Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python

This is the first course in a series of two courses: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming using Python and Introduction to Computational Thinking. They are intended to teach people who have never had to deal with programming or computer science to think and program to solve useful problems. While some people will use the courses as a step-stone to more advanced courses in computer science, others will find them useful. For many, it will be their first or last course in computer science. This course includes lecture videos, lectures exercises, and problem sets that use Python 3.5. You can easily switch to Python 3.5 if you have previously taken the course with Python 2.x. Or, enroll now to refresh your knowledge.

These courses could be the only courses in computer science that many students will take. We have decided to emphasize breadth over depth. Students will be able to get a quick overview of many topics to help them understand how computation can be used to achieve a goal later on in their careers. They are not "computation appreciation courses". These courses are rigorous and challenging, and students have to put in a lot of effort to learn how to bend the computer to their will.

Please note that edX Inc. recently reached an agreement to transfer the edX Platform to 2U, Inc., who will continue to operate the platform. This sale will not impact your course enrollment, fees, or your experience with this offering. The sale may close in the Fall, and the transfer to the edX platform might occur while the course is still running. After the sale, there may be changes to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for the edX platform. 2U has made it clear that they will protect the privacy of all learners using the platform. See the edX Help Center for more information.