F27SP - Introduction to Programming 1

Course leader(s):

To be announced (Malaysia, September)

Aims

This course is introduces computer programming language fundamentals suitable for a data scientist using a relevant programming language, e.g., python.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to computer science, algorithms, computer architecture and operating system

2. Concepts of variables, data types, assignments, arithmetic operators, expressions

3. Conditions, boolean logic, logical operators, ranges

4. Control statements: if/else, loops (for, while)

5. String manipulation: indexing, subscript operator, slicing, concatenating, converting strings to numbers and vice versa

6. Running, Sharing, Reading, commenting and documenting programmes

7. Functions: reducing redundancy and complexity; formal/actual arguments, named argument; program structure and design; recursive functions

8. Sequences: Lists, tuples, byte sequences, byte arrays; iteration; basic list operators, replacing, inserting, removing, searching items

9. Manipulating files; text files: reading/writing; formatted text files (9.1 os and sys modules)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to do the following:

Understanding, analysing and characterising an information processing problem
Design an algorithm to solve problem in pseudocode
Mastering procedural programming constructs: variables, types, operators, assignments
Selecting appropriate control structures: conditional and iterative
Designing modular programmes with functions, arguments and return
Understanding and designig recursive functions
Understanding the differences between compiled and interpreted languages and interpreting error messages
Reading, commenting, and documenting a procedural program
Writing programs with string processing
Representing and manipulating data using lists and tuples
Reading/writing text and numbers from/to flat and structured (e.g. CSV) files
Installing interpreter, using interactive shell, editing, saving and running scripts using simple EDI (e.g. VS code)
Sharing work with peers using version control systems
Installing and operating debugger to track code execution
Managing code in files and directories

Further details

Curriculum explorer: Click here

SCQF Level: 7

Credits: 15