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.
Learn to Program: The Fundamentals
Offered By
University of Toronto
About this Course
4.7
2,515 ratings
Skills you will gain
Python Syntax And SemanticsComputer ProgrammingPython ProgrammingIdle (Python)
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
13 hours to complete
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 (Total 39 min), 10 readings, 1 quiz
8 videos
Installing Python2m
Python as a Calculator10m
Python and Computer Memory2m
Variables7m
Visualizing Assignment Statements2m
Built-in Functions5m
Defining Functions6m
10 readings
Syllabus10m
Course Logistics10m
Resources10m
Installing Python10m
Python as a Calculator10m
Python and Computer Memory10m
Variables10m
Visualizing Assignment Statements10m
Built-in Functions10m
Defining Functions10m
1 practice exercise
Python, Variables, and Functions24m
Week
25 hours to complete
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 (Total 35 min), 6 readings, 2 quizzes
6 videos
Type str4m
Input/Output and str Formatting10m
Docstrings and Function Help1m
Function Design Recipe5m
Function Reuse6m
Visualizing Function Calls5m
6 readings
Type str10m
Input/Output and str Formatting10m
Docstrings and Function help10m
Function Design Recipe10m
Function Reuse10m
Visualizing Function Calls10m
1 practice exercise
Strings and Designing Functions36m
Week
32 hours to complete
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 (Total 42 min), 7 readings, 1 quiz
7 videos
Type Bool8m
Converting Between int, str, and float3m
Import: Using Non-Built-in Functions5m
If Statements9m
No if Required4m
Structuring if Statements6m
7 readings
Functions, Variables, and the Call Stack10m
Type Bool10m
Converting Between int, str, and float10m
Import: Using Non-Built-in Functions10m
If Statements10m
No if Required10m
Structuring if statements10m
1 practice exercise
Booleans, Import, Namespaces, and if Statements32m
Week
45 hours to complete
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 (Total 26 min), 5 readings, 2 quizzes
5 videos
Str: Indexing and Slicing4m
Str Methods: Functions Inside of Objects3m
For Loop Over Str11m
IDLE's Debugger4m
5 readings
More str Operators10m
Str: Indexing and Slicing10m
Str Methods: Functions Inside of Objects10m
For Loop Over Str10m
IDLE's Debugger10m
1 practice exercise
For Loops and Fancy String Manipulation28m
4.7
768 Reviews38%
started a new career after completing these courses
35%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Top Reviews
This is a introductory course i would recommend. I especially liked that the instructors took the time to go through the python visualizer and try to unveil some of the background workings in python.
I didn't know a thing about programming. Now after two weeks I feel I've learned a lot already! The instructors are awesome! I believe this course is very compacted and it needs a good deal of work!
Instructors
Jennifer Campbell
Associate Professor, Teaching StreamDepartment of Computer Science
Paul Gries
Associate Professor, Teaching StreamDepartment of Computer Science
About University of Toronto
Established in 1827, the University of Toronto is one of the world’s leading universities, renowned for its excellence in teaching, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as its impact on economic prosperity and social well-being around the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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