Computer Science Minimum with Python

Intro to computer programming

Course Description

In this 40-hour hands-on course trainees learn selected fundamental concepts of Computer Science which every professional software developer needs to know, and which are required for the PCEP certification. This includes understanding the decimal, binary, hexadecimal, and octal number systems, being able to perform basic arithmetic operations with these numbers, being able to convert numbers from one system to another, and knowing where these number systems are used and why. The course also covers computing logic, and it comes with a lot of Python programming practice.

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for this course is Python Fundamentals.

Learning Outcomes

Trainees will be able to:

  • Work with decimal, binary, hexadecimal, and octal numbers.
  • Explain where these numbers are used in computing and why.
  • Convert numbers between different number systems.
  • Use the bitwise operations <<, >>, &, |, ^ and ~.
  • Explain the differences between the seven basic types of logic gates.
  • Use logic gates build binary adders and multipliers (virtually).
  • Explain how a digital computer processes numbers and text strings.

Equipment Requirements

Computer, laptop or tablet with Internet access, web browser, and email.

Course Structure and Length

This course is self-paced, and trainees practice each skill and concept as they go. Automatic feedback is built into the course for both practice exercises and quizzes. The course is divided into eight Sections. Each Section consists of 7 instructional/practice levels, a quiz, and a master (proficiency) level. Quizzes can be retaken after 12 hours.

This table illustrates the course structure as units, sections, and levels.

CS Minimum with Python is designed to take approximately 40 hours. Since the course is self-paced, the amount of time required to complete the course will vary from trainee to trainee.