Python Programming Fundamentals
CSE-41273
Python Programming Fundamentals
Python is a versatile and powerful programming language with a wide variety of libraries and third-party packages that can be applied to deep learning, fuzzy text processing, bioinformatics, web development, web scraping, and more.
Building off of Introduction to Programming (Python), this course will cover many unique features that make Python such a popular language, and will go beyond just "the basics." Upon completion of the course, students will gain experience in the full development life cycle using the Python programming language.
Course Highlights:
- Best practices for coding style and documentation
- Comprehensions and iteration
- Files, context managers and fake files
- Python's wide variety of libraries and third-party packages
- Object-oriented programming, testing and test-driven development concepts
- The Pythonic method to handle common computer science abstractions
Course Benefits:
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Set up working project environments
- Write command-line programs with documentation
- Make portable Python modules that can be integrated with other programs
- Create unit tests and follow test-driven development principles
Course typically offered: Online, every academic quarter.
Format: This course is offered every quarter in regular pace (9weeks) and accelerated format (5 weeks). Please see below:
- Section ID 185755 is accelerated to be completed in 5 weeks
- Section ID 185756 is a regular pace course to be completed in 9 weeks
Prerequisites: Introduction to Programming (Python) or an equivalent knowledge.
Next steps: Upon completion of this course, consider enrolling in the Python Programming certificate and taking Intermediate Python to continue learning.
More information: Contact infotech@ucsd.edu to learn more about this course.
Course Information
All homework and projects will be implemented in Python 3.
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
No textbook required.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 4/7/2025
Schedule:
Instructor:
Diane Chen, M.S.
Software Engineer, Consultant, Instructor. Teaches Python in workshops and private classes; DjangoGirls workshop coach and organizer.
Diane Chen received her Master of Science degree in Computer Science from San Diego State University, C++ and Java certificates from UC San Diego Extension, and a Python certificate from Coursera. She has 20+ years of experience programming Engineering CAD/CAM software, has built many websites and has worked in hardware testing. Currently she is enamored with the Python programming language and teaches workshops and private courses, in addition to teaching at UC San Diego Extension. Additionally, she contributes to open source software, is active in the local Python and PyLadies groups and is an organizer and coach for DjangoGirls workshops in Southern California.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 5/12/2025
Schedule:
Instructor: Louis Rey, BSEE
CE Certification/ Interoperability Supervisor, DivX.
Louis Rey is currently working at DivX as a CE Certification/Interoperability Supervisor with a focus in Video Compression and Digital/Analog Video. He has over 16 years of experience in various fields ranging from Optoelectronics, Industrial Automation, Wireless Communications (commercial and military), Digital Video Processing and Compression, and Software Development.
Mr. Rey has also over 15 years of teaching experience in technical, engineering and software development areas including, various Electronics in Digital, Analog and Communications courses, Digital Video Processing and Compression Algorithms, C++, Python, MATLAB, PLC, and SCADA.
He holds a MSEE from San Diego State University with focus in DSP, Communications and Modem/Software Radio Design and additional graduate level coursework in Digital Image Processing.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
No textbook required.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 6/30/2025
Schedule:
Instructor:
James Gappy, M.S.
Senior Software Engineer, Sony
James Gappy earned his master's in Computer Science/Engineering from Wayne State University. He is a professor at Mesa College where he teaches programming.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 7/14/2025
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor: Louis Rey, BSEE
CE Certification/ Interoperability Supervisor, DivX.
Louis Rey is currently working at DivX as a CE Certification/Interoperability Supervisor with a focus in Video Compression and Digital/Analog Video. He has over 16 years of experience in various fields ranging from Optoelectronics, Industrial Automation, Wireless Communications (commercial and military), Digital Video Processing and Compression, and Software Development.
Mr. Rey has also over 15 years of teaching experience in technical, engineering and software development areas including, various Electronics in Digital, Analog and Communications courses, Digital Video Processing and Compression Algorithms, C++, Python, MATLAB, PLC, and SCADA.
He holds a MSEE from San Diego State University with focus in DSP, Communications and Modem/Software Radio Design and additional graduate level coursework in Digital Image Processing.
