CSC-PRG7911 - Python Programming

Course Description

Python is a great language for both beginners and experienced programmers. It's known for its readability and simplicity, making it an excellent choice for those starting their coding journey. Python has become the go-to language for data analysis and machine learning. It is also widely used in automation and scripting when automating repetitive tasks or creating custom tools.  

This Python Programming course is designed for continuing education students who wish to develop a strong foundation in Python. The course covers essential programming concepts, computational thinking, and practical tools needed for effective coding. Students will learn to solve problems using algorithms, work with various data types and structures, and understand object-oriented programming principles. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills to write efficient Python programs and apply these concepts to real-world scenarios. 

Course Outline

Introduction to Computational Thinking 

• Algorithms 
• Decomposition 

Pattern Identification and Abstraction 

Introduction to Programming Tools 

Build and Debugging Tools 

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and Software Development Kits (SDKs) 

Literals, Variables, and Constants 

Assignment Statements and I/O 

Numeric Data Types and Expressions 

• Primitive Data Types 
• Numeric Data Types 
• Mathematical Expressions 
• Numeric Data Type Conversion 
• Formatting Output 

Character and String Data Types 

• Characters 
• String Data Type 
•  String Functions 
• Concatenation and Typecasting 

Decision Control Structures 

• If-Then Control Structures 
• Relational Operators 
• Multiple Conditions 
• Conditional Logical Operators 
• Case-Control Structures 

Repetition Control Structures 

• Fixed Repetition 
• Do While Repetition 
• While Loop Repetition 
• Nested Repetition 
• Accumulators and Counters 

Data Structures 

• Collections 
• Sequences 
• Mappings 
• Linked Data Structures 

Functions and Modules 

• Functions 
  • Function Parameters 
  • Return Values 
  • Lambda Functions 
• Modules 
  • Importing Modules 
  • Standard Library Modules 
  • Writing Modules 
  • Module Documentation 
  • Packages 
  • Python Packages 
  • Package Management 

Learner Outcomes

In this course, you will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in Python programming, preparing you for further studies or careers that require proficiency in Python Programming and Computational Thinking. 

1. Understanding Computational Thinking: 

• Define and apply computational thinking concepts such as algorithms, decomposition, pattern recognition, and abstraction. 
• Develop problem-solving skills using computational approaches. 

  2. Proficiency in Python Programming: 

•  Write Python programs to solve various computational problems. 
•  Implement control structures (e.g., loops, conditionals) effectively in Python. 
• Utilize Python data types and structures (e.g., lists, dictionaries, tuples) for efficient data manipulation and storage. 

 3. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) Skills: 

• Understand the principles of object-oriented programming. 
• Implement classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism in Python. 

  4. Programming Tools and Environment: 

• Navigate and utilize programming tools such as Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and software development kits (SDKs). 
• Employ debugging techniques and tools to identify and fix errors in Python programs. 

  5. Data Handling and Algorithms: 

• Manipulate and process different types of data (numeric, string, collections) in Python. 
• Implement and analyze algorithms for sorting, searching, and data manipulation. 

  6. Software Development Practices: 

• Follow best practices in software development, including code documentation, modular programming, and version control. 
• Collaborate effectively in a team environment on programming projects. 

Notes

Target Audience: 

This class is recommended for people new to development, and it assumes you have no prior experience in programming. Python is a versatile and widely used programming language that can be beneficial for a variety of individuals and professionals. These are some roles that could benefit from learning Python:  

Aspiring Programmers and Developers: Python is a great language for both beginners and experienced programmers. It's known for its readability and simplicity, making it an excellent choice for those starting their coding journey or experienced developers looking to expand their skillset. 

Data Scientists and Analysts: Python has become the go-to language for data analysis and machine learning. Libraries like NumPy, pandas, Matplotlib, and scikit-learn make it easy to work with data and build machine learning models. 

Web Developers: Python can be used for web development with frameworks like Django and Flask. Learning Python can help web developers build robust and scalable web applications. 

Scientists and Researchers: Python is widely used in scientific computing and research. Libraries like SciPy, matplotlib, and Jupyter make it an excellent choice for tasks in fields such as physics, biology, and chemistry. 

Educators: Python is often used as a first programming language in education because of its simplicity and readability. It's a great choice for educators teaching programming concepts. 

Automation and Scripting: Python is popular for automating tasks and writing scripts. If you need to automate repetitive tasks or create custom tools, Python is a valuable skill. 

Game Developers: While not as commonly used as languages like C++ or Unity for game development, Python can be used for game development with libraries like Pygame. It's also used in the game industry for tools and automation. 

Cybersecurity Professionals: Python is used for tasks such as penetration testing, network analysis, and scripting in the cybersecurity field. 

Financial Analysts and Quants: Python is widely used in the financial industry for data analysis, risk modeling, and algorithmic trading. 

Entrepreneurs and Startups: Learning Python can be advantageous for entrepreneurs looking to build prototypes or MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) quickly and cost-effectively. 

AI and Machine Learning Enthusiasts: If you're interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning, Python is essential. It has a rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks for AI and ML development. 

System Administrators and DevOps Professionals: Python is used for automating system administration tasks, managing infrastructure, and building tools for DevOps practices. 

Digital Marketers and SEO Specialists: Python can be used for web scraping, data analysis, and automating marketing tasks, making it a valuable skill in the digital marketing field. 

Occupational Outlook: 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that employment of developers was expected to grow 21 percent from 2018 to 2028.  

Information Technology Continuing Education Certificate: 

Certificates are awarded with the successful completion of the final project.  A certificate of completion for the class will be issued to participants with at least 80% attendance, class participation, and completion of hands-on practice and projects. 

Industry Certification: 

This class maps to the PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming

Method of Instruction: 

Blended learning with lectures, videos, class discussions, live demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and projects. Outside homework is assigned. 

Evaluation: 

Participation and completion of all skill lab practices are expected. Class attendance is required for successful completion. 

• Class participation and attendance (50%)  
• Projects/Competencies/Research (50%)  

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