your understanding of computer science principles with a book that emphasizes problem-solving using Python.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters covering fundamental programming concepts.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
  • Reflect on the problem-solving strategies presented.
Practice Python Basics on CodingBat
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental Python concepts through targeted practice exercises on CodingBat.
Browse courses on Python
Show steps
  • Complete the 'Warmup-1' and 'Warmup-2' sections.
  • Work through the 'String-1' and 'List-1' sections.
  • Attempt problems in the 'Logic-1' section.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Python Cheat Sheet
Consolidate your understanding of Python syntax and concepts by creating a personalized cheat sheet.
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Show steps
  • Compile a list of essential Python syntax elements.
  • Organize the cheat sheet by topic (e.g., variables, loops, functions).
  • Include examples for each syntax element.
Automate the Boring Stuff with Python
Expand your Python knowledge with a practical guide to automating tasks, reinforcing concepts learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Complete the coding projects at the end of each chapter.
  • Adapt the projects to solve your own problems.
Create a Simple Calculator Program
Apply your Python skills by building a functional calculator that performs basic arithmetic operations.
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  • Design the user interface and input methods.
  • Implement functions for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Use if/else statements to handle different operations.
  • Test the calculator with various inputs.
Help Other Students in the Course Forum
Reinforce your understanding by helping other students with their questions and challenges in the course forum.
Browse courses on Python
Show steps
  • Regularly check the course forum for new questions.
  • Provide clear and helpful answers to student inquiries.
  • Share your insights and experiences with the course material.

