Python Programming Course 1A: An Introduction

Data analysis and analytics. Uncover insights and transform your organisation.

COVID-19 update: arrangement of our courses

We are now delivering courses both online and in-person. Please check the delivery format for each class before you enrol.

Please note that course materials for all classes (excluding prescribed textbooks) are shared electronically within 48 hours of a course starting. Printing is not available.

Python is one of the most in-demand technical skills and one of the easiest programming languages to learn. With a syntax similar to the English language, Python is perfect for beginners. It has numerous applications, from website development to big data analytics and visualisation.

This course is part one of a two-part Introduction to Python series. After completing 1A, we encourage you to proceed with Python Programming Course 1B: Data Analytics. We recommend enrolling in both courses to gain entry-level skills. Enrolment in both courses is not compulsory.

Please ensure Anaconda Python is installed on your device before class. For further details, see ‘Before the course’.

Aims

This course aims to teach basic programming skills using Python, including variable types, operations, user input/output, logic, loops, functions and object-oriented programming.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• install Python and additional libraries
• use Jupyter Notebook to write and run Python code
• work with basic Python data types (string, float, integer, etc)
• work with basic Python collections (list, dictionary, set, etc)
• write Python expressions that involve variables, variable assignment, operators, functions and user input/output
• use conditionals and loops
• fix coding errors
• create your own classes and objects
• find and read documentation for Python libraries and functions.

Content

This course covers the following topics:

• Introduction to programming
• Introduction to Python and Jupyter Notebook
• Finding, installing and loading Python libraries
• Variables and data types
• Writing expressions
• Collections (lists, tuples, dictionaries and sets)
• Debugging
• User input and output
• Using logic, conditionals and loops
• Creating functions
• Using and creating classes and objects
• Finding and reading documentation

Intended audience

Suitable for professionals, students and academics who want to learn programming foundations.

Prerequisites

It is assumed you have computer and data literacy knowledge to the level of performing basic data analysis tasks in Excel, ie, basic (high school) algebra, percentages, probability, averages. No prior programming experience is required.

Delivery style

Delivery options:

• Presenter-taught training on your own device, on University premises.
• Online training via the platform Zoom.

Materials

You will be provided with online training materials including a mixture of step-by-step instructions, examples and exercises. These materials will serve as a useful reference when working with Python in future.

Additional information

Face-to-face classes

You are required to bring your own device. You should ensure it is fully charged as access to power is limited. Please note that the University does not carry any responsibility for your lost, stolen, or damaged devices whilst on the University premises.

Online classes

If you are attending an online class, you will need your own device.

Before the course

Please ensure Anaconda Python is installed on your device before class. Version 3.x is required and can be downloaded from Anaconda.