Introduction to Computer Science with Python

Harvard Summer School

CSCI S-7

Section 1

CRN 34533

View Course Details
This course is an introduction to computer science for students without prior programming experience. We explore problem-solving methods and algorithm development using the high-level programming language Python after a brief introduction to computational concepts using Scratch. Python is a language with a simple syntax, and a powerful set of libraries. While Python is easy for beginners to learn, it is widely used in many scientific areas for data exploration. We cover basic data types and collections (lists, dictionaries, tuples, and sets), control flow, recursion, information hiding and encapsulation using classes and objects, and introduce the analysis of program performance. The examples and problems used in this course are drawn from diverse areas such as text processing and simple graphics creation. We also examine theoretical and practical limitations related to unsolvable and intractable computational problems.

Instructor Info

Henry H. Leitner, PhD

Senior Lecturer on Computer Science, Harvard University


Dimitri Kountourogianni, MA

Software Engineer


Meeting Info

TTh 3:15pm - 6:15pm (6/24 - 8/9)

Participation Option: On Campus, Online Asynchronous or Online Synchronous

In online asynchronous courses, you are not required to attend class at a particular time. Instead you can complete the course work on your own schedule each week.

Deadlines

Last day to register: June 20, 2024

Additional Time Commitments

Required sections to be arranged.

Prerequisites

High school algebra.

Notes

Students can attend in person on campus, participate live online at the time the class meets via web conference, or watch the recorded video asynchronously. Recorded sessions are typically available within a few hours of the end of class and no later than the following business day. Harvard College students: This course is eligible for degree credit, but see important policy information.

Syllabus

All Sections of this Course

CRN Section # Participation Option(s) Instructor Section Status Meets Term Dates
16959 1 Online Asynchronous, Online Synchronous Henry Leitner Open M 5:10pm - 7:10pm
Sep 3 to Dec 21
34533 1 On Campus, Online Asynchronous, Online Synchronous Team Taught Field not found in response. TTh 3:15pm - 6:15pm
Jun 24 to Aug 9
25531 1 Online Asynchronous Henry Leitner Open Jan 27 to May 17