PCAP: PROGRAMMING ESSENTIALS

IN PYTHON (2.0)

OVERVIEW

DEVELOPED BY
CONTENTS

1. OVERVIEW
2. COURSE STRUCTURE
3. SCOPE AND SEQUENCE
4. HOW TO USE THE COURSE
5. CERTIFICATIONS
6. WHY LEARN PROGRAMMING
7. WHY LEARN PYTHON
8. PYTHON EXAMPLES
9. KEY TAKEAWAYS

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 OVERVIEW

PCAP: PROGRAMMING ESSENTIALS IN PYTHON (2.0)

 For beginners with little or no prior knowledge of programming;

 Broken down into two parts: PE1 (Basics) and PE2 (Intermediate), each part designed to be an independent,
one-semester course;
 8 x modules, 8 x quizzes, 8 x tests, 30+ lab scenarios, 2 x summary tests, and the final test;
 Accessed online with no special equipment or system requirements;
 Instructor-led training offered at no cost;
 Self-paced access offered at no cost;
 Aligned with PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PE1)
and PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming (PE2) certifications.

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TARGET AUDIENCE

The PCAP: Programming Essentials in Python (2.0) curriculum is designed for students with little or no prior knowledge of
programming.

CURRICULUM DESCRIPTION

The PCAP: Programming Essentials in Python (2.0) course covers all the basics of programming in Python, as well as general
computer programming concepts and techniques. The course also familiarizes the student with the object-oriented approach.

TARGET CERTIFICATION

The PCAP: Programming Essentials in Python (2.0) curriculum helps students prepare for the PCEP: Certified Associate in
Python Programming (PE1: Modules 1-4) and PCAP: Python Certified Associate Programmer (PE2: Modules 1-4)
certification exams. PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification is an optional interim step to the PCAP –
Certified Associate in Python Programming certification.

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COURSE STRUCTURE
PCAP: Programming Essentials in Python (2.0)

The PCAP – Programming Essentials in Python (2.0) course is

divided into two parts. Each part can be taught as an independent
PE1 PE2
mini-course over a semester.
PE1: PE2:
Module 1 Module 1
Python Essentials – Part 1 (PE1) is aligned with PCEP certification,
while Python Essentials – Part 2 (PE2) is aligned with PCAP PE1: PE2:
certification. Module 2 Module 2

Each module concludes with a brief quiz and a Module Test. PE1: PE2:
Additionally, each part (PE1 and PE2) ends with a Summary Test, Module 3 Module 3
which includes all the most important questions covered in modules
1 through 4. PE1: PE2:
Module 4 Module 4
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PYTHON ESSENTIALS – PART 1 (PE1)

After completing PE1 Module 1, the student will:

 have a basic knowledge of computer programming and software development;
 understand the fundamental programming concepts, such as: compiler, interpreter, source code, machine code, IDE;
 have an orientation in Python's development history, its main traits and features;
 gain skills allowing her/him to install and configure basic development tools as well as code, and run the very first Python
program.

After completing PE1 Module 2, the student will:

 gain skills enabling her/him to create, edit and run Python source files using IDLE;
 have some knowledge of Python's numeral literals, their syntax, types and formats;
 have an orientation in issues related to Python arithmetic operators and expressions;
 gain the ability to name, create, initialize and modify variables;
 have skills that enable her/him to perform basic input/output operations in a Python program.

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PYTHON ESSENTIALS – PART 1 (PE1)

After completing PE1 Module 3, the student will:

 know basic features of the Boolean data type;
 gain skills to work with relational operators in Python;
 have the ability to effectively use the control statements if, if-else and if-elif-else;
 understand the role of a loop and be able to use the control statements while and for;
 have an orientation in bitwise operations in Python;
 know the role of lists and be able to operate with them to perform actions including indexing, slicing and content
manipulation;
 understand how the bubble-sort algorithm works;
 have a knowledge of multidimensional lists in Python.

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PYTHON ESSENTIALS – PART 1 (PE1)

After completing PE1 Module 4, the student will:

 understand the concept of functions and be able to code and invoke her/his own functions;
 have an orientation of the main features of structural programming;
 have some knowledge of name scopes and be able to distinguish global and local variables, as well as understand how
name shadowing works;
 understand the principles of tuples including the immutability notion;
 know the role of dictionaries and be able to use them effectively in appropriate circumstances;
 be ready to take the Part 1 Summary Test, and attempt the qualification PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer
from the OpenEDG Python Institute.

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PYTHON ESSENTIALS – PART 2 (PE2)

After completing PE2 Module 1, the student will:

 understand the role of the Python module and know the available ways of importing modules into her/his own
code/namespace;
 gain knowledge of selected useful standard Python modules;
 have an orientation in package purposes as well as be able to create her/his own packages;
 know the main function of PIP and be able to use it in order to install and uninstall ready-to-use packages from PyPI.

