Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
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 hours
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 learn at your own pace. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. 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
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps, but you can complete them as quickly or slowly as you like
- 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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Join this course
Free
Join free and you will get:
- Access to this course for 8 weeks
Upgrade
Upgrade this course and you will get:
- Access to this course for as long as it’s on FutureLearn
- Access to this course’s tests as well as a print and digital Certificate of Achievement once you’re eligible
Unlimited
Buy Unlimited and you will get:
- Access to this course, and hundreds of other FutureLearn short courses and tests for a year
- A printable digital Certificate of Achievement on all short courses once you’re eligible
- The freedom to keep access to any course you've achieved a digital Certificate of Achievement on, for as long as the course exists on FutureLearn
- The flexibility to complete your choice of short courses in your own time within the year
Find out more about upgrades or Unlimited.
Get a taste of this course
Find out what this course is like by previewing some of the course steps before you join:
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