Career center

Learners who complete AP CSP: Computer Science Principles and Python will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Engineer
A software engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This role utilizes programming languages such as Python to build solutions. The course's focus on Python fundamentals, including operators, variables, data types, conditionals, loops, lists, and functions, directly prepares you for the coding tasks involved in software engineering, and helps build a foundation in programming logic. The course's curriculum will help develop the core programming skills that are essential to a career as a software engineer.
Computer Science Teacher
A computer science teacher educates students in the fundamentals of computer science. This course introduces the core concepts of computer science in line with the AP Computer Science Principles curriculum and teaches the basics of Python which may be useful for a computer science teacher. Learning fundamentals such as variables, operators, functions, and data types are relevant to teaching computer science. The course's lessons on programming logic and pseudocode may be useful in a classroom setting. A computer science teacher will benefit from this course's focus on the introductory material and the practical and clear way it is taught.
Data Analyst
A data analyst interprets data to help companies make better business decisions. Python is a critical tool for data analysis with libraries like pandas and numpy, and this course helps you learn the fundamentals of Python, which is essential to a career in data analysis. The course's introduction to data structures, such as lists, along with the foundational programming concepts, may be useful in data manipulation and processing. Learning how to write and use loops is also important for a data analyst. This course provides a solid foundation in the programming skills needed for a career as a data analyst.
Data Scientist
A data scientist uses advanced statistical and programming skills to extract useful insights from data. Python is a frequently used language for statistical modeling and machine learning, and this course will help build the foundation in these programming skills. This course provides practical exercises to gain coding skills and helps teach skills in foundational programming concepts. This course may be useful for a data scientist who wishes to improve their Python skills.
Web Developer
A web developer creates and maintains websites. While this course primarily focuses on the fundamentals of Python, rather than web specific technologies, many web developers use Python for server side programming, and this course will help you learn the fundamentals of Python. The skills taught in this course, such as the use of loops, conditionals, and functions, are transferable and applicable to web development. A web developer will benefit from this course's focus on general programming concepts and logic because it develops the analytical thinking skills needed for web development.
Game Developer
A game developer uses programming skills to create video games. While this course does not cover game specific development, Python is widely used in game development for scripting and tools, and this course helps you learn the fundamentals of Python. This course will help build a foundation in programming by teaching Python syntax, operators, variables, data types, conditionals, loops, lists, and functions. These concepts are essential to a game developer's toolkit and this course may be useful for those wanting to enter into this field.
Automation Engineer
An automation engineer designs and implements automated systems using programming skills. Python is used extensively in automation scripting, and this course teaches the core foundations of Python. This course covers the essentials of the Python language and touches on various computing concepts. An automation engineer will benefit from this course's lessons on programming logic, loops, and conditionals, and this course will help build a foundation in these concepts.
Robotics Engineer
A robotics engineer designs, builds, and programs robots. Python is a common language for robotics due to its versatility and ease of use. This course will help build a foundation in Python programming, which is also used in robotic control systems and automation. A robotics engineer benefits from the course's introduction to programming logic, data structures like lists, and control flow, such as loops and conditionals. These concepts are fundamental to developing algorithms for robotics and, therefore, this course can help develop these skills.
Quality Assurance Engineer
A quality assurance engineer tests software to assess its quality and functionality. While the primary role of quality assurance may not be programming, Python is useful in test automation, and this course may be useful in building that skill set. The course's exercises and focus on fundamental programming constructs will help build the foundational skills needed to create automated tests. A quality assurance engineer will benefit from this practical approach to learning Python.
Bioinformatician
A bioinformatician analyzes biological data using computational methods. Python is extensively used in bioinformatics for its ease and its powerful libraries, and this course helps you learn the fundamentals of Python. The course's focus on programming logic through the use of algorithms may be useful to a bioinformatician. Practical exercises to gain coding skills will further help develop the skills needed by a bioinformatician. This course may be useful to anyone seeking to enter this field.
Research Scientist
A research scientist conducts experiments and analyzes data to advance scientific knowledge. While research scientists come from many fields, programming skills in Python are required by many of them. This course is a great starting point for building the Python programming skills needed by a research scientist. The course focuses on Python fundamentals, programming logic, and data structures like lists, and it also provides practical exercises for practicing programming. This course may be useful for a research scientist who may need to use or develop their Python skills.
Financial Analyst
A financial analyst analyzes data to provide financial insights for companies. Python is increasingly being used in finance for data analysis and financial modeling, and this course helps build those fundamental Python skills. While this course primarily focuses on the fundamentals of Python, learning core programming concepts such as logic, lists, loops and conditionals, allows you to develop the important computational thinking needed by a financial analyst. This course is a starting point for those who want to use Python in the financial sector.
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates documentation for software and hardware. While not explicitly a programming role, a technical writer will benefit from an understanding of programming logic and concepts. This course provides a foundation in programming, and the concepts taught on variables, functions, loops and conditional statements may be useful to a technical writer who is documenting these topics. A technical writer may find it useful to take this course to improve their understanding of computer science concepts.
Project Manager
A project manager plans, executes, and closes projects, often in technical fields. Although project managers may not directly code, understanding the basics of programming and the fundamentals of computer science can improve their communication with technical teams. The course will help teach the project manager the fundamentals of Python and provide an overall understanding of the field of computer science, and this may be useful to someone in their role as project manager. A project manager may find value in this course that helps them understand technical matters.
Technology Consultant
A technology consultant advises businesses on how to use technology to meet their goals. This role requires a strong understanding of technology. While primarily a business role, a technology consultant may need to understand the different layers of a technology stack and be conversant on programming concepts and principles. This course introduces these principles and provides a basic understanding of coding using Python. This course may be helpful for those seeking to become a technology consultant.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 AP CSP: Computer Science Principles and Python.
Provides a practical introduction to Python programming, focusing on automating everyday tasks. It's particularly useful for beginners as it offers clear explanations and hands-on projects. The book expands on the course material by demonstrating real-world applications of Python. It serves as a valuable reference for students looking to apply their programming skills to solve practical problems.
Is designed to teach programming as a problem-solving skill, using Python as the vehicle. It's helpful for understanding the underlying principles of computer science. It provides a strong foundation for the course by explaining fundamental concepts in a clear and accessible manner. This book is commonly used as a textbook in introductory computer science courses.

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