Amaya Learning Academy/SELF PACED: Introduction to Programming with Python

  • $249

SELF PACED: Introduction to Programming with Python

  • Closed
  • Course
  • 78 Lessons

This course is recommended ONLY for students with prior programming experience. For some students, this format will work for learning a second language. Self-paced, bite-sized lessons are provided in both written and video form. Students have regular coding challenges, quizzes, and projects. Includes access to office hours. This course option is NOT recommended for students with no prior programming experience.

FAQ section

Frequently asked questions

You've got questions. We've got answers.

Who is this course designed for?

This course is ideal for anyone who already knows a different programming language to a high level of competence. They are strong in the fundamentals of programming and want an efficient and effective way to add Python to their current skill set. They are self-motiviated and do not need regular teacher interaction to learn.

Who should not take the self-paced version of this course?

Anyone brand new to programming.

Anyone who thrives in a classroom setting, but struggles without the benefits of classmates and a live teacher.

How old do I need to be to take this course?

If you already program in another language and are looking to add Python to your technical toolbelt, age is not a primary factor.

What is included in this course?

  • A full course of self-paced lessons. This include video lessons, code-alongs, readings, coding challenges, quizzes, and larger programming projects.

  • Access to live office hours when offered. You can expect at least 10 office hours to be offered over the school year.

How long do I have access to this material?

The course opens on September 1, 2025. You will retain access to this course indefinitely.

Where do I go if I have a question?

There are two main places for support for this course. Live office hours, when offered, and in the course community.

Every student is encouraged to be active in the Python community - bot asking question and answering questions from other students.

How can I succeed in this course?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. See every challenge as an opportunity to learn something new. Use Office Hours when offered. Connect with other students. Don't give up!

I signed up for the self-paced course, but realize I need the classroom experience. What options do I have?

You can upgrade your account at any time. Send me a text with your name and a brief message: (256) 665-9101.

We will get you sorted!

I have a few questions before I enroll.

I'm happy to answer any questions you have. Send me a text here: (256) 665-9101.

Provide your name and any relevant information.

Contents

Welcome and Set up

In this section you will receive an overview of the course and instructions for setting up your development environment.

It is strongly recommended that you create a GitHub account to save your work.

You may use the code editor of your choice. For those without a preferred code editor, this section will walk you through setting up VSCode.

What to expect
Getting GitHub set up
Getting VSCode Set Up
Codespace
Words of advice from prior students
How to procede?
Optional resources
Comments on AI tools and coding

Python Fundamentals 1

“Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start…”

Mary Poppins

Why are fundamentals so important?
Hello world
How Python executes a program?
What is a variable?
Python strings
Taking in user input
Code Challenge 1

Python Fundamentals 2

Python Functions
Arguments and Parameters
Scope - what can I access and where?
Code Comments
Code Challenge 2

Python Fundamentals 3

More Variable Scope
Debugging
Python Standard Library
What is Refactoring?
Code Challenge 3 - Let's revise our calculator

Check your understanding

Python Fundamentals Quiz 1

Python Fundamentals 4

What is an algorithm?
Loops
Conditionals
The Python "shell"
Modules
Loops, again. Hey, I've been here before.
Conditionals, part 2, this is major deja vu
Putting it all together

Check your understanding once more

Python Fundamentals Quiz 2

Hardware Fundamentals

What makes a computer a computer?
Components of a computer
Binary and Machine Code
Binary <> Decimal Conversions

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Ben Franklin

What is a flowchart?
Why use flowcharts?
How to create a flowchart?
What is pseudocode?
How are flowcharts and pseudocode related?
Why use pseudocode?
The rules for pseudocode
Flowchart and pseudcode == peanut butter and jelly
Putting it into action

Data Structures

Python built-in data structures
Primitive and Non-Primitive Data Structures
Lists - a gentle introduction
Dictionaries - dipping our toe in the water
Tuples - just skimming the surface
Sets - I ran out of phrases
Code Challenge 4 - Guess a Number Game

Data Structures, Round 2

Lists - a deeper dive
Dictionaries - diving in
Tuples and Sets - Last time

Hangman Project

Optionally a group project

This may take you a while. That is okay.

[OPTIONAL] How to work as a team
Planning out your project
Hints, Tips, Suggestions

Refactoring

Code Challenge 5: Let's refactor that calculator (last time, I promise!)

Algorithms

Algorithms in every day life
Search algorithms
The complexity of an algorithm
TASK: Create an algorithm
Sort Algorithms

All about the internet

How the internet works
What is an API?
Working with an API
API Project

File Handling & Working with Data

What is data?
How files work in Python?
Data Analysis Project

Fixing Broken Things

What is debugging?
How to debug efficiently and effectively?
Python Errors and Exceptions
Code Challenge 6: Find a bug; Fix a bug