Introduction to Programming Using Python
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Introduction to Programming Using Python
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What you'll learn
Understand and apply basic Python data types and operations in programming.
Create and modify lists, use loops, and implement conditional logic in Python.
Write and utilize custom functions to improve code reusability and organization.
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
May 2026
25 assignments
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There are 25 modules in this course
This course introduces the basics of programming using the Python language, a powerful and versatile tool in software development. Python’s simplicity makes it an excellent choice for beginners, offering a strong foundation for future programming tasks in various domains such as web development, data science, and automation.
You will start by learning how to use basic data types, assign values to variables, and perform operations on them. As you progress, you’ll learn to work with lists, loops, conditional statements, and functions to create programs with more complex logic. Through hands-on practice, you will enhance your problem-solving and programming skills. What makes this course stand out is its practical approach. It integrates foundational programming concepts with real-world examples and projects, ensuring that you can apply your skills to solve real problems. This course is perfect for beginners with no prior programming experience. It’s also ideal for anyone looking to transition into programming from other technical backgrounds. The course requires no advanced knowledge, but a general familiarity with computer usage will be helpful. By the end of the course, you will have a solid understanding of Python’s core features and be able to build your own Python programs.
In this module, we will introduce the Python programming language and cover its essential features. We’ll explore basic data types such as strings, integers, and booleans. You will also learn how to assign variables and apply basic operations, setting the foundation for building your Python programming skills.
What's included
2 videos1 reading
2 videos•Total 31 minutes
- Overview•4 minutes
- Working with Primitive Data Types•27 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Full Course Resources•10 minutes
In this module, we will dive into efficient variable assignment techniques, focusing on using multiple assignment statements. You will learn how to combine variable definition and assignment for related variables, making your code cleaner and more efficient.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 22 minutes
- Working with Multiple Assignment Statements•22 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Efficient Variable Assignment Techniques - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore how to convert data between different types in Python, such as converting strings to integers. We will also address common issues that arise during conversions and provide tips on when and why type conversions are necessary in your programs.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 30 minutes
- Converting Types in Python•30 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Data Type Conversion in Python - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will introduce the list data type, one of Python’s most important structures. You’ll learn how to create lists, use list indexing, and understand their use in handling collections of data effectively.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 24 minutes
- Creating Lists•24 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Introduction to List Creation - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will continue exploring lists by demonstrating how to modify them. You will learn how to delete and change elements, as well as how to update sections of lists for more advanced data manipulation.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 19 minutes
- Modifying Lists•19 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Techniques for Modifying Lists - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will examine sorting and reversing lists in Python. You will learn how to arrange list elements in a specified order and reverse them, gaining an essential skill for manipulating data effectively.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 22 minutes
- Sorting and Reversing Lists•22 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Sorting and Reversing List Elements - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore list slicing, an essential technique for accessing sublists. You will learn how to use slice syntax to extract specific portions of a list and apply these techniques to real-world data retrieval problems.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 18 minutes
- Slicing Lists•18 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- List Slicing Techniques - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will examine various Python operators, focusing on mathematical and comparison operators. You will learn how to perform calculations and comparisons, building the foundation for complex logic in your programs.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 29 minutes
- Working with Operators•29 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Mastering Python Operators - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will delve into operator precedence and the order of operations in Python. You will learn how expressions are evaluated and how to structure your code for clarity and accuracy using parentheses when necessary.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 23 minutes
- Determining Operator Precedence•23 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Understanding Operator Precedence - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will introduce if statements as a way to create conditional logic in your programs. You will learn how to handle different outcomes with else and elif statements to add decision-making capabilities to your code.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 20 minutes
- Working with If Statements•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Conditional Logic with If Statements - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will extend the use of conditional logic by introducing compound conditional expressions. You will learn how to test multiple conditions using logical operators and refine your decision-making logic in Python.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 25 minutes
- Using Compound Conditional Expressions•25 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Advanced Conditional Expressions - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will introduce for loops as a tool to iterate over data collections. You will learn how to automate repetitive tasks and efficiently process elements in data structures such as lists and ranges.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 24 minutes
