Practical Programming with Python
In this rigorous 15-week online course, the student will learn the fundamentals of Python programming. By the end of the course, the student will be able to create fully functioning, complex applications.
What's included
15 live meetings
18 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursProjects
2-4 hours per week. The Capstone Project (s) 1. One or more Capstone Projects will be assigned in this course. 2. The Capstone project(s) are a means for the student to put into practice what has been learned in the course. Supplemental learning topics will be provided thoroughout the duration of the course that are needed to accomplish the Capstone Project(s). 3. A Capstone Project grade is based on effort and understanding, not necessarily whether or not the Capstone project is working correctly at the submission due date. 4. Any Capstone Project is due no later than midnight of the last scheduled course meeting.Letter Grade
Element / Weighting: - Quizzes / 10% - Homework / 60% - Capstone Project(s) / 30% Letter Grades: 91-100% 81-90% 71-80% D 61-70% F 60% or belowClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
This course is a rigorous introduction to Python programming. This course will cover several topics that include: how to setup the Python environment; how to use Jupyter notebooks in an integrated development environment (IDE); how to employ fundamental Python syntax; how to use loops for program control; and how to use functions and classes for object-oriented programming (OOP). The capstone of the course will be to develop fully operational, interactive terminal applications using what the student has learned. The teacher will guide the student through weekly lectures and will provided assistance, as needed, with weekly homework and with the capstone projects.
Learning Goals
The goal of this course is to introduce the student to the fundamentals of Python programming through examples. By the end of the course, the student will be able to create complex applications through object-oriented programming.This course will prepare the student to sit for the PCEP™ – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer exam through the Python Institute (see https://pythoninstitute.org/pcep)
Syllabus
15 Lessons
over 15 WeeksLesson 1:
Variables and Simple Data Types
In this lesson you will learn about the different kinds of data you can work with in your Python programs. You'll also learn how to use variables to represent data in your programs.
You will setup your programming environment on your computer. 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Introducing Lists; Introduction to ncurses
In this lesson and the next you'll learn what lists are and how to start working with the elements in a list. Lists allow you to store sets of information in one place, whether you have just a few items or millions of items. Lists are one of Python's most powerful features readily accessible to new programmers, and they tie together many
important concepts in programming.
You will be introduced to the fundamentals of ncurses programming in preparation for the Capstone project(s). 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Working with Lists; Drawing Unicode Characters in ncurses
In this lesson you'll learn how to loop through an entire list using just a few lines of code, regardless of how long the list is. Looping allows you to take the same action, or set of actions, with every item in a list. As a result, you'll be able to work efficiently with lists of any length, including those with thousands or even millions of items.
You will learn how to use Unicode characters in ncurses. 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
If Statements; Using the Mouse in ncurses
In this lesson, you'll learn to write conditional tests, which allow you to check any condition of interest. You'll learn to write simple if statements, and you'll learn how to create a more complex series of if statements to identify when the exact conditions you want are present.
You will learn about mouse input in ncurses. 75 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
• Text: Python Crash Course, 3rd Ed., Eric Matthews. San Francisco: No Starch Press, 2023.
• Text: Python Essentials 1, OpenEDG Python Institute, 2023 (available free at https://pythoninstitute.org or for purchase at Amazon)
• Student must have a computer (desktop, laptop) with an Internet connection.
• Recommended: Anaconda Python distribution and PyCharm Pro IDE installed on a personal computer.
Joined February, 2025
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am trained as an aerospace engineer and have worked software projects for approx 10 years of my 36-yr career, including embedded systems programming (C), F-18 flight computer programming (Ada), flight controls design and analysis (MATLAB), and various other projects (C, FORTRAN, PERL, Python).
I have taught 2 semesters of this course to-date (Fall 2024, Spring 2025) to adults and junior and senior high school students.
I have been a FIRST robotics mentor since 2008.Reviews
Live Group Course
$37
weekly1x per week, 15 weeks
75 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-12 learners per class
