Learn to Program: The Fundamentals Course Syllabus

Overview: This course is designed for absolute beginners with no prior programming experience. Over approximately 21 hours of content, you'll learn the foundational concepts of programming using Python. The curriculum is structured into six modules that progressively build your skills—from writing simple expressions to working with data structures and files. Each module includes interactive exercises and practical assignments to reinforce your understanding. With flexible pacing, you can complete the course at your own speed while gaining hands-on experience essential for further study or entry-level programming roles.

Module 1: Python, Variables, and Functions

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Introduction to Python programming
• Using variables and values
• Creating and evaluating mathematical expressions
• Defining and calling basic functions

Module 2: Strings and Designing Functions

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Working with string operations
• Formatting input and output
• Principles of function design
• Documenting and testing functions

Module 3: Booleans, Import, Namespaces, and if Statements

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Understanding Boolean values and expressions
• Type conversions and comparisons
• Using import statements and modules
• Writing conditional logic with if statements

Module 4: For Loops and Fancy String Manipulation

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Implementing for loops over sequences
• Advanced string manipulation techniques
• Using debugging tools to trace code
• Analyzing program flow with loops

Module 5: While Loops, Lists, and Mutability

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Writing while loops for indefinite iteration
• Creating and modifying lists
• Understanding mutability in Python objects

Module 6: For Loops Over Indices, Parallel and Nested Lists and Strings, and Files

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Looping over indices using range and len
• Processing parallel and nested lists and strings
• Reading from and writing to files
• Organizing program structure and handling data persistence

Module 7: Tuples and Dictionaries

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Introduction to tuples and their immutability
• Creating and accessing dictionaries
• Using dictionaries for data mapping and lookup

Prerequisites

• No prior programming experience required
• Basic computer literacy
• Access to a modern web browser and internet connection

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Understand the fundamental building blocks of programming using Python
• Write simple programs involving variables, expressions, and functions
• Manipulate text using strings and design functions effectively
• Implement control flow with Booleans, conditionals, and loops
• Work with data structures like lists, tuples, and dictionaries and perform file operations