After completing PE2 Module 2, the student will:

• know how characters are coded and stored inside the computer's memory, distinguish most known coding standards;
• gain knowledge of Python's sequences and know the differences between strings and lists;
• be able to effectively use selected lists and string methods;
• have an orientation of Python's way of identifying and handling runtime errors;
• understand the purpose of the control statements try, except and raise;
• understand Python exception hierarchies.
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PYTHON ESSENTIALS – PART 2 (PE2)

After completing PE2 Module 3, the student will:

 understand the fundamental concepts of object programming like class, object, property, method, inheritance and
polymorphism;
 have an orientation in the differences between procedural and object approaches, as well as being oriented when both of
the techniques reveal their pros and cons;
 be able to build her/his own classes, objects, properties and methods;
 be able to use inheritance and polymorphism in her/his inheritance path;
 understand the objective nature of Python exceptions.

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PYTHON ESSENTIALS – PART 2 (PE2)

After completing PE2 Module 4, the student will:

 gain the ability to understand the concepts of generators, iterators and closures as well as be able to use them in adequate
applications;
 know how Python accesses physical file-system resources, understand file open modes and perform basic input/output
operations in relation to text and binary files;
 gain an ability to manipulate date and time, work with a calendar, and create directory structures using Python;
 be ready to take the Part 2 Summary Test, and the Final Test;
 be prepared to attempt the qualification PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming from the OpenEDG Python
Institute.

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COURSEWARE – NETACAD (MOODLE)

The main course page on NetAcad:

 breaks the course down into sections;
 provides direct links to course resources,
study pages and tests;
 unlocks sections/contents after fulfilling
specific conditions (e.g., obtaining a
particular test score)
 Python Essentials – Part 2 is available to
those students who complete Python
Essentials – Part 1, and pass the Part 1
Summary Test (70% or more).

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COURSEWARE – EDUBE INTERACTIVE

A resource page:
 lets the student
study and practice
code writing as they
learn;
 intuitive and user-
friendly interface;
 programming
environment
available right from
the student’s
browser.

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COURSEWARE – EDUBE INTERACTIVE

Quizzes and tests:

 students can track
their progress as
they advance
through the course;
 post-quiz feedback;
 test results appear
in the gradebook on
NetAcad.

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COURSEWARE

COURSEWARE – EDUBE INTERACTIVE

Lab scenarios:
 students can
practice coding
based on real-life
programming
contexts;
 mini-programming
projects;
 labs embedded in
the course.

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SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES

The aim of the course is to:

 spark the student’s interest in computer programming;

 familiarize the student with the universal concepts of computer programming;
 present the Python programming language syntax, semantics, and the runtime environment;
 acquaint the student with general coding techniques and object-oriented programming;
 enable the student to start her/his own studies, and to open a path to the developer’s career.

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COURSE SYLLABUS: PYTHON ESSENTIALS – PART 1 (PE1)

PE1: Module 1 PE1: Module 2

Introduction to Python and Computer Programming Data Types, Variables, Basic Input-Output
Operations, Basic Operators
 Python as a modern, universal and growing programming
language  How to write and run the very first Python
 Python versions and language development program
 Brief review of tools and environments needed to start  Python literals
programming in Python  Python operators and expressions
 Variables – naming and using
 Basic input/output operations in Python

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COURSE SYLLABUS: PYTHON ESSENTIALS – PART 1 (PE1)

PE1: Module 3 PE1: Module 4

Boolean Values, Conditional Execution, Loops, Lists and List Functions, Tuples, Dictionaries, and Data
Processing, Logic and Bitwise Operations Processing

 Boolean data type  Code structuring and the concept of functions

 Relational operators in Python  Function invocation and returning a result from a
 Decision making in Python: if, if-else, if-elif-else function
 Repeating code execution using loops: while and for  Name scopes and variable shadowing
 Logic and bitwise operations in Python  Tuples – purpose, constructing and using
 Lists: constructing, indexing, slicing and content manipulation  Dictionaries – purpose, constructing and using
 How to sort a list using a bubble-sort algorithm
 Multidimensional lists and their applications

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PE1 GRADUATE PROFILE

A student who has completed Python Essentials – Part 1 (PE1) will have acquired:

 an ability to design, develop and improve simple computer programs coded in Python;
 a knowledge suitable to start learning another programming language;
 sufficient competence to take the PCEP exam and obtain the corresponding certificate;
 the skills needed to take part in the next Python Institute course PE2;
 experience allowing her/him to take a job as a junior tester;
 the possibility to continue her/his personal development through self-education and self-improvement.

