4-Week Python Programming Foundations (Mini Computer Science Course) – A Varshni

The 4-Week Python Programming Foundations Course, taught by A. Varshni, is a beginner-friendly online program designed to introduce students to the core concepts of programming through Python. Whether you are completely new to coding or looking to build a strong base before moving into advanced Python, data engineering, or C programming, this course provides a simple, structured, and practical path to understanding how computer programs work.

Over four focused weeks, learners progress from basic commands to building a small working project. The course emphasizes hands-on coding, logical thinking, and problem-solving—key skills for anyone aspiring to study computer science, pursue software development, or explore programming as a career.

Weekly Course Structure

▶ Week 1: Programming & Python Basics

Focus: Getting started with coding fundamentals

Topics Covered

Installing Python and writing your first program

• Using print() and input() for basic interaction

• Understanding variables: int, float, str, bool

• Mathematical and comparison operators: + - * / %

• Writing simple scripts and understanding program flow

Outcome:

You will be able to write small programs, take user inputs, and understand how Python executes commands.

▶ Week 2: Flow Control & Decision Making

Focus: Making programs think

Topics Covered

if, elif, else decision structures

• Repeating actions with for and while loops

• Using break and continue for loop control

• Logic building and structured problem solving

Outcome:

You will write programs that make decisions and repeat tasks automatically—core abilities for any programmer.

▶ Week 3: Data Structures in Python

Focus: Storing and organizing data

Topics Covered

Lists: indexing, slicing, append(), pop()

• Dictionaries: keys, values, get(), update()

• Understanding how programs store and retrieve information

• Practicing logic using real examples

Outcome:

You will understand how to handle multiple pieces of data and build more meaningful, structured programs.

▶ Week 4: Functions + Mini Project

Focus: Writing reusable code and completing a project

Topics Covered

• Creating functions with def, parameters, and return values

• Organizing code for clarity and reuse

• Mini Project: Guess the Number Game

  • Using loops, conditionals, random numbers

  • Full program design from start to finish

Outcome:

By the end of this week, you will complete a working CLI (Command Line Interface) project—your first step into real programming.

Learning Resources Provided

Easy beginner guides from Python Documentation

• Access to Replit or Google Colab (no installation needed)

• Sample code, exercises, and practice tasks

What You Will Achieve

By completing this course, you will:

• Understand the fundamentals of programming

• Write and run Python programs with confidence

• Build logic for solving real problems

• Create your own mini project from scratch

• Prepare for deeper learning in

  • Advanced Python

  • Data Engineering

  • C Programming

  • Computer Science fundamentals

This course lays the perfect foundation for students preparing for tech careers or wanting to explore coding systematically.