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An Introduction to Programming using Python

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An Introduction to Programming using Python

Instructors: Dr Rafael Papallas

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2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

106 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

9 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

106 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

9 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Describe what computer programming is, recognising its purpose and how it enables the creation and execution of computer programs.
Explain what algorithms are and their significance in programming.
Create programs that accept user input, display output, and utilise essential programming constructs such as if statements, loops, and functions.
Gain digital skills as part of Click Start! Follow the link in the instructor bio to see if you're eligible for FREE access to this course and more..

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Python Programming

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

10 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 2 modules in this course

Maximise your employability, by learning the basics of coding in Python. Python is a versatile programming language used for developing websites and software, task automation, data analysis and more.

In this course, you'll embark on an exciting journey into the world of Python and gain valuable skills that will enable you to start thinking about a career in programming. Through exercises and practical projects, you will gain confidence and deepen your understanding of coding in Python. By the end of the course, you will be able to showcase your skills by programming a small robot to navigate obstacles. Join us on this transformative journey and unlock the boundless potential of Python programming to discover the opportunities awaiting you in the world of development.

This first week of the course will give you an understanding of the basic principles of programming. You will learn what programming is and be introduced to some basic theories of computers. You will also learn what an algorithm is and the basics of propositional logic – the fundamental underpinnings of programming. Finally, you will look at some basic Python syntax such as variables, data types and input/output, and you will write a simple Python program.

What's included

17 videos10 readings5 assignments3 discussion prompts3 ungraded labs

17 videosTotal 97 minutes

Welcome to your course4 minutes
What is programming?4 minutes
Why do we need different programming languages?3 minutes
Lesson 1: Summary and consolidation1 minute
How a computer program really works6 minutes
Algorithmic problem solving: How a programmer thinks about problem solving7 minutes
What is an algorithm?5 minutes
What is a pseudocode?7 minutes
Propositional logic: How computers make decisions4 minutes
Logic operators: How to create complex logical propositions13 minutes
Lesson 2: Summary and consolidation2 minutes
Variables: How to give name to values and create general programs7 minutes
Primitive data types in Python: Learn about booleans, integers, floats and strings8 minutes
More on strings in Python7 minutes
Input and output in Python9 minutes
Writing comments5 minutes
Lesson 3: Summary and consolidation3 minutes

10 readingsTotal 54 minutes

About your instructor2 minutes
Course overview5 minutes
Optional: Working offline10 minutes
Lesson 1: Overview2 minutes
Lesson 2: Overview5 minutes
Logical operators10 minutes
Exercise: Finding out the precedence of logic operators10 minutes
Lesson 3: Overview5 minutes
Optional exercise: What other strings methods are there?0 minutes
Recap: Input, print and f-strings5 minutes

5 assignmentsTotal 22 minutes

Check your understanding: Computer programming and programming languages5 minutes
Check your understanding5 minutes
Check your understanding: Logic operators5 minutes
Check your understanding: Logic operators precedence2 minutes
Check your understanding: Variables5 minutes

3 discussion promptsTotal 35 minutes

What are you looking forward to?10 minutes
What other programming languages are out there?15 minutes
Reflecting on Week 110 minutes

3 ungraded labsTotal 45 minutes

Exercise: Hands-on with Visual Studio Code, your text editor10 minutes
Exercise: Define your own variables15 minutes
Exercise: Input and output in Python20 minutes

The second week will introduce some more advanced programming concepts. In particular, conditionals (if statements), loops and functions. With these under your belt, you will be able to write small but complex programs. By the end of the week, you will be able to put together a Python program that commands a small virtual robot to move in space!

What's included

13 videos9 readings5 assignments3 discussion prompts5 ungraded labs

13 videosTotal 78 minutes

Week 2: Overview5 minutes
Conditionals: How computers take decisions5 minutes
If statements in Python9 minutes
The 'else' keyword in Python5 minutes
The 'elif' keyword in Python8 minutes
For loops in Python8 minutes
While loops in Python11 minutes
Lesson 4: Summary and consolidation3 minutes
What is a function in programming?11 minutes
How to write your own functions in Python5 minutes
Lesson 5: Summary and consolidation2 minutes
Introduction to the project you will work on 5 minutes
Lesson 6: Summary and consolidation2 minutes

9 readingsTotal 46 minutes

Lesson 4: Overview2 minutes
Conditionals in Python2 minutes
Lesson 5: Overview2 minutes
What's the difference between arguments and parameters?10 minutes
Lesson 6: Overview10 minutes
Optional reading: How the A* algorithm works10 minutes
Optional: Instructions for how to run the graphical version0 minutes
Course summary: What have you learned?5 minutes
Taking your learning further 5 minutes

5 assignmentsTotal 37 minutes

Test your learning and get your certificate20 minutes
Check your understanding: Conditionals and if statements 5 minutes
Check your understanding: Loops5 minutes
Check your understanding: Functions5 minutes
Check your understanding: Functions, arguments and parameters in Python2 minutes

3 discussion promptsTotal 30 minutes

Functions and naming conventions10 minutes
Share your solution with others!10 minutes
Reflections on the course10 minutes

5 ungraded labsTotal 105 minutes

Exercise: If statements10 minutes
Exercises on loops20 minutes
Exercise: Practicing functions 15 minutes
Exercise: Implementing a basic version30 minutes
Exercise: Implementing the improved algorithm using a path finding algorithm30 minutes

Instructors

Instructor ratings

(30 ratings)

Dr Rafael Papallas

University of Leeds

3 Courses18,013 learners

Offered by

University of Leeds

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Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Thanks you so much for such a amazing experience.. All my credits to Mr. Rafeal Papallus

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2025

good course for learning the basics of the python and guide make this so easy to under stand ♥

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2024

Great experience and a great introduction to Python. Thank you!

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Frequently asked questions

This course is part of Click Start, a UK training programme designed to help young people develop digital skills. Click Start is offering a limited number of scholarships giving free access to young people in the UK.

Check if you are eligible for free access today.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

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.