About this course: Behind every mouse click and touch-screen tap, there is a computer program that makes things happen. This course introduces the fundamental building blocks of programming and teaches you how to write fun and useful programs using the Python language.
Who is this class for: This course is primarily aimed at first-year university students and high school students who want to learn how to program.
Created by: University of Toronto
Taught by: Jennifer Campbell, Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
Department of Computer Science
Taught by: Paul Gries, Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
Department of Computer Science
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 7 weeks of study, 4-8 hours per week |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Kazakh, Italian |
| Hardware Req | You'll need a computer that can run Python 3. |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Python, Variables, and Functions
This module gives an overview of the course, the editor we will use to write programs, and an introduction to fundamental concepts in Python including variables, mathematical expressions, and functions.
8 videos, 10 readings
Graded: Python, Variables, and Functions
WEEK 2
Strings and Designing Functions
This module introduces strings (a Python data type used to represent text), and a process to follow when creating a function.
6 videos, 6 readings
Graded: Strings and Designing Functions
Graded: Assignment 1: Time Zones
WEEK 3
Booleans, Import, Namespaces, and if Statements
This module introduces Booleans (logical values True and False), how to convert between types, how to use Boolean expressions in if statements to selectively run code, and the concept of a Python module.
7 videos, 7 readings
Graded: Booleans, Import, Namespaces, and if Statements
WEEK 4
For Loops and Fancy String Manipulation
This module introduces one way to repeat code (using a for loop), how to manipulate strings, and how to use a debugger to watch a program execute step by step.
5 videos, 5 readings
Graded: For Loops and Fancy String Manipulation
Graded: Assignment 2: DNA Processing
WEEK 5
While Loops, Lists, and Mutability
This module introduces another way to repeat code (using a while loop), how to properly document your code to help other programmers understand it, Python's list data type, and the concept of mutation.
6 videos, 6 readings
Graded: While Loops, Lists, and Mutability
WEEK 6
For Loops Over Indices, Parallel and Nested Lists and Strings, and Files
This module introduces how to use a for loop over the indexes of a list, how to nest lists, and how to read a write files.
7 videos, 6 readings
Graded: For Loops Over Indices, Parallel Lists and Strings, and Files
Graded: Assignment 3
WEEK 7
Tuples and Dictionaries
This module introduces tuples (an immutable version of lists), and Python's dictionary type.
4 videos, 3 readings
Graded: Tuples and Dictionaries
Graded: Final Exam
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
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Creators
University of Toronto
Established in 1827, the University of Toronto has one of the strongest research and teaching faculties in North America, presenting top students at all levels with an intellectual environment unmatched in depth and breadth on any other Canadian campus.
Ratings and Reviews
Top notch instruction takes you through the basics of Python programming. Would reccomend
This course was just right for me as a beginning coder. It challenged me to think in detail about how the code works, while remaining clear and practical with its material and examples.
Materials clearly presented
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Systematic and progressive course to get a hang of basic python programming. Assignments are adequately challenging and fun, showing how the skills learnt can be applied to some fun ideas. Very active forum which provides lots of help for anyone having trouble.