- Working with For Loops•24 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Iterating with For Loops - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore while loops and how they differ from for loops. You will learn how to control loop execution with conditions and avoid common pitfalls such as infinite loops.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 19 minutes
- Working with While Loops•19 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Looping with While Constructs - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore nested for loops, which allow you to handle more complex iteration tasks. You will learn how to write and optimize nested loops, understanding their performance considerations in larger programs.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 20 minutes
- Nesting For Loops•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Complex Iterations with Nested For Loops - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will focus on reading files in Python. You will learn how to open and read file contents using basic Python functions, along with the importance of managing file resources safely using context managers.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 22 minutes
- Reading Files•22 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- File Reading Techniques in Python - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore how to write to files and copy files in Python. You will understand the difference between various file modes and apply these techniques to automate file copying tasks.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 17 minutes
- Copying Files•17 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- File Copying Methods - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will automate email merging to send personalized emails. You’ll learn how to work with lists and files to generate dynamic email content, which you can send to multiple recipients at once.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 18 minutes
- Merging Mails•18 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Automating Email Merges - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will look at reading inputs from the console and formatting outputs for user readability. You will gain hands-on experience in handling user data and displaying it in an organized and understandable manner.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 28 minutes
- Reading Console Inputs and Formatting Outputs•28 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Handling Console Inputs and Outputs - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore handling command-line arguments in Python. You will learn how to build Python tools that accept and process input directly from the command line to enhance your programs' functionality.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 24 minutes
- Reading Command Line Arguments•24 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Processing Command Line Arguments - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will dive into defining custom functions, one of the core features of Python. You will learn how to create functions to break your code into reusable components, making your code more efficient and maintainable.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 24 minutes
- Defining Functions•24 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Creating Custom Functions - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore the concept of default arguments. You will learn how to provide default values for function parameters, making your functions more flexible and user-friendly.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 13 minutes
- Using Default Arguments•13 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Implementing Default Arguments in Functions - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will discuss keyword and positional arguments in Python functions. You will learn how to use both types of arguments effectively and when each is the best choice for making your code clear and easy to understand.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 26 minutes
- Using Keyword and Positional Arguments•26 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Working with Keyword and Positional Arguments - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will cover exception handling in Python using try-except blocks. You will learn how to catch and manage runtime errors to keep your programs running smoothly, and when it's appropriate to let an error stop the program.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 24 minutes
- Handling Exceptions•24 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Exception Handling in Python - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will introduce Python’s math and random modules. You will learn how to use these standard libraries to handle complex mathematical operations and generate random data for your applications.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 27 minutes
- Using Math and Random Modules•27 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Exploring the Math and Random Modules - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore how to use Python’s datetime and os modules. You’ll learn to manage file metadata and perform time-based tasks in your programs, improving the utility and efficiency of your code.
What's included
1 video2 assignments
1 video•Total 30 minutes
- Display Datetime Working Directory File Metadata•30 minutes
2 assignments•Total 75 minutes
- Full Course Assessment•60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessment•15 minutes
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University of Leeds
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Frequently asked questions
Python is a versatile and widely-used programming language known for its readability and ease of use. It is used in various fields such as web development, data science, automation, artificial intelligence, and more. Learning Python is relevant today because it opens up opportunities in many in-demand industries and is beginner-friendly for anyone new to programming.
This course, "Introduction to Programming Using Python," provides a foundational understanding of Python programming. It covers key concepts such as working with data types, variables, loops, conditionals, functions, file handling, and error handling. By the end of the course, learners will have the skills to write basic Python programs and work with different Python constructs effectively.
After completing this course, you will be able to write Python programs, manipulate data types, use loops and conditionals for decision-making, handle exceptions, and work with files. You will also be able to build small projects and perform automation tasks using Python, which can be useful in both personal and professional settings.
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