Start Programming with Python
Offered By: Raspberry Pi Foundation via FutureLearn
Course Description
Overview
This three-part program explores a range of programming concepts – starting by asking “what is a program?”.
Over the three courses you’ll not only learn how to create programs – by writing code that gives instructions, ‘makes decisions’ and ‘loops’ – but also to think more like a computer scientist by splitting your programs up into smaller, easier-to-understand parts.
You’ll use everyday experiences to think about how data is structured and learn how to ‘debug’ your programs when they aren’t working properly.
Overall, this is a rounded, friendly, and engaging introduction to programming.
Syllabus
Course 1: Programming 101: An Introduction to Python for Educators
-Explore the basics of Python. Guided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, you’ll learn to code your first program. Supported by Google.
Course 2: Programming 102: Think Like a Computer Scientist
-Take your Python skills further in this online course, guided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and supported by Google.
Course 3: Programming 103: Saving and Structuring Data
-Learn how to save and structure data in external files, and import files back into your Python programs. Supported by Google.
Courses
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Learn how to program in Python with help from Raspberry Pi
On this course, you’ll explore programming in Python. Guided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, you’ll discover basic programming concepts, learning how to understand the basics of Python syntax and interpret error messages.
Ultimately, you’ll use your new coding skills to create your first program – which will be able to solve a simple problem.
This course would suit educators who have no experience of programming in Python.
To take part in this course you’ll need to download Python, or use an online IDE.
If you need advice about the options for using Python, or instructions for installing it, please review our guidance on Applications for creating Python programs - https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/projects/python-install-options
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Find out what else you can do with Python
On this course, you’ll explore Python programming at an intermediate level.
You’ll discover how to break down problems into smaller parts, and then design and apply algorithms to data. You’ll also explore list structures and their various uses.
Ultimately, what you learn will build upon your foundational Python skills - preparing you to progress onto more advanced programming.
This course would suit teachers with some Python experience, who are able to write simple programs demonstrating sequencing, selection, iteration and data types.
To take part in this course you’ll need to download Python, or use an online IDE.
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Discover how to save data to use it across multiple runs of your program
On this course, you will learn how to save text and binary files, and how to structure data so that programs can interpret it correctly.
You will explore various common types of structured files, including CSV and JSON, and also find out how to connect to a SQL database to use it in your Python programs.
This course is designed for those who have a little Python experience and are comfortable using functions with parameters–as covered in our Programming 102 course. Please note: screengrabs and recorded screencasts are key elements of this course.
Taught by
Martin O'Hanlon, James Robinson and Michael Conterio
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