What will I actually learn in this Raspberry Pi course?

You'll learn how to set up and use a Raspberry Pi, write Python code on it, and connect that code to simple hardware. The course starts with the board and operating system, moves into Linux use and basic programming, and then builds into pin-based control and simple interfaces. Along the way, you'll do practical tasks such as booting the Pi, running your own code, and making an LED respond through the board's pins.

Do I need to know Python before taking this course?

No, you don't need prior Python experience. The course teaches basic Python as part of the learning path, but it moves fairly quickly from simple syntax into running code on the Raspberry Pi and controlling hardware. General comfort with installing software and following setup steps will help, especially in the early lessons.

Is this course beginner-friendly for Raspberry Pi programming?

It can work well for beginners to Raspberry Pi, especially if you want the setup, Linux basics, and coding introduced in one place. The lessons begin with board setup and core concepts before moving into Python and hardware control, so the progression is easy to follow. If you're completely new to programming, expect a bit more effort once the command-line work and code exercises start.

How long does it take to complete this course?

Plan on about 11 hours total, or roughly 1 to 2 weeks if you study around 10 hours a week. That gives you time to watch the lessons, work through the readings, and complete quizzes and device-based assignments. The course includes lessons, readings, quizzes, and hands-on assignments, so the workload feels varied rather than purely video-based.

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

Yes, there is real hands-on work, but it's mostly step-by-step rather than a big open-ended project. You'll set up the Raspberry Pi itself, run Python code on the board, and complete assignments such as submitting a screenshot from the device or demonstrating an LED and push-button circuit. That keeps the practice closely tied to each topic as you learn it.

What skills and topics are covered in this course?

You'll cover Raspberry Pi setup, Linux basics, Python programming, and hardware control through the board's pins. That includes navigating the filesystem, writing small programs, and using GPIO and simple graphical interfaces to interact with connected devices. Overall, the course helps you connect operating system skills, coding, and basic electronics in one workflow.

What can I actually do after finishing this course?

After finishing, you should be able to get a Raspberry Pi running, work in its Linux environment, and write basic Python programs that interact with hardware. For example, you could connect an LED or button, use Python to read or change a pin state, and build a simple interface to control that behavior. That's a realistic outcome for small Raspberry Pi experiments and early IoT-style projects.

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

It's more focused on understanding how the Raspberry Pi works, with hands-on practice built in. You spend a lot of time learning the platform, Linux, and Python, then reinforce that through setup tasks, quizzes, and small hardware assignments. It's a good fit if you want explanation alongside practice rather than a large build-heavy project.

Why would I choose this course over other Raspberry Pi courses?

Choose this course if you want the Raspberry Pi taught as a complete platform, not just as a quick electronics demo. It takes you from setup and operating system use into Python and pin control, with assignments that keep the learning tied to the actual device. It's especially well suited to self-directed learners who want that full path in one course, since it doesn't include discussion forums.

The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi

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The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi

This course is part of An Introduction to Programming the Internet of Things (IOT) Specialization

Instructor: Ian Harris

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

2,773 reviews

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

95%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

2,773 reviews

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

95%

Most learners liked this course

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There are 4 modules in this course

The Raspberry Pi is a small, affordable single-board computer that you will use to design and develop fun and practical IoT devices while learning programming and computer hardware. In addition, you will learn how to set up up the Raspberry Pi environment, get a Linux operating system running, and write and execute some basic Python code on the Raspberry Pi. You will also learn how to use Python-based IDE (integrated development environments) for the Raspberry Pi and how to trace and debug Python code on the device. Please note that this course does not include discussion forums.

Module details

This module describes the basic functionality the Raspberry Pi B+ board. I'll describe how to set up the board, configure it, and use it. An important point differentiating Raspberry Pi from the Arduino platform which we have talked about previously is that Raspberry Pi uses an operating system. I'll describe some of the implications of an operating system on the behavior of the Raspberry Pi as an IoT device.

