Basics of Programming in Python (5 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

After completing the course, the student will be able to - understand basic concepts of programming - implement programs by given requirements - use debugger on error tracking - use 3rd party libraries - use language and library documentation

Content (course unit)

Python is a modern programming language with clear, and readable syntax, and widely available resources making it an excellent choice as the first programming language. In addition, the language is free to use, and available on all major operating systems. The course covers elementary programming topics: - Variables - If-elif-else statements - While statements - Switch statements - For statement - Random numbers - Functions (no recursion) - Collections - File handling - Elementary object oriented programming

Assessment scale

Five step scale

Teaching methods

The course is studied online in the Moodle learning environment. You can study the course independently at your own pace during the implementation period 15.9.2025–31.7.2026. The study includes familiarization with the materials and learning tasks. The course is assessed based on weekly assignments. The course assignments must be completed/exam completed by 31.7.2026 at the latest. The teacher assesses assignments/marks grades in the study register once a month

Learning materials

The learning materials of the course includes videos, examples and web pages.

Student workload

The workload of the course is approximately 135 hours of independent study.

Further information

The course fee is 75 euros for the open university of applied sciences students. Another option is an annual fee of 350 euros, which covers the tuition fees for the next 12 months at the Savonia open university of applied sciences. Within a year of graduation form the Savonia degree, you can start your studies at Savonia Open UAS free of charge. The right to study lasts for one year. High school or vocational college students can study at Savonia's open university of applied sciences free of charge. Those who have graduated from vocational schools or high schools in the North Savo region (as of January 1, 2023) can study one year of Savonia Open University of Applied Sciences studies free of charge, when the studies are started within a year of graduation.