This course introduces the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures. You'll program an on-screen Turtle to draw pretty pictures. You'll also learn to draw reference diagrams as a way to reason about program executions, which will help to build up your debugging skills. The course has no prerequisites. It will cover Chapters 1-9 of the textbook "Fundamentals of Python Programming," which is the accompanying text (optional and free) for this course.
Python Basics
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Python Basics
This course is part of Python 3 Programming Specialization
Instructors: Paul Resnick
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4.8
(17,711 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 26 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
Learn Python 3 basics, including conditional statements, loops, and data structures like strings and lists.
Develop practical programming skills by creating drawings and building your debugging abilities.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
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Assessments
3 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Python 3 Programming Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course
In week one you will be introduced to programming in python through lectures and the Runestone textbook - an interactive online textbook built for this course. By the end of the module, you will have run your first python program, and learned how to draw images by writing a program.
What's included
30 videos2 readings1 assignment36 app items
In week two you will use the lectures and the Runestone textbook to understand the basics of a few python data types - lists, strings, tuples - as well as a control structure - for loops. By the end of this week, you will be able to write more complex programs that create drawings by incorporating for loops. Finally, we will present the basics of an accumulation pattern to you, which will be expanded on in each week for the rest of the course.
What's included
22 videos1 assignment24 app items
In week three you will learn a new python data type - the boolean - as well as another control structure - conditional execution. Through the use of video lectures and the Runestone textbook, you will learn what Binary, Unary, Nested, and Chained Conditionals are, as well as how to incorporate conditionals within an accumulation pattern.
What's included
13 videos1 assignment17 app items
In week four we will present deeper knowledge on using lists, strings, and python objects in general. We will also cover how to use the accumulation pattern with lists and with strings. The final assignment will test your knowledge and skills through application, much like previous assessments and assignments did, though with a more difficult set of tasks now that you have learned the basics.
What's included
23 videos2 readings21 app items
Instructors
Instructor ratings
4.8 (4,598 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Software Development
University of Pennsylvania
University of Michigan
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Taking this course by University of Michigan may provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors in a related degree program which can help you decide if the topic or university is right for you.
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Frequently asked questions
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