Online course

Programming 102: Think Like a Computer Scientist

Take your Python skills further. Guided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, you’ll explore algorithms and list structures.

Programming 102: Think Like a Computer Scientist

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Overview
Topics
Start dates
Requirements
Educators
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  • Duration 4 weeks
  • Weekly study 2 hours
  • Learn Free
  • Extra benefits From $44 Find out more

Find out what else you can do with Python

On this course, you’ll explore Python programming at an intermediate level.

You’ll discover how to break down problems into smaller parts, and then design and apply algorithms to data. You’ll also explore list structures and their various uses.

Ultimately, what you learn will build upon your foundational Python skills - preparing you to progress onto more advanced programming.

What topics will you cover?

  • use functions with parameters and return values
  • design and apply algorithms to data
  • breaking down problems into smaller parts
  • searching and sorting
  • efficiency of algorithms
  • understanding of list structures and their uses

When would you like to start?

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more

  • Available now
    This course started 22 April 2019

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Produce your own functions to break down problems into more manageable parts
  • Apply several common search and sort algorithms to data
  • Compare the efficiency of algorithms
  • Modify functions to take parameters and output return values
  • Interpret algorithms expressed in plain English, in pseudocde and as flowcharts

Who is the course for?

This course would suit teachers with some Python experience, who are able to write simple programs demonstrating sequencing, selection, iteration and data types.

What software or tools do you need?

To take part in this course you’ll need to download Python, or use an online IDE.

Who will you learn with?

James Robinson

James Robinson

James is an experienced Computer Science teacher who runs the Raspberry Pi Foundation's teacher training Programme called Picademy. He still plays with LEGO and drinks lots of tea.

Laura Sach

Laura Sach

Laura creates and maintains Raspberry Pi educational resources. Aside from computers, she loves cats, cakes, board games and making jam.

Michael Conterio

Michael Conterio

Who developed the course?

The Raspberry Pi Foundation works to put the power of digital making into the hands of people all over the world, so they are capable of understanding and shaping our increasingly digital world.

National Centre for Computing Education courses

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