This course covers the basics of computer programming and provides a foundation for further learning in this area. No previous computer programming knowledge is required to finish this course. The course uses the Python programming language which is very simple and straightforward. The course also covers abstract concepts which can be applied to almost any programming language, and students are encouraged to pay attention to these, since the way of thinking like a programmer is the most valuable lesson they will learn.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Implement code using fundamental programming concepts, language constructs and procedural programming approaches.
2. Develop programs using the Python programming language to solve programming problems.
3. Independently research programming languages and apply new programming language features.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).

Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction and Fundamental Concepts
Week 2: Unit 2 – Variables, Expressions, Statements, and Functions
Week 3: Unit 3 – Conditionals and Recursion
Week 4: Unit 4 – Functions and Return Values
Week 5: Unit 5 – Iteration and Strings
Week 6: Unit 6 – Lists
Week 7: Unit 7 – Dictionaries and Tuples
Week 8: Unit 8 – Files
Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Introduction and Fundamental Concepts

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment.
• Download and install a working Python 3 environment (not required for PythonAnywhere users). Refer to the Software Requirements/Installation section of the Syllabus.
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Programming Assignment.
• Take the Self-Quiz.

Unit 2: Variables, Expressions, Statements, and Functions

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment.
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum.
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum.
• Complete and submit the Programming Assignment.
• Take the Self-Quiz.

Unit 3: Conditionals and Recursion

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment.
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Programming Assignment.
• Take the Self-Quiz.
• Take the Graded Quiz.

Unit 4: Functions and Return Values

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment.
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Programming Assignment.
• Take the Self-Quiz.

Unit 5: Iteration and Strings

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment.
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Programming Assignment.
• Take the Self-Quiz.

Unit 6: Lists

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment.
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Programming Assignment.
• Take the Self-Quiz.
• Take the Graded Quiz.

Unit 7: Dictionaries and Tuples

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment.
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Programming Assignment.
• Take the Self-Quiz.

Unit 8: Files

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Programming Assignment.
• Read the Unit 9 Learning Guide carefully for instructions on the Final Exam.
• Take the Self-Quiz.
• Take the Review Quiz.
• Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation.

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

• Read the Learning Guide and take the Review Quiz, if you haven’t already done so.
• Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
• The Final Exam will take place during the Thursday and Sunday of Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor.