Introduction to Python

Introduction to Python is a seven-week BerkeleyX course taught by lecturer Michael Ball and forms part of UC Berkeley's Computational Structures in Data Science sequence (course code DATA88C.1x). It introduces computer science and data science through Python, beginning with syntax, expressions and conditionals, then functions with arguments and return values, iteration with while and for loops, and sequences such as lists, tuples and comprehensions. Later material covers higher-order functions (map, filter and reduce), lambda expressions, mutability, function scope and side effects, and tracing programs with environment diagrams and Python Tutor. The stated aim is efficient, readable code and a foundation for computational problem-solving.

edX rates it intermediate and self-paced at five to ten hours a week, and no prerequisites are listed on the page. The audit track is free while the course run is active and excludes graded work and the certificate; the verified certificate is $200. The course is in English with English transcripts.