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Programming for Everybody: Python Data Structures

Discover data structures and learn how they’re used in the Python programming language with experts at the University of Michigan.

9,859 enrolled on this course

  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    4 hours

Take your next step in learning Python from scratch

On this course, you’ll be introduced to the core data structures of the Python programming language and learn how they are used.

Designed as the next step up from the Programming for Everybody: Getting Started with Python course, this course moves past the basics of procedural programming.

You’ll learn how to use the built-in data structures in Python, such as lists, dictionaries, and tuples, to perform more complex data analysis.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Welcome to Data Structures

    • Welcome

      Welcome to Python Data Structures!

    • Materials

      This activity will introduce you course-wide material so you can come back and reference it as you need to throughout the class.

    • Writing Python Programs

      Getting ready for Python programming

    • Python Playground

      Introduction to the Python Code Playground

    • Bonus Materials

      Bonus videos with Dr. Chuck

  • Week 2

    Chapter Six: Strings

    • Introduction: Chapter 6

      Welcome to Chapter 6.

    • Lecture: Materials

      Getting started with strings.

    • Review: Chapter 6

      Take the test and evaluate your learning for Chapter 6.

    • Assignment: Chapter 6

      Apply what you have learned.

    • Bonus: Chapter 6

      Our bonus videos for this week.

  • Week 3

    Chapter Seven: Files

    • Introduction: Chapter 7

      Welcome to Chapter 7

    • Lecture: Materials

      Getting started with accessing files.

    • Review: Chapter 7

      Take the test and evaluate your learning for Chapter 7.

    • Assignment: Chapter 7

      Apply what you have learned.

    • Bonus: Chapter 7

      Our bonus videos for this week.

  • Week 4

    Chapter Eight: Lists

    • Introduction: Chapter 8

      Welcome to Chapter 8

    • Lecture: Materials

      Getting started with lists.

    • Review: Chapter 8

      Take the test and evaluate your learning for Chapter 8.

    • Assignment: Chapter 8

      Apply what you have learned.

    • Bonus: Chapter 8

      Our bonus videos for this week.

  • Week 5

    Chapter Nine: Dictionaries

    • Introduction: Chapter 9

      Welcome to Chapter 9

    • Lecture: Materials

      Getting started with dictionaries.

    • Review: Chapter 9

      Take the test and evaluate your learning for Chapter 9.

    • Assignment: Chapter 9

      Apply what you have learned.

    • Bonus: Chapter 9

      Our bonus videos for this week.

  • Week 6

    Chapter Ten: Tuples

    • Introduction: Chapter 10

      Welcome to Chapter 10.

    • Lecture: Materials

      Getting started with tuples.

    • Review: Chapter 10

      Take the test and evaluate your learning for Chapter 10.

    • Assignment: Chapter 10

      Apply what you have learned.

    • Bonus: Chapter 10

      Our bonus videos for this week.

    • Wrap Up

      Congratulations on completing Python Data Structures! Explore what is next with Dr. Chuck

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...

  • Explain the principles of data structures & how they are used
  • Develop programs that are able to read and write data from files
  • Demonstrate understanding of data storage using key/value pairs with Python dictionaries
  • Perform multi-step tasks like sorting or looping using tuples

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for those who have completed the Programming for Everybody course who want to move to the next stage in their Python learning.

The Programming for Everybody courses are designed for anyone who wants to learn computer programming. No prior programming experience is required.

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

    1817
  • Location

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
  • World 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 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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