Here’s a structured outline for a Proficiency Certificate in Programming Basics, designed to introduce fundamental programming concepts and techniques.
PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATE IN PROGRAMMING BASICS
Course Duration: 8 to 12 weeks (2 to 3 months)
Course Fee: 15,000 Kenyan Shillings
Weekly Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours per day
Course Overview:
This course provides a foundational understanding of programming principles and basic coding skills. Students will learn to write simple programs, understand programming logic, and solve problems using basic algorithms.
Week 1-2: Introduction to Programming
- Fundamentals of Programming
- What is Programming?
- Overview of Programming Languages
- Understanding Compilers and Interpreters
- Basic Programming Concepts
- Syntax and Structure of a Programming Language
- Variables, Data Types, and Operators
- Basic Input and Output Operations
- Practical Exercises: Writing simple programs to perform basic arithmetic and display results
Week 3-4: Control Structures
- Conditional Statements
- If, Else, and Else-If Statements
- Switch Case Statements
- Loops and Iterations
- For Loops, While Loops, and Do-While Loops
- Loop Control Statements (Break, Continue)
- Practical Exercises: Developing programs that use control structures to make decisions and repeat actions
Week 5-6: Functions and Modular Programming
- Introduction to Functions
- Defining and Calling Functions
- Function Parameters and Return Values
- Scope and Lifetime of Variables
- Modular Programming Concepts
- Code Reusability and Modular Design
- Introduction to Libraries and Frameworks
- Practical Exercises: Writing functions to perform repetitive tasks and organizing code into modules
Week 7-8: Basic Data Structures
- Arrays and Strings
- Understanding Arrays and Their Operations
- String Manipulation and Common String Functions
- Introduction to Collections
- Lists and Tuples (in languages like Python)
- Basic Operations and Use Cases
- Practical Exercises: Implementing and manipulating arrays and strings in simple programs
Week 9-10: Error Handling and Debugging
- Error Types and Handling
- Common Programming Errors (Syntax, Runtime)
- Exception Handling Techniques
- Debugging Techniques
- Using Debuggers and IDE Tools
- Best Practices for Debugging Code
- Practical Exercises: Identifying and fixing errors in sample code and using debugging tools
Week 11-12: Basic Algorithms and Problem Solving
- Introduction to Algorithms
- Understanding Basic Algorithmic Concepts
- Sorting and Searching Algorithms (e.g., Bubble Sort, Linear Search)
- Problem-Solving Techniques
- Breaking Down Problems and Designing Solutions
- Implementing Algorithms in Code
- Practical Exercises: Developing and implementing basic algorithms to solve common programming problems
Capstone Project and Professional Development
- Capstone Project
- Design and Develop a Simple Application or Tool Using Programming Basics
- Apply Concepts Learned Throughout the Course
- Project Presentation and Evaluation
- Career Development
- Building a Portfolio of Projects
- Job Search Strategies and Networking in Programming
- Exploring Advanced Learning Opportunities and Certifications
Final Week: Course Review and Assessment
- Comprehensive Review
- Review of Key Concepts and Skills
- Final Assessment
- Written and Practical Evaluation Based on the Capstone Project and Course Content
Certification
Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a "Proficiency Certificate in Programming Basics," demonstrating their understanding of fundamental programming concepts and their ability to write and debug basic programs.