Your Course

Python Foundations

The Python Foundations course is your gateway to the world of programming and data analysis. Over 14 weeks, you'll build a solid foundation in Python programming, gaining essential skills that will prepare you for more advanced courses in data analytics, machine learning, and AI. This beginner-friendly course teaches you how to write clean, efficient code and solve real-world problems through hands-on exercises and projects.

Key Course Information

• Duration: 14 weeks (March 10 - June 19, 2025)

• Schedule: Twice a week (Mondays and Wednesdays, 19:00-21:00)

• Time commitment: Approximately 15 hours per week (including sessions and independent work)

• Learning approach: Combination of taught concepts and weekly homework assignments

Course Structure

This course follows a structured learning approach where you'll gradually build your Python skills through weekly lessons and homework:

1. Python Basics - Learn syntax, data types, operators, conditionals, loops, and functions

2. Data Structures & Flow Control - Master lists, dictionaries, loops, and advanced functions

3. Working with Libraries - Use essential libraries like Pandas for data analysis

4. Final Project - Apply your Python skills to a real-world data analysis challenge

The curriculum will be shared each week with you in your Google Classroom.

Weekly Structure

Each week consists of two key session types:

Monday - Session (19:00-21:00)

• Review of homework from the previous week

• Discussion of challenges and solutions

• Introduction to new concepts and techniques through examples

Wednesday - Session (19:00-21:00)

• Explore new Python concepts through theory and practice

• Participate in guided exercises and hands-on coding

• Receive homework assignments to reinforce your learning

Between sessions: You'll work independently on weekly homework, spending approximately 10-12 hours per week on coding exercises and self-study.

On-site Activities

Depending on your location, you'll have different opportunities to participate in on-site activities:

Berlin students

We offer four on-site community events for the Berlin students throughout the semester.

NRW students

For students in NRW, we offer four on-site community events throughout the semester. The Demo Day will be on-site in person in Düsseldorf.

Hamburg Students

For the Hamburg students, two sessions during the semester will be in person at CGI.

What You'll Achieve

By the end of this course, you will:

• Write Python programs to solve various problems

• Understand programming fundamentals like variables, loops, and functions

• Work with key data structures such as lists and dictionaries

• Use libraries and packages to extend Python's capabilities

• Apply basic data analysis techniques using Pandas

• Develop a first project showcasing your Python skills

• Be prepared to continue to the Data Analytics course

Graduation Requirements

To successfully graduate from the course, you'll need to:

• Attend at least 80% of the sessions (we have a camera-on policy)

• Complete and submit at least 80% of weekly homework assignments

• Submit a final project

• Attend 2 Career Events, complete 1 eLearning career course

Are you ready to begin your programming journey with Python? Let's start exploring this versatile and powerful language together!