Course Description and Competencies

What to Expect

In this course, you will gain skills in creating Python scripts with basic programming concepts. You will learn to create control flow with functions and loops. And you will learn to implement code with packages, modules, and libraries.

The course is divided into 14 chapters of content. Each chapter includes practice questions, coding problems, and labs. There are 18 additional chapters of review and practice content available. While these chapters are not required to complete the course, engaging with them can reinforce new learning and prepare you for the final exam.

The final two chapters in the course (chapters 33 and 34) are practice tests meant to help you gauge your readiness for the final exam.

Course Competencies

This course covers the following competencies:

  • The learner creates Python scripts with basic programming concepts. 
  • The learner creates control flow with functions and loops. 
  • The learner implements code with packages, modules, and libraries. 

Assessment

The assessment provides an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the competencies in this course. You must achieve a ranking of Competent on the assessment to pass the course. You may attempt the assessment two times before additional support is necessary. If you require further attempts, please contact your Student Experience Team.

1 Final Exam
3 Competency Units

Course Outline

ModuleUpon completion of this module, you will be able to:
Introduction to Python
  • Set up a Python development environment and write basic input/output operations while following proper syntax and indentation. 
  • Recognize the importance of scripts for code persistence and reuse.
Variables and Expressions
  • Define and manipulate variables, expressions, and modules to perform basic computations in Python. 
  • Identify and use different data types in Python, recognizing how they affect computations and expressions.
Types
  •  Identify, convert, and utilize common data types, including strings, lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries, in Python programs. 
  • Compare and contrast mutable and immutable data types, understanding when to use lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries based on their properties.
Branching
  • Implement conditional statements and logical operations to control program execution.
  • Construct and evaluate complex conditional statements.
Loops
  • Construct and manage loops to execute repetitive tasks efficiently in Python programs. 
  • Control loop execution using special statements.
Functions
  • Define and use functions to organize and reuse code effectively. 
  • Define functions with parameters, utilize positional and keyword arguments, and apply default values to enhance function flexibility.
Troubleshooting Process
  • Apply a structured troubleshooting approach to diagnose and resolve programming issues. 
  • Apply a step-by-step, hierarchical method to debugging, prioritizing potential causes and refining their approach based on observed results.
Program Debugging
  • Identify and debug errors in Python programs using systematic debugging techniques. 
  • Systematically analyze code using visual inspection techniques to detect syntax, logic, and runtime errors.
Strings
  • Manipulate and format strings using built-in string methods and operations. 
  • Apply string slicing for data extraction.
Lists and Dictionaries
  • Create, modify, and access data using lists and dictionaries in Python. 
  • Store, retrieve, and modify key-value pairs in dictionaries, leveraging dictionary methods for efficient data handling.
Exceptions
  • Handle exceptions to ensure program stability and error management. 
  • Define and raise custom exception types to handle application-specific errors, improving error reporting and debugging
Modules
  • Import and use modules to extend the functionality of Python programs. 
  • Find and identify appropriate modules from Python’s standard library and external sources to enhance their programs.
Files
  • Read, write, and process files using Python’s file handling techniques. 
  • Interact with the file system using Python’s os and shutil modules and utilize command-line arguments to enhance file processing capabilities.

Technology Requirements

We want you to have the tools to succeed! Since this course includes at least one proctored test, please be sure to have a working microphone, speakers, and an external webcam. Unfortunately, an internal webcam (built into many laptops) is not acceptable. (Note: The external webcam is required only for exams that have proctors. You do not need one for practice tests and other non-proctored assessments.) If you haven't already, be sure to download the Meazure Learning Guardian browser, which you will need for the proctoring system.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. If you haven't already, download this free software. You may encounter an interactive form that contains fields that you can select or fill in. Review how to fill in a PDF form.

You are allowed to use a hand-held calculator on every assessment. Be sure to follow these calculator requirements.

For other details about the technology you'll need, review the Computer System and Technology Requirements. If you have questions about your setup, contact support@academy.wgu.edu.

Key Contacts

Certificate Connect
Check out this online community to take advantage of course resources, including videos and tips from your educators. You can ask and answer questions, provide feedback on your progress, and interact with fellow students. You will find this platform in the Student Resources section of the course. Log on and do some exploring!

Technical Support
If you encounter technical issues, be sure to contact the Help Desk. Just submit a Support Request for assistance.

Program Support
Do you have questions about your account? Student Support has answers. They can help with billing, switching courses, and other requests. You can contact them at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

Accommodations

WGU provides compliant and accessible learning experiences. If you require accommodation, please contact us at the start of the course. You can email disability@academy.wgu.edu.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to WGU's services and materials. We strive to use best practices for accessibility. Our goal is to conform to existing U.S. laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Our learning management system (LMS) platform is Open edX. Open edX’s commitment to accessible content is published in their Website Accessibility Policy.