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6.0001 Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python

MIT's classic intro to computational thinking and Python, with full lectures and problem sets.

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About this course

Taught by Ana Bell, Eric Grimson and John Guttag, this Fall 2016 course is aimed at students with little or no programming experience. It covers computation, branching, iteration, functions, data structures, recursion, testing, object-oriented programming and efficiency. MIT has since published 6.100L as a newer version.

Best for: Self-learners who want university-level CS in Python.

What you will be able to do

  • Solve problems by writing Python programs
  • Use recursion and dictionaries
  • Write classes with inheritance
  • Reason about program efficiency

Syllabus and your progress

Tick modules off as you finish them on MIT OpenCourseWare.

0 of 8 modules done

Plan your pace

At 4 hours a week you would finish in about 15 weeks, using the course time estimate above.

Progress is saved in this browser only. No account needed.

Cost and certificate

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MIT OpenCourseWare materials are free but do not lead to a certificate.

MIT OpenCourseWare sets the terms and can change them. Check the course page before you commit serious time, and tell us if something changed.

Quick answers

Is 6.0001 Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python really free?
Yes, the course material is free on MIT OpenCourseWare. MIT OpenCourseWare materials are free but do not lead to a certificate.
How long does 6.0001 Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python take?
Plan for about 60 hrs in total (Editorial estimate; the provider does not publish a total. Two one-hour lectures a week over a half-semester, plus problem sets.). It is video lectures, so you can go faster or slower.
Do I need experience before 6.0001 Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python?
No. It is a beginner course with no prerequisites listed.

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6.0001 Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python

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