What will I actually learn in this Python programming course?

You'll learn how to turn simple problems into Python code and understand what the computer is doing as it runs that code. It starts with expressions, variables, and functions, then builds into decisions, loops, and working with text, files, and collections. You'll apply that in quizzes and programming assignments, including string-processing work such as DNA processing.

Do I need to know Python before taking this course?

No, the course starts from the beginning and teaches Python as it teaches programming. You'll begin with installing Python and using IDLE, then move into expressions, variables, and functions. The main thing you'll need is a willingness to practice, because you'll start writing code early in the course.

Is this course beginner-friendly for Python programming?

Yes, it's beginner-friendly for someone who wants a thorough introduction to programming, not just a quick tour of syntax. The course explains core ideas carefully and reinforces them with lessons, readings, quizzes, and programming assignments, so you keep practicing as the material builds. It may feel more demanding if you're looking for a very short overview, because regular practice is part of the learning experience.

How long does it take to complete this course?

Plan on about 25 hours in total. At around 10 hours a week, that's roughly 2 to 3 weeks of study, though the material is organized as a seven-module course. Expect a mix of lessons, readings, quizzes, and programming assignments rather than video-only study.

Are there hands-on exercises or projects in this course?

Yes, the course includes regular hands-on coding, though it leans more toward guided assignments than open-ended projects. You'll write functions, trace programs with visualizer tools and the IDLE debugger, and complete programming assignments on tasks such as time zones or DNA processing. That matters because you apply each concept soon after it's introduced.

What skills and topics are covered in this course?

You'll cover the main building blocks of Python programming, from variables, functions, and strings to Boolean logic, if statements, and loops. The course then moves into debugging, file handling, and working with collections such as lists, tuples, and dictionaries. By the end, you'll have a practical grasp of how to write, read, and reason through small programs.

What can I actually do after finishing this course?

By the end, you should be able to write small Python programs that use functions, conditionals, loops, and common data structures. That includes tasks like processing strings, reading from and writing to files, or storing and looking up information in a dictionary. You should also be able to trace how your code runs and fix many basic errors on your own.

Is this course more focused on theory or hands-on learning?

It's more concept-first, with regular coding practice built in. The course spends time explaining how Python works, then reinforces each idea through guided practice, quizzes, and assignments. That's a good match if you want to understand your code, not just copy examples.

Why would I choose this course over other Python courses?

Choose this course if you want a careful introduction that teaches both Python syntax and how programs behave in memory. Rather than centering on large projects, it uses a function design recipe and code-tracing examples to help you build reliable habits while you learn strings, loops, files, and dictionaries. If you learn best from clear explanations and step-by-step coding practice, it's a better fit than a faster, project-first Python course.

Learn to Program: The Fundamentals

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Learn to Program: The Fundamentals

Instructors: Jennifer Campbell

525,321 already enrolled

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7 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

6,735 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

3 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

95%

Most learners liked this course

7 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

6,735 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

3 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

95%

Most learners liked this course

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

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Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 7 modules in this course

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.

Module details

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.

What's included

8 videos10 readings1 assignment

8 videosTotal 39 minutes

Welcome to LTP1 minute
Installing Python3 minutes
Python as a Calculator11 minutes
Python and Computer Memory3 minutes
Variables8 minutes
Visualizing Assignment Statements3 minutes
Built-in Functions5 minutes
Defining Functions7 minutes

10 readingsTotal 100 minutes

Syllabus10 minutes
Course Logistics10 minutes
Resources10 minutes
Installing Python10 minutes
Python as a Calculator10 minutes
Python and Computer Memory10 minutes
Variables10 minutes
Visualizing Assignment Statements10 minutes
Built-in Functions10 minutes
Defining Functions10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Python, Variables, and Functions30 minutes

This module introduces strings (a Python data type used to represent text), and a process to follow when creating a function.

