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Introduction to Python and Programming

Course code
SCM444, SCM442
Course type
BSc Course
Weekly Hours
2,0
ECTS
3
Term
HS 2020
Language
Englisch
Lecturers
Alexander Hess
Please note that exchange students obtain a higher number of credits in the BSc-program at WHU than listed here. For further information please contact directly the International Relations Office.

The main purpose of this course is to make the student familiar with basic concepts of programming in Python, one of the most important languages used at the moment.

This prepares the student for further courses, for example, in Data Science, Machine Learning, or Web Development.

Students taking this course in the past reported that they could use what they learned in summer internships as well, in particular when they worked in start-ups.

Also, many students applied what they learned when writing their Bachelor theses.

The topics introduced are:

  • basic elements of a programming language
  • modularization via functions
  • boolean if-else logic
  • flow control via for- or while-loops
  • data types (lists, tuples, dictionaries, sets, arrays, dataframes)
  • object-orientation
  • replacing Excel with Python
  • data mining with APIs (e.g., Google Maps API)
Date Time
Friday, 30.10.2020 15:30 - 18:45
Saturday, 31.10.2020 09:45 - 13:00
Friday, 13.11.2020 15:30 - 18:45
Saturday, 14.11.2020 09:45 - 13:00
Friday, 27.11.2020 15:30 - 18:45
Saturday, 28.11.2020 09:45 - 13:00
The main goal is to enable the student to implement simple programs on his or her own and to show how easy Excel can be replaced with professional software.
All materials can be found for free on GitHub:https://github.com/webartifex/intro-to-python
The teaching style is pragmatic and hands-on. Theoretical concepts are explained in class with actual code. The study materials enable the student to code along either right away or re-do everything at home.

Exercises and case studies show how the learned concepts can be applied in the real world.

Weekly Coding Assignments (67%): Real-world Exercises & Case Studies

Exam (33%): Python "Theory" & Concepts

The coding assignments are done in small and randomized groups at home. They require the students to solve real-life tasks on their own. The solutions are presented in class and the students may improve their grade with active participation.

The exam focuses on the concepts taught in class. Exam-like questions are distributed after every lecture, and if the students can answer them, they are ready for the exam. There is no memorizing bullet points for this exam. Big promise!

There are for this course. interested in learning to code and encouraged to join.
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