Python for Beginners: Programming Foundations

Overview

This course provides a practical introduction to computer programming using Python and is designed for learners with little or no previous programming experience. Learners will develop a foundation in computational thinking while learning how to write, run and modify Python programs. The course introduces variables, data types, operators, conditional statements, loops, core Python data structures and functions.

Through guided coding activities and progressively more independent exercises, learners will learn how to break problems into manageable steps, identify and correct errors, and construct small programs to solve practical problems.

The course emphasises learning through practice and builds the confidence and programming foundations required for further study, including progression to the Python for Data Analysis and Research course.

Programme

The module will introduce programming progressively from first principles. Indicative content will include:

Unit 1 Programming environment and Python fundamentals

• Introduction to programming and Python
• Running Python code
• Variables
• Numeric and text data types
• Basic input and output
• Operators and expressions

Unit 2 Decision making and program flow

• Boolean expressions
• Comparison and logical operators
• Conditional statements (if, elif and else)
• Translating problems into logical steps

Unit 3 Iteration

• For loops
• While loops
• Using iteration to solve repetitive problems
• Combining loops and conditional statements

Unit 4 Core Python data structures

• Strings
• Lists
• Tuples
• Dictionaries
• Introduction to sets
• Indexing, slicing and manipulating collections of data

Unit 5 Functions and program organisation

• Defining and calling functions
• Parameters and return values
• Breaking larger problems into smaller reusable components
• Introduction to importing and using Python modules

Unit 6 Files, debugging and integrated problem solving

• Reading and writing simple text/data files
• Recognising common Python errors
• Testing and debugging code
• Developing small programs that combine concepts from across the module
• Introduction to the next stage of Python study and data-analysis applications

Teaching will combine short explanations and demonstrations with live coding, guided practical exercises and progressively more independent problem-solving activities.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

1. Write and execute simple Python programs using variables, data types, operators and input/output operations.
2. Apply conditional statements and iterative structures to solve clearly defined computational problems.
3. Select and manipulate appropriate core Python data structures, including strings, lists and dictionaries.
4. Design and use functions to organise code into manageable and reusable components.
5. Identify, interpret and correct common errors in Python programs using systematic debugging approaches.
6. Develop a small Python program that combines multiple programming concepts to address a practical problem.

Assessments

1. Individual Programming Exercises. Students will complete a portfolio of structured programming exercises demonstrating their individual ability to apply the fundamental concepts introduced during the module. (40%)
2. Paired Programming Project and Presentation. Students will work in pairs to design and implement a small Python program addressing a defined practical problem. Each pair will submit a shared, appropriately structured and commented Python program.(60%)

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access
  • Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit
  • Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.