Introduction: Programming in Python

This short course for beginners will provide you with hands-on experience of the core features of  Python, and how to apply these to real-world problems. 

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Overview

Course details

This course introduces you to computer programming from the very beginning, assuming no prior knowledge. You will learn the core features of the Python language, including basic syntax, primitive object types, input and output, and the use of several important libraries. At the end, you will be able to write short Python programs to solve real-world problems involving data and algorithms. 

Dr Olexandr Konovalov sitting at a desk explaining python code with formulae in the background

Who is this course for?

This short course is aimed at anyone who is interested to learn programming in Python from the beginning. Python is one of the most popular and widely used programming languages in the world, with almost endless applications and is used by companies such as NASA, Google, and JP Morgan. 

Teaching format

The lessons in the course can be taken in a flexible order, depending on what interests you most. The dependency diagram below provides an example of the topics that will be covered, and in what order you can choose to complete them. This will be discussed in more detail at the beginning of your course. 

Image listing course elements, such as Jupyter Basics, Basic commands, Variables, Basic Regex and others. This information will be provided in more detail at the start of the course.

 

Course requirements

This course requires no prior knowledge as it will start with the very basics of programming with Python. 

The time commitment for this course is typically six to eight hours per week. New content for the course will be released each week and there will be a live question and answer session to discuss what you have learnt. 

Certificate

If successful, you will receive a Certificate of Completion and a digital badge from the University of St Andrews. 

Course dates

Start date:
Monday 13 January 2025
End date:
Sunday 23 February 2025
Cost:
£1,250
Duration:
41 days

Course teachers

Olexandr Konovalov

Olexandr Konovalov

Dr Olexandr Konovalov is a lecturer in the School of Computer Science at the University of St Andrews. He is leading the Research Software Group, focused on interdisciplinary computational research and development of underpinning research software, training in scientific computing, and studies in research software aspects.