Introduction to Systematic Program Design in Python

The UBC Certificate in Introduction to Systematic Program Design in Python focuses on a versatile programming skill you can use to tackle any programming challenge that requires small and medium-sized software programs. These skills increase your agility and adaptability as a programmer, no matter which language you code with in the future.

Unlike other courses that might teach only syntax and language constructs, in Introduction to Systematic Program Design in Python you learn the foundations of good programming with a step-by-step approach that encourages a thoughtful and systematic process to program design.

Learning a powerful programming language like Python may sound daunting. In these courses, however, we focus on a subset of Python, and only introduce new language features when the problems we're solving require them.

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to:

• break down a large programming problem into well-structured sub-problems
• design the representation for a reasonably complex data problem
• write well-organized, well-documented and well-tested Python programs

A wide variety of applications, such as business operations, web development, machine learning and data science, rely on Python. To succeed in these roles, you need more than just Python: you must be able to quickly and reliably develop high-quality programs—the key learning goals of this course.

This program teaches beginner programming skills and is designed for adult learners who have little to no background in computer science but are comfortable working with applications. Developed by UBC Department of Computer Science faculty, the program is based on a popular and long-running first-year undergraduate course for non-computer science majors at UBC.

Take these courses if you want to upskill with programming skills for your current role. If you want to pursue a career in software development, these courses set you up to take the additional courses or programs you will need.

The skills taught in these courses are well-suited for jobs and roles in which programming is required as part of a greater skill set, including:

• systems or marketing analyst
• researcher
• engineer
• FX and animation specialist

If you’re interested in applying Python to data science problems, consider Key Capabilities in Data Science. Use this comparison table to choose the program most suited to your needs.

Each course costs $950. Register one month before the course start date to receive early bird pricing and save $50.

All fees are in Canadian dollars, subject to change and to GST (where applicable). For details on forms of payment accepted, please see How to pay.

Find more details on refunds, cancellations and transfers.

The program consists of two courses of nine weeks each. Each course takes approximately 80 hours to complete, for a total of 160 hours of learning. This is roughly the equivalent of one undergraduate course. Both courses finish with a final programming project.

Although you can take Part 1 without continuing to Part 2, to realize the full benefits and learning objectives of this program, we recommend you take both courses.

Required Courses

Required Courses

Course name	Format	Next start date	Learn more
Intro to Systematic Program Design in Python Part 1 (0099)	Online	Jan 14, 2025	Details
Intro to Systematic Program Design in Python Part 2 (0100)	Online	Apr 15, 2025	Details

The UBC Certificate in Introduction to Systematic Program Design in Python is a part-time program, 100% online and facilitator/instructor supported.

Work through weekly modules on your own time with a group of other students. Modules include pre-recorded videos, readings, auto-graded questions and practice problems.

Twice a week, get real-time support from UBC facilitators during virtual office hours. We encourage you to drop in to as many of the optional office hour sessions as you can. You also have access to a forum in which you can post and discuss questions with other students and course facilitators.

Expected effort

Each course takes approximately 80 hours to complete. Expect to spend approximately eight to ten hours per week completing all learning activities.

Technology requirements

To take this program, you need access to:

• an email account
• a computer, laptop or tablet, using Windows or macOS
• the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
• a reliable internet connection
• a video camera and microphone (to access virtual office hours)

Assessment

You are graded on comprehension checks, self-assessments and your final projects.

Intro to Systematic Program Design in Python Part 1 is a prerequisite to Part 2, and you must achieve 70% in Part 1 to advance to the next course.

To earn your certificate, you must pass Intro to Systematic Program Design in Python Part 1 and Part 2. In each course, you must complete the final project and achieve a minimum of 70%.

Obtaining Your Certificate

When you've successfully completed two courses, complete the certificate request form and pay the certificate application fee of $175 to obtain your certificate by mail.

The courses in this program are developed and overseen by:

• Meghan Allen, MSc, is an associate professor of teaching in the UBC Department of Computer Science and holds a UBC Certificate on Curriculum and Pedagogy in Higher Education. She has extensive experience teaching program design, software construction and software engineering courses. 

Facilitators

 

Mariana Paspuel Paredes, MSc, is a course coordinator with UBC Extended Learning, and a front end developer at Accenture. She began teaching in 2018, and has gained significant experience in teaching, mentoring, and course management over the last few years. She works closely with students and faculty to ensure a seamless educational experience. At Accenture, she applies her expertise in coordination and problem-solving to deliver impactful digital solutions.