The Introduction to Computing course It offers you a gateway to the exciting world of technology, a booming sector with ever-increasing demand for skilled workers. You’ll learn to communicate with the heart of a computer through programming, using Python as a key tool. Through this language, you’ll discover how to solve real-world problems and handle data effectively – a vital skill in the age of Big Data. You’ll learn about the basic concepts of databases, which are essential for any aspiring data scientist, and you’ll delve into the data analysis using the powerful Pandas library. This course will not only equip you with technical knowledge, but will also enhance your ability to think logically and in a structured way – skills that are highly valued in any professional field. As it is an online course, you’ll have the flexibility to learn at your own pace, from wherever you like. Take the first step towards a future full of opportunities!
Introduction to Computing
Digital Skills
40 hours
Introduction
Objectives
- To understand the basic architecture of a computer and how it works.
- To learn to programme using Python as an introductory language.
- Use IDEs to write and run code efficiently.
- Use Python to solve practical, everyday problems.
- To understand the basic concepts of databases and their uses.
- Handle data using Python libraries such as Pandas.
- Analyse and process data using advanced Pandas functions.
Table of Contents
TEACHING UNIT 1. INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING (I)
Why do we programme? An introduction to computer architecture
How do you “talk to a computer’? An example using Python
How can I “talk” to a computer more easily?
Using IDEs – Highly recommended additional resources
TEACHING UNIT 2. INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING (II)
Writing and running code. Example in Python
Programmes for problem-solving. Examples in Python
Data types. Examples in Python
Interacting with the outside world. How do you read and write files? Examples in Python. Highly recommended additional resources
TEACHING UNIT 3. INTRODUCTION TO DATABASES
Data and data storage. What is a database?
Relational databases
Data and Big Data
Public data repositories
TEACHING UNIT 4. PYTHON FOR DATA ANALYSIS: THE PANDAS LIBRARY
Introduction to Pandas
Basic Data Processing with Pandas (I)
Basic Data Processing with Pandas (II)
Advanced Pandas functions