Foundational Course Series in Python Programming
The job market today is demonstrating a consistent and increasing need in hard programming skills, particularly in languages useful in development of AI and Machine Learning interfaces.
To help meet this need, we have established a first of its kind collaboration between Lund University, Luleå Technical University, Uppsala University, and Umeå University to deliver high quality foundational courses in Python.
This package of courses are given across these universities and entirely online to facilitate access to Python and AI expertise in Sweden, all while making the courses more accessible and location-independent for students.
Questions about this course series? Contact us at python@cs.lth.se.
About the courses
Expand the tabs below to read about each of the courses in the series.
1. Foundational Course | Lund University & Luleå Technical University (5 hp)
Master the basics of the Python programming language with this foundational course. Python is quickly becoming the language of choice in modern programming, particularly for use with AI & Machine learning models. As a student in this course, you will quickly uncover why Python is a language that is both accessible to beginners and a favourite tool of experts.
By the end of this course, you should be able to understand the basics of programming and be able to write small to medium sized programs in Python. You will be well-placed to take other similar and more advanced courses, such as courses in object orientation and scientific computing.
Why choose this course?
This course aims to demystify the art of coding, making it understandable and achievable for everyone. Here is what you can expect:
- Master the basics: learn the fundamentals of imperative programming.
- Demystify coding: learning what coding is and is not, and how it differs from other structured information.
- Unlock algorithms: explore the secrets of fundamental algorithms, such as search.
- Make sense of data structures: learn to navigate arrays and matrices and understand their significance in managing and organising information.
- Learn crucial debugging skills: dive into the art of identifying and fixing coding errors, a skill every competent programmer needs.
- Gain hands-on experience: get the chance to apply what you learn in context.
- Study online: work on your own terms, totally online.
The course is composed of a seminar and lab series that runs for five weeks. This series is being repeated four times during the semester, which means that admitted students will be able to select and follow one specific series. During the series, the studies are considered 50% of full-time.
This foundational course is the first in a three-part series given in collaboration with Uppsala University and Umeå University. Students who pass this course will be eligible to continue to the next course given online by Uppsala University, titled: Programming in Python: Working with Shared Libraries, 5 hp, followed by Programming in Python: Code Quality and Best Practices, 5 hp, given online by Umeå University. All courses will be taught in English.
Please note that these courses are given in succession and will not open for late application. Therefore, if you plan on pursuing both the first and second level courses during the same academic term, we strongly recommend that you apply to both courses as part of the same application on antagning.se. You can then conditionally qualify for the second course while pursing the first course, and upon completing the first course you can be fully admitted to the second one.
Whether you’re stepping into the world of programming for the first time or looking to strengthen your coding foundations, this course has been designed to empower you with these essential Python skills.
Click here to learn more about the course from Luleå Technical University.
Click here to learn more about the course from Lund University.
2. Shared Libraries Course | Uppsala University & Luleå Technical University (5 hp)
Explore Python’s Libraries and Modules. Python isn’t just a language; it’s an ecosystem with powerful libraries and modules that extend its capabilities beyond basic programming. In this course, you’ll gain a better understanding of Python programming and its more advanced concepts.
Why choose this course?
- Unveil Python’s Potential: Delve into the core concepts of Python programming with libraries and modules, uncovering their true potential and how they elevate your coding skills.
- Harness the Python Toolbox: Master the art of utilising Python libraries for tasks ranging from tabular data manipulation to scientific computing, data visualisation, and even natural language processing (NLP).
- Real-World Applications: Bridge the gap between theory and practice by applying your knowledge to real-world examples, and discover how Python’s capabilities can address a range of complex challenges.
- Master Exceptions: Learn to handle exceptions gracefully, ensuring your programs remain robust and error-resistant.
- Discover and Select Libraries: Learn to search for and choose the right libraries for specific tasks within scientific computing, data visualisation, and NLP.
- Debug with Precision: Master the art of testing and debugging programs that make use of libraries and modules, ensuring your code runs well every time.
- Resourceful Problem-Solving: Identify, evaluate, and effectively use external resources to troubleshoot challenges that may arise during your coding endeavours.
- Study online: work on your own terms, totally online.
This course is for those passionate about Python, AI and machine learning, and eager to delve deeper into the intricacies of libraries and modules.
This intermediate course is the second in a three-part series given in collaboration with Lund University/Luleå Technical University and Umeå University. Students who pass this course will be eligible to continue to the next course given online by Umeå University, titled: Programming in Python: Code Quality and Best Practices, 5 hp. All courses will be taught in English.
3. Code Quality & Best Practices Course | Umeå University (5 hp)
“Programming in Python: Code Quality and Best Practices,” is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to write excellent code, adhere to industry best practices, and help prepare you for more advanced, real-world application of your skills.
Python is well-known for its simplicity and versatility, and its applications in AI & Machine Learning make it an essential coding language for the modern programmer. In this course, you’ll explore the crucial aspects of code quality, object-oriented programming (OOP), and industry-best practices.
Why choose this course?
- Master Code Quality: Understand the principles that underpin high quality code and elevate your coding standards.
- The Art of Object-Oriented Programming: Delve into object-oriented programming, a paradigm that enhances code structure and reusability.
- Learn to Test for Excellence: Dive into the world of unit testing, a vital practice to ensure your code functions as expected and remains robust.
- Get Familiar with Version Control: Grasp the intricacies of version control, a cornerstone of collaborative coding.
- Documentation Matters: Discover the importance of documenting your code comprehensively, ensuring that your creations are not only functional but also well-documented and user-friendly.
- Critical Thinking: Engage in discussions about code quality based on foundational principles and motivate the use of unit testing, version control, and documentation.
This course is the third in a three-part series given in collaboration with Lund University/Luleå Technical University and Uppsala University.
How to apply
Programming in Python – basic and preparatory course, 5 hp
Luleå Technical University, online, Spring 2025
Programming in Python – basic and preparatory course, 5 hp
Lund University, online, Autumn 2025
Programming in Python – working with shared libraries, 5 hp
Luleå Technical University, online, Spring 2025
Programming in Python – working with shared libraries, 5 hp
Uppsala University, online, Spring 2025
Programming in Python – code quality and best practices, 5 hp
Umeå University, online course, Autumn 2025
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING…
“I liked that the films were very clear and informative and you could work with the material at your own pace.”
“I have some Python experience from before and the most rewarding parts were videos explaining concepts that
filled in some of my knowledge gaps.”
“I really enjoyed having the entire course (minus assignments) available right at the start and being able to
review the material when it suited me. Perfect when combining the course with other obligations. Also gave the
impression that the course was well planned rather than improvised.”
“The short videos were concise and easy to follow. They were nice to watch! The final assignment was good.
Overall the impression is that this course is very well thought through and I really appreciated that.”
“I appreciated videos especially those with Andras, he was pedagogical and provided easy to follow practical
explanations. I also liked the list of extra assignments that were advised.”