PCEP™ – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer

Here's a more detailed breakdown for each class in the Python course outline focused on preparing students for the PCEP exam:



Module 1: Python Basics and Data Types (12 Classes)

1. Introduction to Python Programming

   - Overview of Python’s uses (web development, data science, automation)

   - Installing Python and setting up an IDE (IDLE, VS Code)

   - Writing and running a basic "Hello, World!" script


2. Variables and Basic Data Types

   - Understanding data types (int, float, str, bool)

   - Declaring variables and naming conventions

   - Practice: Calculations and storing values in variables


3. String Manipulation

   - Creating strings, indexing, slicing

   - String methods (`.upper()`, `.lower()`, `.replace()`)

   - Practice: Creating formatted strings and simple text manipulation


4. Basic Arithmetic Operators

   - Arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, modulus, exponentiation

   - Operator precedence and using parentheses

   - Practice: Building a basic calculator


5. Boolean Data Types and Comparisons

   - Using booleans (True, False)

   - Comparison operators: `==`, `!=`, `<`, `>`, `<=`, `>=`

   - Practice: Boolean expressions and truth tables


6. Input and Output in Python

   - Using `input()` for user input

   - Typecasting with `int()`, `float()`, `str()`

   - Practice: Program that interacts with the user and displays results


7. Error Handling Basics

   - Introduction to `try` and `except` for error management

   - Identifying common Python errors (ValueError, TypeError)

   - Practice: Creating error-resistant code


8. Practice and Application: Project 1

   - Small project combining strings, variables, input/output

   - Example: A greeting program that customizes messages based on input


9. Advanced String Formatting

   - Using `f-strings`, `.format()`, and `%` formatting

   - Practical formatting for date and currency display

   - Practice: Advanced text-based applications with formatted output


10. Data Conversion and Typecasting

    - Converting between data types (`int()`, `float()`, `str()`)

    - Using `type()` to verify data types

    - Practice: Calculations involving multiple data types


11. Constants and Aliases

    - Importance of constants and their naming conventions

    - Using aliases to simplify expressions

    - Practice: Writing programs with constants


12. Review Session: Python Basics

    - Recap of Module 1

    - Exercises and quizzes on variables, data types, operators, and I/O


Module 2: Control Flow and Conditionals (12 Classes)


13. Conditionals: If Statements

    - Writing `if` statements to make decisions

    - Using `elif` and `else` for multi-branching

    - Practice: Simple programs to check conditions (e.g., age verification)


14. Advanced Conditionals

    - Nested `if` statements for complex decision-making

    - Combining `and`, `or`, `not` with conditionals

    - Practice: Build a decision-making program (e.g., login system)


15. While Loops: Introduction

    - Syntax and usage of `while` loops for repeated actions

    - Using `break` and `continue` for loop control

    - Practice: Loop programs with conditions (e.g., countdown timer)


16. While Loops with Conditionals

    - Combining loops with conditionals for flexibility

    - Using `else` with loops

    - Practice: Build a program with loop-controlled decisions


17. For Loops: Introduction

    - Using `for` loops with `range()` and lists

    - Iterating through sequences

    - Practice: Simple counting and list-processing programs


18. For Loops with Lists and Strings

    - Iterating through elements of lists and strings

    - Index-based iteration

    - Practice: Text-based program that processes strings and lists


19. Nested Loops

    - Structure and purpose of nested loops

    - Applications of nested loops in calculations

    - Practice: Generating tables (e.g., multiplication table)


20. Loop Control with Break and Continue

    - Detailed use of `break` and `continue` in loops

    - Understanding when to exit loops early

    - Practice exercises for loop control


21. Combining Loops and Conditionals in Programs

    - Using loops and conditionals to build interactive programs

    - Practice: Building a simple game (e.g., number guessing game)


22. Practical Application: Project 2

    - Applying conditionals and loops in a small project

    - Example project: Interactive calculator or basic quiz program


23. Code Optimization with Loops and Conditionals

    - Techniques for optimizing code (e.g., reducing nested loops)

    - Using comprehensions for efficient code

    - Practice: Refactor code to optimize performance


24. Review and Practice: Control Flow

    - Recap of all control flow concepts

    - Practice quiz and exercises



Module 3: Data Structures (12 Classes)


25. Introduction to Lists

    - Creating lists, indexing, and slicing

    - Basic operations: appending, removing, modifying items

    - Practice: Creating and manipulating lists


26. List Methods

    - Common methods like `.append()`, `.remove()`, `.sort()`

    - Sorting and reversing lists

    - Practice: Building a basic to-do list application


27. Working with Tuples

    - Creating tuples and understanding immutability

    - Accessing tuple elements

    - Practice: Using tuples in real-world data representations


28. Sets: Basics and Operations

    - Creating and using sets

    - Set operations: union, intersection, difference

    - Practice exercises with set operations


29. Introduction to Dictionaries

    - Creating dictionaries with key-value pairs

    - Accessing, adding, updating, and deleting items

    - Practice: Building a contact book or small data storage program


30. Dictionary Methods

    - Useful methods like `.keys()`, `.values()`, `.items()`

    - Iterating through dictionaries

    - Practice: Using dictionaries for data organization


31. Nested Data Structures

    - Nesting lists, tuples, and dictionaries for data storage

    - Practical applications (e.g., multi-level dictionary)

    - Practice: Building nested structures to store complex data


32. Combining Data Structures

    - Using lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries together in a program

    - Practice: Data processing applications with mixed structures


33. Data Structures in Loops and Conditionals

    - Applying data structures in loops and conditionals for flexible programming

    - Practice: Programs using combined loops and data structures


34. Project 3: Building a Data Storage System

    - Project that uses lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries

    - Example project: Inventory system for a small business


35. Advanced Data Manipulation Techniques

    - Using comprehensions for lists and dictionaries

    - Mapping, filtering, and reducing data

    - Practice: Data transformation exercises


36. Review and Recap of Data Structures

    - Comprehensive review of lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries

    - Practice quizzes and exercises


Module 4: Functions and Error Handling (10 Classes)

37: Defining and Using Functions

   - Learning Objectives: Introduce functions, understand the importance of code modularity.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Writing functions with the `def` keyword.

