Introduction to Programming with Python

This module introduces learners to computational thinking and procedural programming using Python 3. Students write small programs using variables, control flow, functions and core data structures such as lists and dictionaries. The course emphasises reading error messages, tracing code by hand, and using the standard library. Learners finish able to design, implement and debug short Python programs that solve defined problems.

Learning Outcomes

Describe how Python source code is executed by an interpreter.

Declare variables of the correct built-in type (int, float, str, bool, list, dict).

Use conditional statements and loops to control program flow.

Define and call functions with parameters, defaults and return values.

Manipulate strings, lists and dictionaries using indexing, slicing and comprehensions.

Read and interpret common Python error messages such as SyntaxError and IndexError.

Import and use modules from the Python standard library.

Trace short Python programs to predict their output.

Topics Covered

The Python interpreter and REPL

Variables, identifiers and assignment

Primitive data types and casting

Operators and expressions

Strings, indexing and slicing

Conditional statements (if, elif, else)

Loops (for, while, range, break, continue)

Lists, tuples and list methods

Dictionaries and sets

Functions, parameters and return values

Scope, local vs global variables

Common exceptions and tracebacks

Modules and the standard library (math, random, datetime)

File input and output

Simple algorithms and problem decomposition

Skills Developed

Reading and tracing Python code Writing short Python scripts Debugging using error messages Choosing appropriate data structures Decomposing problems into functions Using the Python standard library Testing programs with sample inputs Documenting code with comments and docstrings

Suggested Resources

{'title': 'Automate the Boring Stuff with Python', 'author': 'Al Sweigart', 'source': 'automatetheboringstuff.com'}

{'title': 'Python for Everybody', 'author': 'Charles Severance', 'source': 'py4e.com'}

{'title': 'The Python Tutorial', 'author': 'Python Software Foundation', 'source': 'docs.python.org/3/tutorial'}

{'title': 'Think Python, 2nd Edition', 'author': 'Allen B. Downey', 'source': 'greenteapress.com'}

{'title': 'Real Python Beginners Path', 'author': 'Real Python Team', 'source': 'realpython.com'}

{'title': "CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python", 'author': 'David J. Malan', 'source': 'cs50.harvard.edu/python'}

{'title': 'Replit Learn Python', 'author': 'Replit', 'source': 'replit.com/learn'}

Assessment

Learners are assessed through weekly coding exercises, two short programming projects, a code-tracing worksheet, and a final multiple-choice knowledge test.

weekly_exercises20%

mini_project_120%

mini_project_220%

code_tracing_worksheet20%

final_mcq_test20%

Practice bank: 200 MCQs · Timed mock & self-paced modes

Start Practice →