Foundations of Python Programming with AI Assistance

Learn Python from scratch with AI as a pair-programming partner — scripts, logic, and a small project you can present to employers. Level: beginner · Ideal for: Complete novices and career changers. 6-week live online programme · 12 live sessions · Europe/London timezone. What you will achieve: Write clear Python scripts for files, text, and simple automation tasks. Debug errors using tracebacks and AI-assisted explanations you verify yourself. Structure small programs with functions, loops, and basic data structures. Use AI tools responsibly to accelerate learning without skipping fundamentals. Complete a mini command-line project suitable for a portfolio or interview discussion. What we cover: Python core Variables, types, and f-strings Conditionals and loops Functions and modules Lists, dictionaries, and file I/O Working like a developer Virtual environments and pip basics Reading documentation and stack traces Git-friendly project layout (intro level) AI-assisted coding Asking for explanations vs asking for full solutions Testing AI-generated code before you ship it Refactoring with human review. Course structure: Phase 1 — Setup and first programs (Week 1 · 2 live sessions) Install Python, run scripts, and understand how code executes line by line. Python install and VS Code / Cursor basics print, input, and simple calculations Comments and readable naming Deliverable: Three small scripts (greeting, calculator, unit converter). Phase 2 — Logic and collections (Week 2 · 2 live sessions) Control flow and storing data in lists and dictionaries. if / elif / else and boolean logic for and while loops (when to use each) Lists, dicts, and basic comprehensions Deliverable: Quiz-style program using a question bank. Phase 3 — Functions and files (Week 3 · 2 live sessions) Organize code into reusable functions and read/write text files. Defining functions, parameters, and return values Reading CSV and plain text safely Error handling with try / except (intro) Deliverable: CSV report summarizer script. Phase 4 — Strings and data cleanup (Week 4 · 2 live sessions) Manipulate text and clean messy real-world exports. String methods, slicing, and formatting Parsing dates and numbers from text Simple validation rules Deliverable: Data cleanup script for a sample export. Phase 5 — APIs and the web (intro) (Week 5 · 2 live sessions) Call a public API and understand JSON responses. HTTP GET requests with requests library JSON to Python structures API keys and rate limits Deliverable: Weather or postcode lookup mini-tool. Phase 6 — Capstone project (Week 6 · 2 live sessions) Plan, build, and present a small CLI tool with instructor feedback. Scoping a realistic mini-project Code review and refactoring README and demo presentation Deliverable: Portfolio-ready capstone (your choice of domain). Prerequisites: Basic computer literacy and file management. No prior programming required. Delivery: Learners need a laptop with admin rights to install Python 3.12+. Sessions are live; recordings are not a substitute for attendance where possible. Full course details: https://nlcrc.co.uk/courses-python-foundations-ai Bookings and inquiries: nlcrc.co.uk · 020 3393 0948