Introduction to our Python Labs
in CSCI 101 and CSCI 102
Dear CSCI 101 and/or CSCI 102 Student:
Python is an expressive and powerful programming language that is relatively easy to learn. Through lectures and practice,
you will become, over the course of the semester, an increasingly competent programmer. In both CSCI 101 and CSCI 102 labs,
you will be introduced to the foundations of computer science, including what has come to be called “computational thinking”
and “data science.” We hope that you enjoy the challenges that these labs present.
CSCI 102 Labs were decided upon with beginner programmers in mind. CSCI 101 Labs are intended to extend the CSCI 102 Labs. In other words,
if you are enrolled in CSCI 102, you should (in general) complete the CSCI 102 Labs first (after Studio!). For those not enrolled in
CSCI 102, i.e., for those with more prior programming experience, you do not need to do the CSCI 102 Labs. You may,
however, want to take a peek at the CSCI 102 Labs for Week x before attempting to do the CSCI 101 Labs for Week x
(to see what the 102 students covered).
During the semester, you will note that we have borrowed from many different on-line resources
in the selection of both the CSCI 101 and 102 Python labs. We have done this to (1) provide a diverse set of
exercises and (2) make you aware of the vast array of on-line resources available to help you learn Python programming.
A Word to the Advanced Student: one of the problems in any course is that people come in with different amounts
of background. Thus, defining activities at the right level for everyone is hard. We expect that some of you will
already know quite a bit about programming and computer science. In designing the labs, we have tried to choose
activities that will be valuable to people at all levels, though in different ways. Please let us know if you feel
that we are asking you to do something that does not seem worthwhile, or if some modification would make a task more
useful for you. We also hope that you will share your experiences and skills with the rest of the class.
Signed,
The 101/102 Team
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