Join this free online course to learn how to program with Python. You’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of the programming language like variables, data types, and loops. More complex topics like functions, libraries, and file input and output will also be covered. At the end of the course, you’ll be able to write simple Python programs to be prepared for your next programming challenges.
Computers, smartphones, and artificial intelligence systems are essential elements in our everyday lives, and so too are programming skills. Whether it’s automating repetitive tasks, performing data analysis, or carrying out home automation, the ability to understand and even write your own code to control systems is increasingly relevant. In addition to which, programming is a fun activity too. Ever thought of developing your own computer game? Using the right programming language and tools, this is not as complex as it may seem.
In this course, you’ll get to know Python, currently the most popular programming language in the world, according to IEEE Spectrum. In contrast to other popular languages, Python has a simple syntax and enables learners to get a quick start in programming. But Python is also used by professional developers around the world to develop anything ranging from embedded systems and games to large-scale machine learning systems. This flexibility is due to Python’s ecosystem, providing a vast number of libraries for different task and requirements.
In this course, we’ll use Jupyter Notebooks to teach Python. Jupyter Notebooks are a programming environment that is particularly well suited for teaching programming. Besides that, Jupyter Notebooks are also the tool of choice for data scientists. All the information and tools you need will be explained in detail in the preparation week before the actual learning content starts.
This course is aimed at beginners. We don’t expect any previous programming experience. Nevertheless, the course is also suitable for people with prior programming experience. After introducing the basic programming concepts like variables, data types, and loops, more complex topics like functions, libraries, and file input and output will also be covered in subsequent weeks. At the end of the course you’ll be able to write simple Python that reads and writes data to solve your everyday programming problems.
This course will be accompanied by a research project, which will be introduced when the course starts. If you complete the survey, certain anonymized statistical data about you and your learning behavior during this MOOC will be evaluated for scientific purposes. The anonymized data of all learners who participated in the survey will be analyzed by our research partner, The Open University. Many thanks in advance for your time and effort.
Course Content
Week 0: Getting Ready
Week 1: Python Fundamentals
Week 2: Lists and Loops
Week 3: Complex Data Types
Week 4: Reading and Writing Data
Week 5: Functions
Week 6: Libraries
Week 7: Final Exam
