Introductory Python

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Comment: What is a Learning Pathway?
A graphic depicting a winding path from a start symbol to a trophy, with tutorials along the way
We recommend you follow the tutorials in the order presented on this page. They have been selected to fit together and build up your knowledge step by step. If a lesson has both slides and a tutorial, we recommend you start with the slides, then proceed with the tutorial.

This is an introductory course of Python, as it was taught in Avans Hogeschool in the Netherlands.

This learning path covers all the topics usually taught during our 8 week Python course. Many modules can be re-arranged and re-organised based on the wishes of the instructor, however this is the suggested orientation. They are designed to be as modular as possible.

Week 1: Python is a Calculator

Python can work a lot like a desktop calculator! A lot of mathematical expressions one is used to from maths classes are the same or very similar in Python. Functional notation is also introduced.

Lesson Slides Hands-on Recordings
Python - Math
Python - Functions

Week 2: Python is a Database

Today we introduce basic types (integers, floats, booleans, lists, and dictionaries) that allow you to store data.

Lesson Slides Hands-on Recordings
Python - Basic Types & Type Conversion
Python - Lists & Strings & Dictionaries

Week 3: Python is a Computer

Once you’ve covered basic datatypes, let’s do interesting things with Python like Loops! And Flow Control! Python lets you automate calculations and tasks and we’ll learn about that building block this week.

Lesson Slides Hands-on Recordings
Python - Flow Control
Python - Loops

Week 4: Python is a Programming Language

Now that we’ve covered 90% of what you will write when you write a programming language, let’s look at the last 10%, reading and writing files and handling exceptional circumstances.

Lesson Slides Hands-on Recordings
Python - Try & Except
Python - Files & CSV

Week 5: Recap

You’re now a Python Programmer! This week we’ll go over everything you learned and work on some exercises that require putting together all of your new skills.

Lesson Slides Hands-on Recordings
Python - Introductory Graduation

Week 6: Python is a Command Line Interface

Here we’ll move into some more advanced topics that will make you a better python programmer!

Lesson Slides Hands-on Recordings
Python - Globbing
Python - Argparse

Week 7: Python is a Workflow Engine

Cont.

Lesson Slides Hands-on Recordings
Python - Subprocess
Virtual Environments For Software Development
Conda Environments For Software Development

Week 8: Review Period

This course is an extremely fast 8 weeks, so this last week is spent on helping students debug problems in-person


Editorial Board

This material is reviewed by our Editorial Board:

orcid logoHelena Rasche avatar Helena Rasche Bazante Sanders avatar Bazante Sanders

Funding

These individuals or organisations provided funding support for the development of this resource