| title |
|---|
Introduction to Programming class syllabus |
\bgroup \setlength{\tabcolsep}{0.8em} \renewcommand{\arraystretch}{1.5}
\begin{center} \begin{tabular}{ | l l | } \hline \textbf{Course title} & Introduction to Programming \ \textbf{Schedule} & Monday (in person) and Thursday (remote) 6:00pm to 7:30pm. \ \textbf{Course length} & 15 weeks \ \hline \end{tabular} \end{center} \egroup
\vspace{.3in}
This is an introduction to computer programming with Python. No previous experience with programming is expected, you simply need access to a computer and to know the basics of how to use it. By the end of this class you will be able to write basic Python programs.
Homework assignments will be assigned every week. Assignments should be submitted via Canvas. The assignment's due date and requirements will be detailed in Canvas as well.
Most class periods will involve in class exercises that you are expected to participate in and will be graded on.
There will be an assessment at the end of every unit and a final exam at the end of the class.
A minimum of 70% is required to pass this class. Your grade will be made up of a combination of the homework, unit assess, and final exam.
\pagebreak
\begin{multicols}{2} \subsection{How can you succeed in this class?} \begin{itemize} \item Do your homework \item Participate in the in class exercises \item Write the code yourself, no copy/paste \item Run all of the code that you write \item Take notes \item Use Slack \item Ask questions \item Work with your classmates \end{itemize}
\columnbreak
\subsection{How can you fail in this class?} \begin{itemize} \item You don't write code \item You don't take notes \item You don't ask questions \end{itemize} \end{multicols}
Students will be introduced to the class, the tools we'll use, and to each other. We'll go over what is required in order to succeed. We'll also make sure everyone has Python and a text editor installed. Finally, we'll introduce students to the basics of computers, programs, and programming.
We're now ready to start coding, so we'll begin by introducing the basic components of programming: variables, values and operators. We'll also learn how to write to the screen and read user input.
We'll be learning about conditionals which will allow us to write programs that perform different actions depending on a set of conditions that you specify. We'll take this as a chance to review boolean operations.
Introduction to lists and loops. With this complexity comes new creative ways in which we can solve problems with programming.
In this unit we'll cover functions. Functions allow us to reuse our code and execute it whenever needed.
Compare dictionaries to lists as a data structure for storing data. Compare uses and benefits of a dictionary vs. a list. When would someone reach for a dictionary as opposed to a list?
\vspace{.2in}
* The order in which units are covered may change depending on how the class is progressing.