Start coding with one of the world’s most in-demand programming languages. This beginner-friendly course gives you the practical tools and knowledge to build a solid understanding of Python through hands-on exercises and real-world examples.
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Introduction to Programming with Python Course overview
Learn to think like a programmer with this hands-on and highly popular short course in Python programming. You will apply your knowledge to undertake practical exercises, with the support of an experienced tutor to guide you and answer questions.
By the end of the Python course for beginners, you will be able to
- Understand the fundamental features of the Python programming language
- Write procedural, object oriented and functional programs in Python.
This Python training course is a great way to progress your career in computer programming.
Who is it for?
Suitable for beginners to programming - and Python - this course is a great way to develop skills to further your career in fields such as data analytics, finance and web development.
Find out more about our Programming courses
Timetable
The Introduction to Programming with Python short course is 20 hours total learning, offered in the following formats:
- Weekly evening classes – taught one evening a week for 10 consecutive weeks, allowing you to continue in full-time employment
- Twice-weekly evening classes - taught two evenings a week for 5 weeks
- Saturday classes – taught over five consecutive Saturdays, designed for weekend learners
- Summer School – taught intensively over one week in the summer, ideal for converting from another programming language, or for staff training
Benefits
- Delivered by industry professionals
- Taught online to small groups
- Awarded a City St George's, University of London certificate on completion
What will I learn?
- Think like a programmer
- Python overview and the basic language elements: Introduction to Python. Variables. Loops. Main method. Conditional structures. Data structure
- File manipulation: Reading and writing files
- Object Oriented programming in Python: classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation
- How to build a modular Python program
- Introduction to the Python standard library
- Error handling: exceptions
By the end of the course, you will be able to
- Understand the fundamental features of the Python programming language,
- Write procedural, object oriented and functional programs in Python
Assessment and certificates
You will be awarded an official City St George's, University of London certificate if you attend at least 70% of the classes. The course is not formally accredited or assessed.
Assessment
Informal assessment will take place through group discussion, class room activities, and question and answer sessions as guided by your tutor.
Eligibility
Computer literacy.
English requirements
Applicants must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Tutors
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Philip de Grouchy
Dr. de Grouchy completed his Ph.D. in Physics at Imperial College London in 2013. His thesis described emerging experimental and analytical techniques for manipulating matter at very high temperatures.
Before joining the Short Courses team, Philip held research and teaching positions at Imperial, the University of Hong Kong, and Cornell, where he lectured for the Electrical and Computer Engineering department.
In addition to his teaching expertise, Philip also brings experience as a data analyst to the Python course: he has assisted start-ups, SME’s and government agencies on renewable energy, aerospace and defence projects
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Kosmas Kosmopoulos
Kosmas Kosmopoulos has broad experience in teaching a range of computing-related courses, from Business Information Systems to web development.
Kosmas is currently teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate level in a number of institutions including City St George's, University of London, Huron University, Middlesex University and the University of Westminster.
Kosmas's research interests are in the areas of Sensor Networks, Global Computing, Mobile Learning and Mobile Commerce.
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Spyridon Chouliaras
Spyridon Chouliaras holds a B.Sc. in Mathematics from University of Ioannina, Greece, and an M.Sc. in Data Science from Birkbeck, University of London. He has many years of experience in teaching machine learning, cloud computing, data analytics and database management courses on both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in a number of institutions including City, University of London.
Spyridon is currently working towards a Ph.D. in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, Birkbeck, University of London. His research focuses on cloud computing, auto-scaling, resource provisioning and anomaly detection, and his everyday tasks include leveraging machine learning and cloud computing to solve real-world problems.
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Toby Brodie
Tobi Brodie has over a decade’s experience teaching computer coding and web development in London and the South East of England, lecturing at Birkbeck University and, in his spare time, running Code Clubs for kids. He has an educational background in Computing and Information Systems and has worked in web development with various companies, from start-ups to not for profit organisations. Over the years he has built up skills in “all things web”, with a strong knowledge of the programming languages required to design, develop, and maintain them - including HTML, CSS, PHP & JavaScript. He also teaches core computer programming languages such as Python and Java to undergraduate level.
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Konstantinos Karoudis
Konstantinos Karoudis has a Diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Democritus University of Thrace, Greece, and an MSc in Information Technology from University of Stuttgart, Germany. He has worked on many developer roles for companies such as IBM Germany Research and Development Lab and BMW Research and Innovation Centre.
Konstantinos is currently working towards a PhD at London Knowledge Lab, Birkbeck, University of London, where he is also part of the ‘LIBE: Supporting Lifelong Learning with Enquiry-Based Education’ project developing a personalisation engine that enhances learners’ experience.
