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Programming 102: Think like a Computer Scientist

CO208 Online course

During this course you'll take your Python skills further by exploring algorithms and list structures.

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Algorithmic thinking Programming Computing Key stage 3 Key stage 4 CS Accelerator
Free online course Approximately 8 hours of self-study

On this course, you’ll explore Python programming at an intermediate level. 

You’ll discover how to break down problems into smaller parts, and then design and apply algorithms to data. You’ll also explore list structures and their various uses. 

Ultimately, what you learn will build upon your foundational Python skills - preparing you to progress onto more advanced programming.

This course would suit teachers with some Python experience, who are able to write simple programs demonstrating sequencing, selection, iteration and data types. We recommend that you take our Programming 101 course if you are unsure.

Who is it for?

This course is aimed at classroom teachers teaching up to and including GCSE computer science.

Topics covered

You'll cover the following topics:

  • Use functions with parameters and return values
  • Design and apply algorithms to data
  • Breaking down problems into smaller parts
  • Searching and sorting
  • Efficiency of algorithms
  • Understanding of list structures and their uses

How will you learn?

This online, self-paced course can be completed flexibly. You can join and start this course at any time after the advertised date. This course is not facilitated. You can learn independently or with colleagues to directly address your individual needs.

Outcomes

You will be able to:

  • Produce your own functions to break down problems into more manageable parts
  • Explain several common search and sort algorithms
  • Compare the efficiency of algorithms
  • Modify functions to take parameters and output return values
  • Interpret algorithms expressed in plain English, in pseudocde and as flowcharts

This course is part of the Subject knowledge certificate

Subject knowledge certificate

Our professional development programme, Computer Science Accelerator, is designed to help you develop or refresh your subject knowledge and leads to a nationally recognised certificate.

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This course is from the National Centre for Computing Education and is delivered by STEM Learning.

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