To successfully undertake training in the 55284A: Introduction to Python course, students should meet the following minimum prerequisites:

• Basic familiarity with computers and navigating the operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
• Understanding of basic concepts in programming such as variables, loops, and functions is helpful but not required.
• An openness to learning a new language and solving problems programmatically.
• Ability to install software on one's computer, as Python installation will be part of the learning process.

Please note, this course is designed as an introduction, and no prior experience with Python is necessary. The course will guide you through the basics and build up to more complex concepts. If you're eager to learn and committed to practicing the materials provided, you will be well-equipped to succeed in this course.

Target Audience for 55284A: Introduction to Python

Course 55284A: Introduction to Python is designed for beginners seeking to gain fundamental skills in Python programming. Ideal for those entering the field of software development.

Target Audience for Course 55284A:

• Aspiring Programmers with little to no prior programming experience
• Students interested in learning programming and considering a career in IT
• Professionals seeking to transition into tech roles requiring scripting knowledge
• Data Analysts looking to add Python skills for data manipulation and analysis
• IT Professionals who need to automate tasks or processes with Python scripts
• Hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts interested in learning Python for personal projects
• System Administrators seeking to write or understand Python scripts for automation
• Entrepreneurs who want to understand the technical aspects of their tech projects
• Academic Researchers requiring programming skills for data processing and analysis
• Educators and Teachers aiming to incorporate Python programming into their curriculum

Learning Objectives - What you will Learn in this 55284A: Introduction to Python?

Introduction to the Course's Learning Outcomes and Concepts Covered

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Python programming, covering basic syntax, data structures, flow control, file handling, and more to equip students with foundational Python skills.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

• Understand and apply Python's basic syntax and script structure by writing and executing Python scripts.
• Create, manipulate, and understand Python variables, data types, and fundamental operators to perform calculations and process data.
• Define and use functions, including understanding scope, parameters, and return values to modularize code.
• Utilize Python's built-in and external modules to extend the functionality of Python scripts.
• Work with Python's string manipulation capabilities to format, search, and present text data effectively.
• Manage and operate on sequences, dictionaries, and sets to organize and process data collections.
• Implement flow control with conditional statements and loops to direct the execution flow of scripts.
• Set up and use virtual environments for project dependencies to ensure consistent execution across different systems.
• Employ regular expressions for pattern matching and text processing tasks.
• Perform file operations, including reading from and writing to files, and navigate the file system using os and os.path modules.
• Handle errors and exceptions gracefully to improve the reliability and user experience of Python applications.
• Work with dates and times using Python's time and datetime modules for time-sensitive script operations.
• Execute Python scripts from the command line, leveraging command-line arguments and paths to interact with the operating system.