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COURSE SYLLABUS: PYTHON ESSENTIALS – PART 2 (PE2)

PE2: Module 1 PE2: Module 2

Modules, Packages, and PIP Exceptions, Strings, String and List Methods

 What is a module and why do we need it?  Characters, strings and coding standards
 Importing and using modules  Strings vs. lists – similarities and differences
 Review of some useful Python modules  List methods
 What is a package and how does it differ from a module?  String methods
 Constructing and using packages  Python's way of handling runtime errors
 PIP – the Swiss army knife for package maintenance  Controlling the flow of errors using try and except
 Hierarchy of exceptions

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COURSE SYLLABUS: PYTHON ESSENTIALS – PART 2 (PE2)

PE2: Module 3 PE2: Module 4

Object-Oriented Programming Miscellaneous

 Basic concepts of object programming  Generators, iterators and closures

 From procedural to object approach – motivations and profits  Working with filesystem, directory trees and files
 Classes, objects, properties and methods  Selected Python Standard Library modules (os,
 Inheritance and polymorphism date, datetime, calendar)
 Exception as an object

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PE2 GRADUATE PROFILE

A student who has completed Python Essentials – Part 2 (PE2) will have acquired:

 an ability to design, develop and improve multi-module computer applications coded in Python;
 an ability to analyze and model real-life problems in OOP categories;
 sufficient competences to take the PCAP exam and obtain the corresponding certificate;
 experience allowing her/him to take a job as a junior developer;
 sufficient skills to create and develop her/his own programming portfolio;
 the potential to use Python in everyday life applications including DIY activities.

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HOW TO USE THIS COURSE – ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS
Academic institutions can use this course as follows:

 offer the course as a complete two-semester course (or offer PE1/PE2 only as a one-semester
course)
 create interest and motivate new students to learn the fundamentals of computer programming;
 motivate those students who already know another programming language to learn Python;
 supplement an existing Python language course;
 help students prepare for the PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer
and PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming certifications;
 introduce NetAcad and Edube Interactive to peers and colleagues.
There are no formal requirements for instructors to teach PCAP: Programming Essentials
in Python (2.0). However, the Python Institute recommends that instructors earn
a PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming certification prior to teaching the class.

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CERTIFICATIONS

OpenEDG Python Institute has defined an independent global certification path for the Python programming language, and
has developed an international Python programming examination standard.
The entry-level certification exams are administered
worldwide in the form of proctored (OpenEDG
Authorized Testing Centers) and non-proctored
(accessed online from any place) tests through the
OpenEDG Testing Service program, at a time and
location convenient to test candidates.
The associate-level certification exams are administered
in the form of proctored tests at over 5,000 Pearson
VUE® Authorized Test Centers, and online via OnVUE
Online Proctoring from Pearson VUE®, at a time and
location convenient to test candidates. https://pythoninstitute.org/certification

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CERTIFICATIONS
PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification shows that the
individual is familiar with universal computer programming concepts like data
types, containers, functions, conditions, loops, as well as Python programming
language syntax, semantics, and the runtime environment.

 Professional certification
 Entry level
 Delivered via OpenEDG Testing Service (edube.org)
 Digital certification issued by OpenEDG Python Institute
 Digital badge issued on Credly’s Acclaim
 Complete PE1: Modules 1-4 from the PCAP: Programming
Essentials in Python course and prepare for the exam

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CERTIFICATIONS
PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming certification is a professional
credential that measures the ability to accomplish coding tasks related to the basics
of programming in the Python language, and the fundamental notions and
techniques used in object-oriented programming.

 Professional certification
 Associate level
 Delivered in partnership with Pearson VUE
 Digital certification issued by OpenEDG Python Institute
 Digital badge issued on Credly’s Acclaim
 Complete PE2: Modules 1-4 from the PCAP: Programming
Essentials in Python (2.0) course, prepare for the exam, and get a
50% discount code
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WHY LEARN PROGRAMMING

FOR SEVERAL REASONS:

 To become a creator: a highly creative and powerful one. Go as far as your imagination lets you.
 Strong programming skills are a hot commodity on the job market!
 Boost your earning potential!
 Programming is the language of the future.
 Learning to program means learning to think in abstract and more precise ways.
 It helps you do better in other areas!
 It’s fun!

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WHY LEARN PYTHON

FOR A MILLION REASONS! Here are just some of them:

 It is omnipresent – people use numerous Python-powered devices on a daily basis, whether they realize it or not.
 There have been millions (well, actually billions) of lines of code written in Python, which means almost unlimited
opportunities for code reuse and learning from well-crafted examples.
 It is easy to learn – the time needed to learn Python is shorter than for many other languages; this means that it’s possible
to start the actual programming faster.
 It is easy to use for writing new software – it’s often possible to write code faster when using Python.
 It is easy to obtain, install and deploy – Python is free, open and multiplatform; not all languages can boast that.
 There is a large and very active Python community.
 It gives you a solid foundation and allows you to learn other programming languages (e.g., C++, Java, or C) much easier
and much faster.
 It’s fun!

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

 PCAP: Programming Essentials in Python 2.0 (short: Python Essentials) is developed by OpenEDG Python Institute;
 The course introduces students to computer programming using the Python language;
 The course aligns with the PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer and PCAP – Python Certified Associate
Programmer certifications;
 Test candidates who pass PCEP and/or PCAP exam(s) receive a digital certification, score report, and a digital badge;
 The Python Institute provides all contents;
 The course is available in NetAcad;
 Students who successfully complete the course and pass the final test will receive a 50% discount for the PCAP –
Certified Associate in Python Programming certification exam at Pearson VUE/OnVUE Online Proctoring.
 Visit www.pythonsinstitute.org for more information about the certification program.

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