Even if you have no previous programming experience, you can learn to code in Python. As of April 2022, our Python course is currently not being offered. We hope to offer it again in the future but have do not know when this will occur.
Python is a great first programming language
- Easy to learn, even with no previous programming experience.
- Easy to use. Includes powerful features for performing common tasks.
- Open source and supported on Windows, Mac, Unix, and other computing platforms. [1]
- A large online community with many resources available in case you need help.
Major websites and programs use Python
- Python helps power websites like Google, YouTube, Reddit, and Instagram. [2], [3]
- Libraries like NumPy, Biopython and Astropy make it easy to use Python for scientific computing tasks.
- Python is the main programming language for Raspberry Pi computing devices. [4]
Python is in-demand
- Ranked as the #1 programming language to learn in 2018 by TechRepublic, a publication for IT professionals. [5]
- In 2016, half of all jobs paying over $57,000 required basic coding skills like being able to program in Python. [6]
What you’ll learn in CS293B
Python is an easy-to-use general purpose programming language. In CS293B, you’ll learn how to:
- Use decision structures like If statements
- Write For and While loops
- Organize data with lists and tuples
- Create and use functions
- Read and write files
- Manage exceptions
- Manipulate strings
- Use modules and external libraries
- Perform regression analysis
- Incorporate object-oriented programming techniques
Who should take CS293B
Python programming skills can benefit many students. Consider taking CS293B if you:
- Want to learn how to program
- Have large datasets to analyze for your research or work
- Wish to learn valuable skills that employers want
- Are interested in Computer Science as a major or minor
What other students say about the course
“It’s a straightforward but challenging course for people who want to improve their programming skills in a short time.” —Chemistry graduate student
“The course is special because it is always based on real data and events, which makes me feel like I’m doing something that is meaningful and real.” —Global Initiative freshman student
Flyers
References
- "Download Python," Python.org, Jan. 2018. Available: https://www.python.org/downloads/.
- "What Are The 10 Most Famous Software Programs Written in Python?," Hartmann Software Group, Mar. 19, 2014. Available: http://www.hartmannsoftware.com/Blog/Articles_from_Software_Fans/Most-Famous-Software-Programs-Written-in-Python.
- "FAQ," Reddit.com, Dec. 2017. Available: https://www.reddit.com/wiki/faq.
- J. Browning, "So you got a Raspberry Pi: now what?," Engadget, Sep. 04, 2012. Available: https://www.engadget.com/2012/09/04/raspberry-pi-getting-started-guide-how-to/.
- N. Heath, "Five highly-paid and in-demand programming languages to learn in 2018," TechRepublic, Dec. 18, 2017, Available: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/five-highly-paid-and-in-demand-programming-languages-to-learn-in-2018/.
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"Beyond Point and Click: The Expanding Demand for Coding Skills," Burning Glass Technologies, Jun. 2016. Available: https://academy.oracle.com/pages/Beyond_Point_Click_final.pdf.