What's included

6 videos6 readings1 assignment1 programming assignment

6 videosTotal 35 minutes

Type str5 minutes
Input/Output and str Formatting10 minutes
Docstrings and Function Help1 minute
Function Design Recipe6 minutes
Function Reuse7 minutes
Visualizing Function Calls6 minutes

6 readingsTotal 60 minutes

Type str10 minutes
Input/Output and str Formatting10 minutes
Docstrings and Function help10 minutes
Function Design Recipe10 minutes
Function Reuse10 minutes
Visualizing Function Calls10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Strings and Designing Functions30 minutes

1 programming assignmentTotal 180 minutes

Assignment 1: Time Zones180 minutes

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.

What's included

7 videos7 readings1 assignment

7 videosTotal 42 minutes

Functions, Variables, and the Call Stack5 minutes
Type Bool9 minutes
Converting Between int, str, and float3 minutes
Import: Using Non-Built-in Functions5 minutes
If Statements9 minutes
No if Required4 minutes
Structuring if Statements6 minutes

7 readingsTotal 70 minutes

Functions, Variables, and the Call Stack10 minutes
Type Bool10 minutes
Converting Between int, str, and float10 minutes
Import: Using Non-Built-in Functions10 minutes
If Statements10 minutes
No if Required10 minutes
Structuring if statements10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Booleans, Import, Namespaces, and if Statements30 minutes

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.

What's included

5 videos5 readings1 assignment1 programming assignment

5 videosTotal 26 minutes

More str Operators2 minutes
Str: Indexing and Slicing5 minutes
Str Methods: Functions Inside of Objects4 minutes
For Loop Over Str12 minutes
IDLE's Debugger4 minutes

5 readingsTotal 50 minutes

More str Operators10 minutes
Str: Indexing and Slicing10 minutes
Str Methods: Functions Inside of Objects10 minutes
For Loop Over Str10 minutes
IDLE's Debugger10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

For Loops and Fancy String Manipulation30 minutes

1 programming assignmentTotal 180 minutes

Assignment 2: DNA Processing180 minutes

This module introduces another way to repeat code (using a while loop), how to properly document your code to help other programmers understand it, Python's list data type, and the concept of mutation.

What's included

6 videos6 readings1 assignment

6 videosTotal 43 minutes

While Loops12 minutes
Comments5 minutes
Type list4 minutes
list Methods8 minutes
Mutability and Aliasing10 minutes
range4 minutes

6 readingsTotal 60 minutes

While Loops10 minutes
Comments10 minutes
Type list10 minutes
list Methods10 minutes
Mutability and Aliasing10 minutes
range10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

While Loops, Lists, and Mutability30 minutes

This module introduces how to use a for loop over the indexes of a list, how to nest lists, and how to read a write files.

What's included

7 videos6 readings1 assignment1 programming assignment

7 videosTotal 82 minutes

For Loop Over Indices14 minutes
Parallel Lists and Strings6 minutes
Nested Lists4 minutes
Nested Loops14 minutes
Reading Files5 minutes
Writing Files5 minutes
Developing a Program 34 minutes

6 readingsTotal 60 minutes

For Loop Over Indices10 minutes
Parallel Lists and Strings10 minutes
Nested Lists10 minutes
Nested Loops10 minutes
Reading Files10 minutes
Writing Files10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 26 minutes

For Loops Over Indices, Parallel Lists and Strings, and Files26 minutes

1 programming assignmentTotal 180 minutes

Assignment 3180 minutes

This module introduces tuples (an immutable version of lists), and Python's dictionary type.

What's included

4 videos3 readings2 assignments

Instructors

Instructor ratings

(1,604 ratings)

Jennifer Campbell

University of Toronto

2 Courses564,502 learners

Paul Gries

University of Toronto

2 Courses564,502 learners

Offered by

University of Toronto

Learner reviews

5 stars
78.57%
4 stars
17.87%
3 stars
1.93%
2 stars
0.60%
1 star
1%

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Reviewed on Feb 5, 2020

As a complete beginner in the world of programming, this is one of the best courses I have found. The instructors are excellent. I thank them for taking the time to develop such a useful course.

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2020

I enjoyed this course very much. The concepts were well explained. I gave only 4 stars because I wish there were more assignments to do instead of the quizzes. All in all great intro into programming.

Reviewed on May 23, 2018

Great course!It really shows the fundamentals of programming in python. great for begginers!It's a great start for learning how to make programs the right way!I really appreciate the opportunity !

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