Lecturer
Python Basics
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.
4 Modules
28 Hours
7 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About Python Basics
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.
The course is for you if you're a newcomer to Python programming, if you need a refresher on Python basics, or if you may have had some exposure to Python programming but want a more in-depth exposition and vocabulary for describing and reasoning about programs.
This is the first of five courses in the Python 3 Programming Specialization.
Skills You'll Gain
- Code Testing
- Data Structures
- Debugging
- Python (Programming Language)
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to Python Basics, an introductory programming course focused on core Python concepts. Learners practice writing, reading, and debugging programs while working with data structures, control flow, and problem-solving strategies.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: General Introduction
- Single Sign On: Interactive Textbook and Practice Opportunities - Ungraded App Item
- Assessment: Programming in Python - Graded App Item
- Assessment: Turtle Graphics - Graded App Item
- Gallery Tool: Turtle Drawing - Ungraded App Item
- Optional - What Did You Use to Practice This Week? - Practice Assignment
Module 2: Sequence and Iteration
- Single Sign On: Interactive Textbook and Practice Opportunities - Ungraded App Item
- Assessment: Lists and Strings - Graded App Item
- Assignment: Week Two - Graded App Item•. Duration: 1 hour
- Optional - What Did You Use to Practice This Week? - Practice Assignment
Module 3: Booleans and Conditionals
- Single Sign On: Interactive Textbook and Practice Opportunities - Ungraded App Item
- Assessment: Week Three - Graded App Item•. Duration: 1 hour1h
- Optional - What Did You Use to Practice This Week? - Practice Assignment
Module 4: Sequence Mutation and Accumulation Patterns
- Single Sign On: Interactive Textbook and Practice Opportunities - Ungraded App Item
- Assessment: Sequence Mutation - Graded App Item
- Assessment: Methods: Lists and Strings - Graded App Item
- Assessment: Accumulating Lists and Strings - Graded App Item
- Assessment: Way of the Programmer Week Four - Graded App Item
- Assignment: Final Course Assignment - Graded App Item
Grading Policy
Learners must earn an overall grade of 80% to pass. There are nine assignments worth a total of 80% of your final grade and a Final Course Assignment worth 20% of your final grade.
Assistant Professor
Michael D. Cohen Collegiate Professor of Information
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
No prior experience required
