Introduction to Python
Time: 18:00 - 21:00
Location: Hybrid (choose either online or in-person)
This course will be delivered online or in person. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Choose a start date
- Course Code: CPPY05
- Dates: 24/04/24 - 15/05/24
- Time: 18:00 - 21:00
- Taught: Wed, Evening
- Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
- Location: Hybrid (choose either online or in-person)
- Tutor: Timothy Marley
Course Code: CPPY05
Choose a start date
Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course is aimed at anyone who wants to learn a simple but powerful modern programming language. The course leads students from the basics of writing and running Python scripts to more advanced features such as file operations, working with data, and using Python modules.
Participants who will attend the full course will receive a City Lit certificate of attendance electronically for their CV or CPD records. The certificate will show your name, course title and dates of the course you have attended.
You can choose to attend this course either live online or in person.
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
• An Overview of Python
• What is Python?
• Compiled and Interpreted programming languages
• Downloading and installing Python
• Using the Python documentation
• The structure of a Python script
• Running Python scripts
• Using variables
• Managing text with String operators
• Managing numbers with Math operators
• Writing to the screen
• Reading from the keyboard
• The if and elif statements 'while' and 'for loops'
• Using lists
• List operations and methods
• Dealing with syntax errors
• Program Exceptions.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Write Python scripts
• Use flow control structures
• Use Python to read and write files and handle external data
• Make their code robust by handling errors and exceptions properly
• Work with the Python code libraries.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge of Python or programming is required, but you should have good general computing skills. You should be able to follow spoken instructions, read written instructions and information, and discuss work with your tutor in English. If you are new to programming and would like to do some preparation for this course you may wish to try the following : Using the scratch tool use the graphical editor to draw a square http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/editor/.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
No external work required.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. All software used on the course is free to download and use and your tutor will recommend where to find this software. Unfortunately due to the range of hardware and software used by students at home, the College is unable to provide advice on installation issues.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please click here to view our Programming and Maths courses.
Disclaimer: Use of Third-Party Software
This course might require you to either use your own personal account or create an account for the purposes of this course. City Lit cannot accept any responsibility for any failings of the third party or provide technical support. Whilst using the software you will be responsible for abiding by the providers terms and conditions and maintaining your own work.
Tim is a PhD candidate in the field of High-energy physics. He attained an MSci degree from Imperial College London with a thesis on the formation of exoplanet moons. He has studied Python in the context of physics simulations, data analysis, statistical modelling, and Machine learning. For the past three years he has taught A-level students, undergraduates, and some university staff how to use Python effectively for modelling and data analysis. He has also tutored a variety of students in physics and mathematics from KS3 level to first-year undergraduate. His supervision in the undergraduate computing and physics laboratories of Imperial College London earned him a nomination for a Student Choice Award. “I was not exposed to programming until starting my undergraduate, but mere weeks into my degree it became an invaluable tool which I have used ever since.”
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.