Master the basics of Python programming, and learn how to use programming tools and variables with the University of Michigan.

Duration
6 weeksWeekly study
4 hours100% online
How it works
Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
Learn Python from scratch and prepare yourself for a future in programming
On this programming course, you’ll go from a complete beginner with no prior programming experience to having a solid understanding of the Python programming language.
You’ll begin by completing basic exercises that focus on the core concepts of programming. As you progress, you’ll learn how to use variables to store, retrieve and calculate information. You’ll optionally install Python, then write your first program, and get to grips with utilize core programming tools like functions and loops.
Upon completion of this course, you’ll have the computer programming skills to further your learning alone.
What topics will you cover?
- Understanding a program
- Using variables in programs
- Conditional execution (if statements)
- Repeated execution / looping (for statements)
- Functions and code reuse
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
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...
- Describe the basics of the Python programming language
- Use variables to store, retrieve and calculate information
- Install Python and write your first program
- Utilize core programming tools such as functions and loops
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn the basics of programming computers using Python. This course has no prerequisites and avoids all but the simplest maths.
What software or tools do you need?
Please note that JavaScript is required for full access to course content.
Who will you learn with?
Charles is a Clinical Professor and teaches in the School of Information at the University of Michigan. He is the Chair of the Sakai Project Management Committee (PMC).
Who developed the course?
University of Michigan
As the #1 public research university in the United States, U-M has been a leader in research, learning, and teaching for more than 200 years, with 102 Grad programs in the top 10 — U.S. News & World Report (2019).
Established
1817Location
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USAWorld ranking
Top 30Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020
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Ways to learn | Buy this course | Subscribe to Unlimited | Join with limited access |
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Choose the best way to learn for you! | $74 One-off payment | $27.99/month Automatically renews | Free |
Unlock your expertise | Access hundreds of courses | Try this course - with limits | |
Access to this course | tick | tick | Limited to 6 weeks |
Access to ALL eligible courses | cross | tick | cross |
Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
Tests to check your learning | tick | tick | cross |
Certificate when you're eligible | Printed and digital | Digital only | cross |
Ways to learn
Subscribe to Unlimited to access this course and hundreds of other short courses or buy just this course for extra benefits. Or, join with limited access.
Subscribe to Unlimited
$27.99/month
Automatically renews
Access hundreds of courses
- Access to this course
- Access to ALL eligible short courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Tests to boost your learning
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Buy this course
$74
One-off payment
Unlock your expertise
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Tests to boost your learning
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Join with limited access
Free
Try before you buy
- Limited access to course content for 6 weeks
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) |
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn
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