This course introduces students to the principles of object-oriented analysis, design, and programming. The focus is on developing creative thinking for analyzing a problem domain and designing a solution, and on using the Python programming language (or other appropriate programming language) to implement it. 

Coding in Python

Columbia University 

Summer 2023, Summer 2024

This course comprehensively introduces the popular high-level programming language Python. It equips students with knowledge of data structures, functions, scripts, and best practices in programming, enabling them to tackle data analysis, machine learning, AI, data visualization, and web development effectively. The course integrates classical instruction, group activities, and individual challenges, promoting logical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable beyond an introduction to the programming language and throughout participants' careers.

This course covers the fundamental concepts and methods of Object-Oriented problemsolving using Java as the programming language. The main topics include data modeling with primitive data types, single/multi-dimensional arrays, classes and packages; computation algorithm specification with expressions, assignments, conditional & loop statements, and methods; formatted data I/O on the console and through files; software reuse with class inheritance, interfaces and polymorphism; problem-solving with Java collection framework data types stack, queue, Vector and Ηashtable; basic sorting and searching algorithms; and basic graphic user interface programming based on event-driven programming.

This course provides students with guided hands-on exercises with a variety of computer-based tools including an application package (MS Excel) and computer programming (Python) using weekly readings from the text, weekly threaded discussions, lecture notes and other assignments. It covers basic computer hardware and software topics, computer careers, and computers and society.