Python Programming 5 Day Course
| Duration | 5 meetings | |
|---|---|---|
| Tutor | Dr Mike Evans | |
| Course code | COM26A5686A | |
| Fee | £387 | |
| Concessionary fee | £310 (find out about eligibility and funding options) | |
| Location | 50-51 Park Place |
This module provides a practical introduction to programming with Python.
Designed for beginners with basic computer experience, it introduces Python’s core principles through clear examples and hands-on programming exercises.
You will explore Python’s built-in data types, including numbers, strings, lists, tuples and dictionaries, and learn how they can be used to solve different problems.
The course combines tutor-led teaching with practical exercises, giving you opportunities to write, test and improve your own programs.
On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
- Explain the differences between numbers, strings, lists, tuples and dictionaries
- Write Python scripts that accept keyboard input
- Write Python scripts that accept command-line arguments
- Read and process records stored in text files
- Use metacharacters and pattern matching to select records from text files
- Store and retrieve records using a keyed database
Learning and teaching
Teaching will take place in practical computer workshops at the Lifelong Learning building on 50–51 Park Place, Cardiff.
This module includes a mix of traditional lectures and laboratory sessions. There will be 5 daily meetings of 5 hrs. Each meeting starts with a lecture and finishes with a laboratory session.
25 contact hours.
Topics include:
- creating and running Python scripts
- working with built-in object types such as numbers, strings, lists, tuples and dictionaries
- using mathematical functions from the math module
- accepting user input via the keyboard
- creating user-defined functions
- processing text files
- using metacharacters for pattern matching
- handling exceptions
- saving dictionary key-value pairs to a database using the shelve module
- and exploring specialised Python libraries.
Coursework and assessment
To award academic credits, it is essential to demonstrate the knowledge and practical programming skills developed during the course through assessed work.
Assessment is designed not only to measure achievement but also to reinforce learning by allowing learners to apply the techniques introduced throughout the module.
Assessment activities will focus on developing, testing, and documenting Python scripts that demonstrate the use of key programming concepts covered during the course.
The emphasis is on producing practical solutions to realistic scripting tasks while building confidence in writing reliable and reusable code.
Reading suggestions
Lutz, M. & Ascher, D., Learning Python. O’Reilly & Associates
Library and computing facilities
As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.
Accessibility
Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.
