Designed for the not-yet-experienced programmer, this course will provide you with a structured foundation for developing complex programs in the fields of computer science or data science. If you are a self-taught programmer with scattered bits of understanding, or a complete novice, this is the course for you.
Introduction to Programming
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(24 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 19 hours
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree
Details to know
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Assessments
4 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 5 modules in this course
Welcome to the course! In this module, we will explore what makes the python programming language so excellent to learn and begin to write our first python programs. We will learn about variables, how to use them, how a program makes decisions using if statements, and how to interact with the user through input() and print() functions.
What's included
13 videos7 readings2 assignments1 programming assignment1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn how to make our programs more flexible, and able to solve more complex problems. We'll see how we can make more complex decisions using the if statement by including elif and else. We'll also see how we can have the program repeat actions using for and while, and be introduced to other useful functions such as range(), mean(), median(), and mode().
What's included
22 videos2 readings2 assignments1 programming assignment
In this module, we will learn how to create our own custom functions, which allow us to reuse our code, divide programs into meaningful chunks, and also reduce the number of errors and bugs in our code. This content will be split over 2 modules, with the first few sections being covered in this first module, with the remainder being covered in the next module.
What's included
15 videos2 readings2 programming assignments1 peer review1 ungraded lab
In this module, we will learn review functions, and continue practicing creating our own functions. There are a few lecture segments that touch on a few finer points from this chapter, and then more live programming examples. At this point in the semester, we have enough "tools" that we can write a larger program! You should experiment in the Reflective Practice and see what you can accomplish! In the full version of this course, this module also includes the beginning of a larger, 2 week long, project. Therefore, the content in this Module is somewhat shorter than normal.
What's included
9 videos2 readings2 programming assignments
What's included
2 readings
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.9 (9 ratings)
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Software Development
Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by Ball State University. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
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Learner reviews
4.7
24 reviews
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Showing 3 of 24
ME
5
Reviewed on Dec 24, 2023
Well run course. A professor who really wants you to succeed.
NE
5
Reviewed on Aug 10, 2024
A terrific introduction to coding--and a broad one at that--for folks with no background whatsoever.
TM
5
Reviewed on Sep 29, 2024
I'm a web designer with some comfort with JavaScript, but not a full fledged programmer. I got a lot out of this intro course!
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Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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