What's included

10 videos3 readings1 assignment1 peer review

10 videosTotal 55 minutes

Module 1 Introduction (Video)1 minute
Lecture 1.1 - Raspberry Pi Board (Updated)3 minutes
Lecture 1.2 - Raspberry Pi Processor6 minutes
Lecture 1.3 - Raspberry Pi vs. Arduino (Updated)7 minutes
Lecture 2.1 - Operating System Benefits7 minutes
Lecture 2.2 - Processes8 minutes
Lecture 2.3 - Raspberry Pi IoT4 minutes
Lecture 3.1 - Raspberry Pi Setup5 minutes
Lecture 3.2 - Raspberry Pi Configuration5 minutes
Lecture 3.3 - Overclocking (Updated)9 minutes

3 readingsTotal 30 minutes

Course Overview10 minutes
Module 1 Objectives10 minutes
Module 1 Reading10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 1 Quiz30 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Module 1 Peer Assignment:60 minutes

The Raspberry Pi is typically installed with a Linux-based operating system, so we present the basics of Linux and its use. We describe some of the main features including navigating the file system and managing processes. We describe the text-based user interface through the shell and we overview the graphic user interface which is the default with the Raspian Linux distribution.

What's included

10 videos2 readings1 assignment1 peer review

10 videosTotal 44 minutes

Module 2 Introduction (Video)1 minute
Lecture 1.1 - Linux Basics5 minutes
Lecture 1.2 - Login3 minutes
Lecture 1.3 - Linux Filesystem (Updated)4 minutes
Lecture 2.1 - Navigating the Filesystem (Updated)9 minutes
Lecture 2.2 - Text Editors (Updated)5 minutes
Lecture 2.3 - Accessing Files4 minutes
Lecture 3.1 - Permissions7 minutes
Lecture 3.2 - Processes4 minutes
Lecture 3.3 - Linux Graphic User Interface4 minutes

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

Module 2 Objectives10 minutes
Module 2 Reading10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 2 Quiz30 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Module 2 Peer Assignment60 minutes

We present the basics of the Python programming language to prepare you for programming on the Raspberry Pi. Many languages can be used but Python is the most convenient for the Raspberry Pi because convenient APIs are provided for basic operations such as controlling the pins. Python is a powerful language with useful features that we will present so that you can use these features to control the Raspberry Pi.

What's included

10 videos2 readings1 assignment1 peer review

10 videosTotal 45 minutes

Module 3 Introduction (Video)1 minute
Lecture 1.1 - Python on Raspberry Pi7 minutes
Lecture 1.2 - Python Programming Environment7 minutes
Lecture 1.3 - Python Expressions4 minutes
Lecture 2.1 - Strings6 minutes
Lecture 2.2 - Functions4 minutes
Lecture 2.3 - Function Arguments4 minutes
Lecture 3.1 - Lists4 minutes
Lecture 3.2 - List Methods3 minutes
Lecture 3.3 - Control Flow6 minutes

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

Module 3 Objectives10 minutes
Module 3 Reading10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 3 Quiz30 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Module 3 Peer Assignment60 minutes

In this module we describe how to communicate with devices through the pins of the Raspberry Pi. We examine the RPi.GPIO library which provides Python functions used to access the pins. We discuss how to set up the pins, apply digital voltages, and generate Pulse Width Modulated signals. We also describe the Tkinter Python library and show how it can be used to access pins through a graphic user interface.

What's included

10 videos3 readings1 assignment1 peer review

10 videosTotal 52 minutes

Module 4 Introduction (Video)2 minutes
Lecture 1.1 - General Purpose IO Pins6 minutes
Lecture 1.2 - Protocol Pins5 minutes
Lecture 1.3 - GPIO Access5 minutes
Lecture 2.1 - General Purpose IO Pins (Updated)5 minutes
Lecture 2.2 - Pulse Width Modulation9 minutes
Lecture 2.3 - Demo of a Blink5 minutes
Lecture 3.1 - Graphic User Interface6 minutes
Lecture 3.2 Tkinter Library3 minutes
Lecture 3.3 - Interaction6 minutes

3 readingsTotal 30 minutes

Module 4 Objectives10 minutes
Module 4 Reading10 minutes
End-of-Course Survey10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 4 Quiz30 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Module 4 Peer Assignment60 minutes

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(255 ratings)

Ian Harris

University of California, Irvine

9 Courses652,162 learners

Offered by

University of California, Irvine

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Reviewed on Dec 24, 2015

Really nice and easy introduction to Raspberry Pi and Python. I loved the part when the professor said something about Scratch, like 'we'll not use it, we're way above it'. :)

Reviewed on May 30, 2020

Overall this course leaned me how we use python programming for working with Raspberry Pi which is helpful for me to understand the Python programs.Thank you

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2019

very nice material for someone who learn raspberry for the first time..but i believe this course doent walk you very far..its very very introductory

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