Description
Python is an increasingly-popular object-oriented, high-level, general-purpose programming language, developed by Guido van Rossum (a highly-respected Dutch programmer). Like JavaScript, Python is an interpreted language; however, whereas the JavaScript interpreter is built-in to a web browser, Python has its own interpreter, which must be installed on the host PC or server.
The Python interpreter and extensive library are available completely free of charge for all major platforms and can be freely distributed. Also, Python’s easy-to-learn syntax facilitates high readability, reducing the cost of program maintenance, and supports modules and packages, which encourages modularity and code reuse.
Although Python’s clear and simple syntax makes it the perfect beginners’ language, it has all of the power and flexibility of a complex object-oriented programming language. Using the proven learn-by-example technique, we take you step-by-step through the Python language by introducing you to a number of interesting games, starting with simple games, such as the “guess the number” and hangman games, building on your knowledge progressively to produce more complicated games, like the hungry caterpillar game, and cumulating with the exciting and sophisticated Meteor Mayhem game, which includes brilliant graphics, theme music, sound effects, and great animation.
Python is an ideal platform for game development and, throughout this course, wherever possible, we demonstrate key Python concepts with simple (and not-so-simple) games, which allows us to have some fun while we learn!
The Python For Beginner course is structured as follows:
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Introduction To Python
1.3 Understanding Variables
1.4 Python Strings
1.5 Performing Arithmetic
1.6 Logical Operations
1.7 Working With Numbers
1.8 Working With Strings
1.9 Lesson Review & Quiz
1.10 Assignment 1 – The Trivia Program
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Branching Statements
2.3 The WHILE Loop
2.4 Guess The Number Game
2.5 The FOR Loop
2.6 The Anagram Game
2.7 Lesson Review & Quiz
2.8 Assignment 2 – Guess The Word Game
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Introducing Lists
3.3 List Methods
3.4 Nested Sequences
3.5 Introducing Dictionaries
3.6 The Hangman Game
3.7 Lesson Review & Quiz
3.8 Assignment 3 – The Anagram Game With Clues
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Creating Functions
4.3 Parameters & Arguments
4.4 Variables In Functions
4.5 The Noughts & Crosses Game (1)
4.6 The Noughts & Crosses Game (2)
4.6 Lesson Review & Quiz
4.7 Assignment 4 – Updating The Hangman Game
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Accessing Text Files
5.3 Storing Complex Data In Files
5.4 Handling Exceptions
5.5 The Sports Quiz
5.6 Lesson Review & Quiz
5.7 Assignment 5 – Build Your Own Quiz
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Classes, Methods, & Objects
6.3 Constructors & Attributes
6.4 Class Attributes & Static Methods
6.5 Private Attributes, Methods & Properties
6.6 The Hungry Caterpillar Game
6.7 Lesson Review & Quiz
6.8 Assignment 6 – Create A Television Object
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Creating Multiple Classes
7.3 Inheritance
7.4 Changing Inherited Methods
7.5 Creating Modules
7.6 The Blackjack Game (1)
7.7 The Blackjack Game (2)
7.8 Lesson Review & Quiz
7.9 Assignment 7 – The Highest Card Game
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Event-Driven Programming (1)
8.3 Event-Driven Programming (2)
8.4 Check Boxes Plus
8.4 The Grid Layout Manager
8.5 The Contact Form
8.9 Lesson Review & Quiz
8.10 Assignment 8 – Find The Diamond Game
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Graphics Window Basics
9.3 Displaying Objects
9.4 Moving Sprites
9.5 Collision Detection
9.6 The “Catch The Butterfly” Game
9.7 Lesson Review & Quiz
9.8 Assignment 9 – Build A Ping Pong Game
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Keyboard Commands
10.3 Animation, Sound, & Music
10.4 The Meteor Mayhem Game (Part 1)
10.5 The Meteor Mayhem Game (Part 2)
10.6 The Meteor Mayhem Game (Part 3)
10.7 The Meteor Mayhem Game (Part 4)
10.8 Lesson Review & Quiz
10.9 Assignment 10 – Add Comets To The Meteor Mayhem Game
Software Requirements
Although Python is available for Linux and macOS as well as Windows, the installation and running instructions are for the Windows operating system. All other software is provided with the course.
Prerequisites
Students should have a working knowledge of using text editors or word processors; A basic understanding of your computer’s operating system; A working knowledge of your email software and the ability to attach files to an email; A basic knowledge of file zipping software such as WinZip or 7-Zip; and Some experience of downloading and installing software packages from the web.
Course Duration & Support
Students may register at any time for a fully-supported one-year training licence and will have constant access to a personal tutor via email. As the course is self-study, you can complete it in as little or as long as you prefer within the one-year licence period.
Assessment
You will be assessed on coursework which is detailed in the course materials. The coursework consists of individual web pages and a complete final website. Your work can be sent back to your course tutor by email or by post.
Certification
Certification is based on your completed coursework and there is no formal examination at the end of the course. On successful completion of the course, students will receive a Level 3 Open Awards Quality Endorsed Unit Course Certificate with 8 Open Awards Credits.
The completion of this course alone does not lead to an Ofqual regulated qualification but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills towards regulated qualifications in the future. To this end, the course’s learning outcomes have been benchmarked at Level 3 against level descriptors published by Ofqual, to indicate the depth of study and level of difficulty involved in successful completion by the learner.
The certification is issued through Open Awards in association with DLC which is an approved Open Awards centre. Open Awards are an Awarding Body Organisation approved by Ofqual. Set up in 1981, Open Awards (Previously the North West Region of the National Open College Network – OCNNW) has been in business for over 30 years and is a not-for-profit organisation and a registered charity.
