Python Essentials 1

Overview

The main goal of the course is to guide candidates to a level of programming knowledge allowing them to design, write, debug, and run programs encoded in the Python language, and to understand the basic concepts of software development technology.

Python is a high-level general-purpose programming language which is both incredibly versatile and extremely popular in the software development community. Python skills are also highly sought-after in industry. Unlike languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript which are primarily used for web development, Python can also be deployed across a wide spectrum of specialisms, including business software development, data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Learning Outcomes

Learn the universal concepts of computer programming.
Learn the syntax and semantics of the Python language.
Practice skills in resolving typical implementation challenges.
Use the most important elements of Python Standard Library.
Install your runtime environment.
Write your own Python program.

Who would benefit?

This course is the first in a 2-course series that will prepare candidates for the PCEP - Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer and PCAP: Certified Associate in Python Programming certification exams.

PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification is a professional credential that measures candidates ability to accomplish coding tasks related to the essentials of programming in the Python language. A test candidate should demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the universal concepts of computer programming, the syntax and semantics of the Python language as well as the skills in resolving typical implementation challenges with the help of the Python Standard Library.

The course will prepare candidates for jobs and careers connected with widely understood software development, which includes not only creating the code itself as a junior developer, but also computer systems design and software testing.

Course in Depth

Module 1: Develop an awareness of programming languages
- Section 1.1 Section 1: Introduction to Programming
- Section 1.2 Section 2: Introduction to Python
- Section 1.3 Section 3: Downloading and Installing Python
Module 2: Python Data Types, Variables, Operators, and Basic I/O Operations
- Section 2.1 Section 1: The “Hello, World!” Program
- Section 2.2 Section 2: Python Literals
- Section 2.3 Section 3: Operators – data manipulation tools
- Section 2.4 Section 4: Variables
- Section 2.5 Section 5: Comments
- Section 2.6 Section 6: Interaction with the user
Module 3: Boolean Values, Conditional Execution, Loops, Lists, and List Processing, Logical and Bitwise Operations
- Section 3.1 Section 1: Making Decisions in Python
- Section 3.2 Section 2: Loops in Python
- Section 3.3 Section 3: Logic and bit operations in Python
- Section 3.4 Section 4: Lists
- Section 3.5 Section 5: Sorting Simple Lists – the bubble sort algorithm
- Section 3.6 Section 6: Operations on lists
- Section 3.7 Section 7: Lists in advanced applications
Module 4: Functions, Tuples, Dictionaries, Exceptions, and Data Processing
- Section 4.1 Section 1: Functions
- Section 4.2 Section 2: How functions communicate with their environment
- Section 4.3 Section 3: Returning a result from a function
- Section 4.4 Section 4: Scopes in Python
- Section 4.5 Section 5: Creating multi-parameter functions
- Section 4.6 Section 6: Tuples and dictionaries
- Section 4.7 Section 7: Exceptions

What is included?

This introductory computer programming module provides the knowledge and practice which will enable you to design, build and test software components. The module will make use of practical sessions primarily to allow you to apply programming principles and constructs to creatively solve problems through developing small programs.

Topics that will be covered include Input/Output, Built-in Data Structures, Iterations, Functions and Parameters, Objects and Classes, Documentation, Testing, Events and Event Handling.

All learners who successfully complete the course are awarded an official BCU Certificate of Achievement with which to evidence their new skills.

Schedule

Dates - TBC

Module 1: Develop an awareness of programming languages
Module 2: Python Data Types, Variables, Operators, and Basic I/O Operations

Module 3: Boolean Values, Conditional Execution, Loops, Lists, and List Processing. Logical and Bitwise Operations

Module 4: Functions, Tuples, Dictionaries, Exceptions, and Data Processing

Location

Millennium Point
Curzon Street
Birmingham
B4 7XG
United Kingdom

Fees and Enrolment

Level: CPD

Cost: TBC

If you're interested in finding out more about this course or would like more information before you enrol, please register your interest and we'll be in touch with more information.

Register interest

Customer testimonials

Sofina Bi, Schoolteacher

Subject knowledge of the tutor was excellent, lectures were clear and the tutor ensured everyone participated in class activities. Overall a great course to start to build your Python knowledge.
Dr Miranda Jones, Research and Innovation Support Officer

Thanks again for a really interesting and productive experience. I enjoyed the level of content, the amount of topics covered and the in-person teaching. I have found this short course such a great way of learning a new skill, and the experience has been really encouraging and enjoyable. I will be recommending it to others and keeping an eye out for future BCU short courses!
Hazel Lancefield, Web and Product Officer

This was a great course. I appreciated its breadth and range and it really helped me build on my understanding of programming concepts and the skills I am looking to develop. The lecturer was excellent – it was great to have things explained in person and to be able to ask lots of questions. Thank you!
Satvinder Rai, HR Advisor

I just wanted to inform you that I really enjoyed the course and would really love to attend any advanced Python courses that BCU run. Please keep me updated and many thanks!
Adam, Student

We had an excellent teacher, who was very thorough and covered a large range of topics. She tested our knowledge throughout which was also very useful. Moreover, she went around the room to ensure everybody was getting on with the work which I found particularly good. She was approachable and made the learning experience easy.