Programming 102: Think Like a Computer Scientist

4.7 (93 reviews)

25,105 enrolled on this course

4 weeks
2 hours per week
Accreditation available
Digital certificate when eligible
Intermediate level

Find out more about how to join this course

This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. 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.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 2 seconds Are you looking to develop your Python programming skills? Then Programming 102 is the course for you. You’ll incorporate functions, lists, other techniques to build more complicated programs. You’ll also learn how programmers develop and represent algorithms, as well as considering the relative strengths of different searching and sorting methods. This free course contains peer-led discussions and trainer interaction. You’ll also get feedback on your knowledge as you progress. You can learn whenever and wherever you want. If you’re an educator with students of your own or simply want to boost your own programming skills, this course will prepare you for more advanced programming. I’m looking forward to seeing how you adapt and annotate your code, and start thinking more like a professional programmer.

Skip to 0 minutes and 46 seconds Sign up now at rpf.io/programming102. [MOUSE CLICK]

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

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service:

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Available now

Learning on this course

If you'd like to take part while our educators are leading the course, they'll be joining the discussions, in the comments, between these dates:

5 Dec 2022 - 23 Dec 2022

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

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.

What do people say about this course?

Also challenges you to implement these concepts with your students.

"A great course that not only shows you the concepts but also challenges you to implement these concepts with your students. Thank you so much."

Agelos Titis

Who will you learn with?

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

Michael Conterio

Michael helps produce courses on FutureLearn for the Raspberry Pi Foundation. In his spare time he enjoys walking and performing stand-up comedy.

Who developed the course?

Raspberry Pi Foundation

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

This course is part of the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). Funded by the Department for Education and partners, we aim to change the way computing is taught in schools across England, and enable more young people to benefit from studying this important subject.

If you are a teacher in England you can get free upgraded access to this course, and use it towards NCCE certification. To do this, you must join the course through the Teach Computing website

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99 /month

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

Access to this course
Access to 1,000+ courses
Learn at your own pace
Discuss your learning in comments
Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$44/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

Access to this course
Learn at your own pace
Discuss your learning in comments
Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Continue & Upgrade

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

Access expires 6 Jan 2023

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

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