     - Function names, syntax, and indentation rules.

     - Passing data to functions and returning results.

   - Practice: Write basic functions (e.g., calculating area, simple math functions) and call them within a script.


38: Return Statements and Scope

   - Learning Objectives: Deepen understanding of returning values and variable scope.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Using `return` to send values back to the caller.

     - Differentiating local vs. global variables.

     - Understanding the `None` return and default behavior.

   - Practice: Build functions that perform calculations or string manipulations, and discuss how scope affects variables.


39: Keyword Arguments and Default Parameters

   - Learning Objectives: Gain flexibility in function calls.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Using positional arguments, keyword arguments, and default values.

     - Understanding argument order and requirements.

   - Practice: Write functions with optional parameters (e.g., basic billing system with optional discount).


40: Lambda Functions

   - Learning Objectives: Learn about anonymous functions for simple, single-use applications.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Syntax of `lambda` functions.

     - When and why to use lambdas vs. standard functions.

     - Lambda functions with `map()`, `filter()`, and `sorted()`.

   - Practice: Use lambda functions in list manipulations or data filtering applications.


41: Importing Modules and Libraries

   - Learning Objectives: Introduce the basics of importing external functionality.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Importing standard libraries (e.g., `math`, `random`).

     - Basic syntax of importing (`import module`, `from module import function`).

   - Practice: Use functions from the `math` library to solve simple math problems and `random` for generating random numbers.


42: Working with Custom Modules

   - Learning Objectives: Understand how to organize and import custom code files.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Creating and importing user-defined modules.

     - Organizing code across multiple files.

   - Practice: Create a custom utility module (e.g., `utilities.py`) and use it in a main program file.


43: File Handling Basics

   - Learning Objectives: Understand basic file operations.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Opening files in read (`'r'`), write (`'w'`), and append (`'a'`) modes.

     - Reading and writing text files.

     - Proper file handling with `with` statement.

   - Practice: Write a program that reads data from a file, processes it, and writes the results to a new file.


44: Error Handling with Try-Except

   - Learning Objectives: Learn to handle errors gracefully.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Basic `try`, `except` blocks.

     - Catching specific exceptions (e.g., `ValueError`, `FileNotFoundError`).

     - Using `finally` for cleanup.

   - Practice: Write a program that prompts for user input and gracefully handles invalid entries.


45: Combining Functions and Error Handling

   - Learning Objectives: Develop more complex programs using modular functions with error handling.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Integrating functions with `try-except` blocks.

     - Handling errors in function arguments and returns.

   - Practice: Develop a mini-application (e.g., calculator with error handling, input validation).


46: Review Session: Functions and Error Handling

   - Learning Objectives: Solidify understanding of functions and error handling.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Review of function concepts and error handling techniques.

   - Practice: Quizzes and practical exercises on functions, arguments, file handling, and error management.


Module 5: Final Exam Preparation and Practice (8 Classes)


47: Mock Exam 1

   - Learning Objectives: Simulate the PCEP exam experience.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Full-length mock exam covering all PCEP topics (basics, control flow, data structures, functions, and modules).

   - Practice: Timed exam to build familiarity with the PCEP question style and structure.


48: Mock Exam Review

   - Learning Objectives: Reinforce understanding of weak areas from Mock Exam 1.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Review of each question from Mock Exam 1.

     - Discussion of answer explanations and strategies for similar questions.


49: Mock Exam 2

   - Learning Objectives: Re-assess comprehension with another simulated exam.

   - Topics Covered:

     - A second full-length PCEP-style mock exam.

   - Practice: Emphasis on improving speed and accuracy.


50: Mock Exam Review

   - Learning Objectives: Ensure improvement from previous mock exams.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Detailed review and analysis of Mock Exam 2.

     - Error correction and discussion on effective exam strategies.


51: Common Python Coding Challenges

   - Learning Objectives: Improve problem-solving abilities with practical challenges.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Practice with common coding challenges (e.g., FizzBuzz, palindrome check, list manipulations).

   - Practice: Solve multiple challenges and discuss different approaches to each.


52: Practice with PCEP Exam-Style Questions

   - Learning Objectives: Familiarize with PCEP question formats.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Review of sample PCEP questions with varying difficulty.

     - Tips for identifying question types and strategies to answer effectively.

   - Practice: Practice session on reading, understanding, and solving PCEP questions.


53: Final Project: Integrating All Concepts

   - Learning Objectives: Apply all course concepts in a comprehensive project.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Students will design, develop, and debug a full project (e.g., a calculator, mini-database, or text-based game).

   - Practice: Work independently or in small groups to complete the project and present results.


54: Final Review and Q&A

   - Learning Objectives: Clear up any last questions and reinforce confidence for the PCEP exam.

   - Topics Covered:

     - Open Q&A on any topic covered.

     - Quick review of core concepts and final tips for exam day.

   - Practice: Rapid-fire questions and a last review of high-priority areas.


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