We are now accepting applications for Summer 2022.
Students must follow University Public Health Protocols in place at the time of participation.
Students must follow University Public Health Protocols in place at the time of participation.
Computer Programming for Beginners: Coding in Python
Modality:
On-campus
Session:
I. June 27–July 15, 2022
II. July 19–August 5, 2022
II. July 19–August 5, 2022
Day & Time:
Monday–Friday, 9:10–11:00 a.m. and 1:10–3:00 p.m.
Instructor(s):
Melody Hsu
Prerequisites:
No previous programming experience is required, but participants should have an aptitude for logical reasoning and systematic thinking.
Course Description
This course provides an intensive introduction to coding with the language of Python, one of the most widely used and intuitive programming languages. Python is an interpreted language that, while syntactically simple, is equipped with a powerful set of libraries. Data analysis, machine learning, AI, data visualization, and web development can all be done quickly and efficiently with Python. This makes Python an ideal language for beginners.
Participants learn the fundamentals of programming with Python; they are introduced to best programming practices, data representation and storage, data structures, functions and scripts, and more. Students also learn how to take advantage of the incredible number of Python libraries. By the end of the course, they have an understanding of the programming fundamentals required to approach novel and interesting problems with Python.
The course alternates between classic instruction, group work, and individual programming challenges. While learning to code in Python, students also develop logical thinking and problem solving skills that will be helpful to them in learning other programming languages as well as in college and beyond.
Student computers can be either PC or a Mac and should have Internet connections and 8 to 10 GB of free space.
Students who are already familiar with Python might consider taking Computer Programming for Beginners: Coding in Java.
Instructor(s)
Melody Hsu
Melody Hsu is a current Master's student in Computer Science at Columbia University where she studies theoretical computer science. Her research interests include quantum computing, computational learning, and computational complexity. Prior to coming to Columbia, she worked for two years as a monetary policy analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York where she helped develop interbank lending models and secure payment systems. She completed her undergraduate studies at Brown University where she studied applied mathematics. Outside of her academic pursuits, Melody is passionate about teaching, having been both a teaching assistant for undergraduate courses and an instructional designer for pre-college courses.
Specific course detail such as hours and instructors are subject to change at the discretion of the University. Not all instructors listed for a course teach all sections of that course.