An Introduction to Programming Using Python
Learn Python programming essentials and how to kickstart your tech career with the University of Leeds.
22,885 enrolled on this course
Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
3 hoursLanguages
English, Italiano, Español, Français, PortuguêsEnglish, Italiano100% online
How it works
An Introduction to Programming Using Python
Unlock Python programming basics to code with confidence
Python is revolutionising the tech industry by making programming accessible and versatile.
Whether you are new to coding or looking to sharpen your skills, this comprehensive course from the University of Leeds is your gateway to learn foundational concepts and explore the skills you need to launch a successful career in tech.
Explore the foundations of Python programming
You’ll embark on an engaging journey into Python, one of the world’s most popular programming languages.
The course will guide you through the foundational concepts and syntax, including variables, data types, and input/output operations- key elements that will empower you to create your own Python applications.
By the end, you’ll be equipped to solve real-world problems and contribute to cutting-edge technological advancements.
Explore practical applications and ethical considerations
Programming is not just about writing code; it’s also about understanding the broader impact your work can have.. You’ll explore the ethical implications of software development, such as privacy, security, and the societal effects of technology.
This holistic understanding will prepare you to create responsible and beneficial applications in your professional career.
Learn from experts at the University of Leeds
Developed by the esteemed School of Computing at the University of Leeds, this course is part of the ClickStart initiative, designed to democratise access to computer science education. Learn from renowned academics and industry experts, gaining insights that are both academically rigorous and practically applicable.
Syllabus
Week 1
Programming fundamentals in Python
Course Introduction
Learn programming basics and Python syntax. Understand algorithms, propositional logic, and variables. Create simple programs and explore computer science's impact across diverse sectors.
Introduction to programming
Dive into programming by defining its essence, mastering key terms, and understanding diverse languages. Conclude by exploring Visual Studio Code, where you'll write and edit your first Python program.
Fundamental programming principles
Explore computer components and their programming roles to uncover programming fundamentals. Learn why mastering algorithms, problem-solving, pseudocode, and logical propositions is essential for advancing your programming skills.
Basic Python syntax
Master basic Python syntax to start writing programs using Visual Studio Code on Coursera. Engage in exercises to reinforce concepts like variables, data types, user input, output, and problem-solving through simple algorithms.
Week 2
More advanced programming concepts
Flow control and loops
Discover key programming concepts: conditionals and loops. Learn how conditionals make decisions for complex tasks. Write Python programs using if statements, for loops, and while loops.
Functions
Explore the concept of functions—reusable code blocks—in Python. Learn to write and call functions, understand built-in functions, and differentiate between arguments and parameters.
Writing a complete program: Program a robot to move in space
Bring together your programming knowledge to program a robot! Work within a text-based environment or optionally explore a GUI. Translate pseudocode to Python, solve problems with code, and guide a robot.
Course consolidation and Test
Congrats on finishing the course! You've learned programming basics, algorithms, logic, variables, data types, input/output, comments, conditionals, loops, and functions.
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 what computer programming is
- Describe what an algorithm is
- Describe what variables are
- Describe what logic operators are and explain the AND, OR and NOT operators
- Reflect on the use of different primitive data types in Python
- Create and run a simple “hello world” Python program
- Create a simple program in Python that can accept input from a user and display output to a user.
Who is the course for?
This course is tailored for individuals who want to enhance their employability through digital skills. If you’re looking to enter the tech industry or advance your career prospects, this opportunity is ideal.
Click Start, aimed at bridging the digital gap for underrepresented groups, offers free access to twenty-nine courses from the esteemed University of Leeds. As a participant, you’ll gain unrestricted access to course materials, graded assignments, and certificates—all at no cost.This initiative not only provides practical Python programming skills but also prepares you for success across various professional environments.
Who will you learn with?
I am currently an Associate professor in the School of Computer Science, University of Leeds. Graduating with a PhD in theoretical computer science I am focused on computer science pedagogies.
Who developed the course?
University of Leeds
As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.
Click Start
This course is part of Click Start, a nationwide training programme developed by the Institute of Coding (IoC) , a national collaboration of universities, employers and charities and funded by Nominet – the public benefit company and guardians of the .UK namespace.
Institute of Coding
The Institute of Coding (IoC) is a national collaboration of employers, universities, and charities, on a mission to provide people from all walks of life with access to digital learning and career opportunities.
Endorsers and supporters
funded by
| Best ValueBest Value - learn more, save more! | |||
Ways to learn | Buy this course | Subscribe & save | Start learning today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose the best way to learn for you! | $54/one-off payment | $244.99 for a whole year Automatically renews | Free |
| Fulfill your current learning need | Develop skills to further your career | Try this course - with limits | |
| Access to this course | tick | tick | Limited to 2 weeks |
| Access to 1,000+ 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 |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Subscribe & save
$244.99 for a whole year
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
- Tests to boost your learning
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Buy this course
$54/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- 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
Start learning today
Free
Try this course - with limits
- Limited to 2 weeks
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) Sale price available until 2 November 2026 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply. | |||
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Sale price available until 2 November 2026 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.
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
Learner reviews
Learner reviews cannot be loaded due to your cookie settings. Please and refresh the page to view this content.
Get a taste of this course
Find out what this course is like by previewing some of the course steps before you join:
Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...
More courses you might like
Learners who joined this course have also enjoyed these courses.
Browse more in IT & Computer Science
