Introduction to Python Programming
Gain an understanding of fundamental Python programming principles, concepts, and the software lifecycle.
This course offers a hands-on experience to discover a versatile language used across various domains. Python’s clear and concise syntax is beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those new to programming. Python has a large and active community, offering extensive support, libraries, and frameworks for web development, data analysis, machine learning, and more.
Topics
- Introduction to programming logic and design: the programming environment, variables and data types, control structures (conditionals loops), working with lists and strings, input and output, functions, classes, files.
- Interpreting errors and exceptions, testing and simple debugging of code.
- Reusing existing functionality: libraries and APIs, developing and/or extending existing solutions.
- Tools and techniques for sharing software solutions.
- Version control.
- Software Development Life Cycle.
RGU Upskilling
Undertaking an online RGU upskilling course can help you to develop or change your career or support your business to grow.
We're proud to offer a range of online upskilling short courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals in Scotland. If you are domiciled in Scotland, you will be eligible for a fee-waiver place, meaning you can upskill for free. Identified and created in collaboration with industry, these 15-credit online courses are designed to enhance employability for individuals and organisations looking to upskill their workforce.
Find out more about the range of courses on offer and the benefits of upskilling:
Disclaimer
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning methods
The course has four modules delivered online, via the University's Virtual Learning Environment Moodle.
- Recorded Lectures: approximately 2 hours/week in total, presented as short bite-sized (20-30 minute) lessons
- Tutorial exercises: a range of guided exercises to help participants further explore the principles covered in lectures.
Assessment
- Regular formative quizzes to check your understanding and progress.
- A software design and development exercise to bring together elements of the course.
Independent Study
- Materials and exercises are available online, allowing participants to study flexibly and independently at time and place to fit around existing work and life commitments.
- Further reading resources.
- Online tutor support.
Staff Delivering on This Course
The School has a vast experience delivering Python programming at all levels, from BSc (Hons) to MSc. Python is also central to the School’s strong track record in industry and research projects applying AI and Machine Learning to areas such as energy, health care, transport and tourism.
Staff at the School of Computing are recognised for their student-centred approach to teaching and support, with a number of them receiving STAR awards year on year.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All online learning students, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Academic Year 2023/2024
Fee-waiver places
Course participants must be domiciled in Scotland to be eligible for a fee-waiver place.
To be eligible for funding, you generally need to have 'settled status' in Scotland, meaning there are no restrictions on how long you can stay here. For example, this can be from birth or Right to Remain visa.
Eligibility is assessed on application and further evidence may be required.
All other applicants
Applicants who are not eligible for a fee-waiver place can pay to study the course - £350 entire course
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see: