The Power of Object-Oriented Programming from Coursera

Object-oriented programming (or OOP) is a model that allows you to organize data by classes and objects using attributes. It’s also one of the most popular types of programming, making it an essential skill to help you better communicate with programmers in your organization.

In this four-week course from the University of Michigan, you will expand your knowledge of OOP and learn how to write programs with objects from classes and how to write your own classes. You’ll also gain confidence as you learn to understand and modify larger object-oriented programs.

This course has a highly stimulating and creative approach to OOP. This includes activities like creating an image collage as well as a model of a real-world object, such as a Magic 8-Ball.

Through these activities, you’ll put your programming knowledge into practice using fun and innovative methods.

This course will allow you to communicate and work alongside other learners along the journey.

With this support, you’ll be able to use knowledge-sharing and teamwork to broaden your understanding and explore the possibilities of OOP together.

This course is designed for learners interested in extending their knowledge of Python.

It will also be helpful to those wishing to learn a textual programming language or for professionals who work and communicate with programmers but don’t use Python.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 | Turtles

Week 2 | Writing a Simple Class

Week 3 | Multiple Classes

Week 4 | Inheritance and Association

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores object-oriented programming, which is standard in software development

Provides hands-on experience with practical activities and projects

Taught by Barbara Ericson, who is recognized for their work in computer science

Develops programming skills and critical thinking

Taught by University of Michigan, who are recognized for their work in computer science

Requires Python knowledge as a prerequisite

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 The Power of Object-Oriented Programming with these activities:

Head First Java

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Expand your understanding of OOP principles and concepts by reading a book that provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the subject.

View Head First Java: A Brain-Friendly Guide on Amazon

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Read the assigned chapters from the book
Take notes and highlight key concepts
Complete the practice exercises and review questions

Refresher on Python Basics

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Review the basics of Python, including variables, data types, and control flow, to strengthen your foundation before starting the course.

Browse courses on Python

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Review online tutorials or documentation on Python basics
Complete practice exercises or coding challenges
Set aside time for self-study and practice

Course Resource Compilation

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Gather and organize all relevant course materials, such as lecture notes, assignments, and readings, for easy access and review.

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Download or print all course materials
Create a dedicated folder or notebook for organizing the materials

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Coding Challenges

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Solve coding challenges to practice your skills and apply the concepts you learn in the course.

Browse courses on Coding

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Identify a coding challenge platform or website
Select a challenge that aligns with the concepts covered in the course
Implement the solution using Python and object-oriented programming principles

OOP Explained

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Create a step-by-step guide or tutorial explaining a specific OOP concept or technique you learned in the course.

Browse courses on Object-Oriented Programming

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Identify a specific OOP concept, such as classes, objects, or inheritance
Develop a clear and concise explanation of the concept
Provide examples and code snippets to illustrate the concept

Class Discussion Forum

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Engage with classmates in online discussions to clarify concepts, share perspectives, and get feedback on your understanding.

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Participate in the course discussion forum regularly
Post questions, comments, or insights on the course material
Respond to and comment on posts from classmates

OOP Project

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Apply your OOP skills by creating a project that demonstrates your understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Object-Oriented Programming

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Define the project scope and objectives
Design and implement the project using OOP principles
Write documentation and test the project thoroughly

Career center

Learners who complete The Power of Object-Oriented Programming will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

Software Developers use OOP to design, code, implement, test, and maintain software and applications. With this course's focus on OOP fundamentals and practical programming exercises, you can enhance your core software development knowledge and skills. The course's hands-on approach, including creating image collages and modeling real-world objects, will help you develop a solid foundation in designing and developing software solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers apply OOP principles to write, test, and maintain the code that makes software and applications function. The course's focus on designing OOP-based programs and working with different classes and objects will provide you with a strong foundation for a career in programming. By understanding how to create and modify object-oriented programs, you can become more efficient and effective in software development.

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Web Developer

Web Developers leverage OOP concepts to create dynamic and interactive web applications. This course will equip you with a solid understanding of OOP fundamentals and their application in web development. You will gain practical experience in designing and implementing web-based applications using OOP principles. The course's emphasis on knowledge-sharing and teamwork will also enhance your collaboration skills, essential for success in web development.

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Mobile Application Developer

Mobile Application Developers use OOP techniques to design, develop, and maintain mobile apps. This course will provide you with a foundation in object-oriented programming and its application to mobile app development. The course's project-based approach and emphasis on OOP concepts will equip you with the necessary skills to create and manage mobile apps effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Application Developer

Technical Architect

Technical Architects leverage OOP principles to design and build software architectures. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in OOP and its application in software architecture. You will learn to design, implement, and maintain scalable and efficient software architectures using OOP techniques, enhancing your ability to contribute to complex software projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Architect

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts use OOP principles to design and implement software solutions that meet business needs. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of OOP and its application in systems analysis. You will learn to analyze, design, and implement object-oriented solutions, enabling you to excel in the field of systems analysis.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists utilize OOP techniques to analyze and interpret data effectively. This course will provide you with a foundation in OOP and its application in data science. You will learn to apply OOP principles to data analysis, modeling, and visualization, enabling you to leverage data-driven insights for decision-making.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply OOP principles to design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. This course will provide you with a foundational understanding of OOP and its application in software engineering. By learning to apply OOP techniques to software development, you can enhance your problem-solving and design skills, becoming a more effective software engineer.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers leverage OOP principles to design and develop machine learning algorithms. This course will provide you with a foundation in OOP and its application in machine learning. You will learn to apply OOP techniques to model building, training, and evaluation, empowering you to create and deploy effective machine learning solutions.

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Software Quality Assurance Analyst

Software Quality Assurance Analysts use OOP principles to test and ensure the quality of software products. This course will provide you with a foundation in OOP and its application in software testing. You will learn to apply OOP techniques to test design, execution, and analysis, enabling you to contribute to the delivery of high-quality software.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators utilize OOP principles to design, implement, and maintain database systems. This course will provide you with a foundation in OOP and its application in database management. You will learn to apply OOP principles to database design, optimization, and administration, empowering you to manage and maintain efficient and reliable database systems.

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Project Manager

Project Managers may leverage OOP principles to manage software development projects. While this course does not directly focus on project management, its emphasis on OOP fundamentals and collaboration can provide a foundation for understanding how OOP is applied in project management. By gaining a solid understanding of OOP, you can better communicate with software development teams and contribute to the successful delivery of software projects.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts may leverage OOP principles to understand and analyze business requirements. While this course does not directly focus on business analysis, its emphasis on OOP fundamentals and problem-solving can provide a foundation for understanding how OOP is applied in business analysis. By gaining a solid understanding of OOP, you can better communicate with technical teams and contribute to the successful implementation of business solutions.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers may leverage OOP principles to document software systems and applications. While this course does not directly focus on technical writing, its emphasis on OOP fundamentals and clear communication can provide a foundation for understanding how OOP is applied in technical writing. By gaining a solid understanding of OOP, you can effectively document software systems and convey technical information to a variety of audiences.

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Educator

Educators may leverage OOP principles to teach computer science and programming concepts. While this course does not directly focus on education, its emphasis on OOP fundamentals and engaging activities can provide a foundation for understanding how OOP is applied in teaching. By gaining a solid understanding of OOP, you can effectively teach programming concepts and inspire students to pursue careers in technology.

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