What you will study

This undergraduate microcredential will equip you with foundational Python programming knowledge and skills. During this 10-week course, you’ll cover the following topics.

• Introduction to Python Essentials
• Writing your first simple Python code
• Boolean values, conditions and loops
• Writing your own functions
• Modules, packages and PIP
• Strings, associated methods and exceptions
• Object-oriented programming
• Generators, iterators and closures

This course will prepare you for the OpenEDG Python Institute’s PCEP (Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer) and PCAP (Certified Associate in Python Programming) certifications. You can choose whether to certify with the Python Institute once you have completed this microcredential.

You will learn

By the end of this Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course, you’ll be able to:

• describe a comprehensive range of coding technologies, practices, and applications
• experiment with a coding environment
• design a simple coding solution to a given problem
• apply a range of practical coding concepts
• synthesise a range of practical coding skills.

Skills you will gain

• Object-oriented coding
• Procedural coding
• Application of coding concepts
• Coding with Python
• Use of modular coding
• Application of coding-based numerical skills

Vocational relevance

This course will give you the opportunity to gain skills that can be applied across all fields of IT. You may be looking to progress into a junior Python programmer or developer job role or other roles, such as a software developer, DevOps engineer or CyberOps engineer.

Created by 快猫视频’s award-winning Cisco ‘NetAcad’ academy

This microcredential has been created by leading experts and practitioners to ensure your learning is relevant to the workplace.

• Jason Trott is an experienced network engineer with expertise in Networking, Cisco Systems Products, IP, TCP/IP, and Linux.
• Dr Amel Bennaceur is an academic and software engineering researcher specialising in adaptive and intelligent systems.
• Andrew Smith has experience in industry and vocational education, specialising in network engineering and cyber security and teaching Cisco CCNA, CCNP, CyberOps, and DevNet advanced practitioner programmes.

This microcredential is endorsed by Cisco Networking Academy

Cisco is a global manufacturer of infrastructure networking and cybersecurity-focused technologies, with its own Corporate Social Responsibility-based education programme.

Teaching and assessment

Study support

• Learn 100% online with a mix of video, audio and written materials.
• Engage in interactive learning through self-assessment questions, polls, tasks and reflection.
• Share ideas and experiences in discussion with other learners, building skills, confidence and knowledge.
• Receive support from mentors who guide discussions and answer questions.
• Study at a time that suits you with the flexibility to access the course from your desktop, tablet or mobile device.

You’ll access your learning via the OU’s learning platform and by setting up a free account on Cisco’s NetAcad platform. Keep in mind that you will need to access and complete the Cisco content on a laptop or desktop computer.

Assessment

You’ll take part in weekly tasks and discussions with co-learners to support and consolidate your learning. Towards the end of the course, you’ll submit a project or assessment demonstrating the skills you’ve acquired. This will be marked and graded by subject matter experts and make up 100% of your final mark.

What you will gain

• 10 UK credits at undergraduate level from 快猫视频*. Credits are awarded on passing the final assessment. These will be at undergraduate level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) / level 7 of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.
• A Certificate of Completion from Cisco Networking Academy. Passing the course with 70% or higher on the first attempt will earn you a Certificate of Completion.
• Passing the final course-based assessment with 70% or higher on the first attempt grants a 50% discount on the optional OpenEDG Python Institute PCAP examination (to be redeemed within 30 days of issue).

*Academic credit may be used towards selected OU qualifications. For more details, including eligible qualifications, visit Counting microcredentials towards OU qualifications. The credit awarded may also be used at another university, subject to the agreement of the receiving institution.

Regulations