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252-0842-00L 3 Credits BSC , DZ , SHE , DR , MSC D-USYS , D-INFK , D-PHYS , D-BIOL , D-HEST

Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving

Programmieren und Problemlösen

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Dennis Komm, Dr. Markus Dahinden, Dr. Manuela Fischer

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:24

Abstract

Core concepts of Computer Science and their implementation in Python.

Objective

The goals of the course are consolidating the knowledge about the programming language Python on the one hand, and learning about core concepts of computer science that are essential in algorithm design on the other hand. The focus is on computational thinking, that is, the ability to solve problems systematically by developing algorithms. Different strategies are introduced, analyzed theoretically, and implemented in Python. The combination of theory and practice is central in this course.

Content

- Repetition of basic programming concepts such as variables, lists, control structures, and loops - Reading in and visualizing data - Complexity theory - Sorting and searching - Dynamic programming - Recursion - Graph algorithms

Resources

Literature

The slides will be available for download on the course website.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language: German
Levels: BSC , DZ , SHE , DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Während des Semesters sind eine Reihe von Projektaufgaben zu lösen und einer Assistenzperson zu präsentieren. Deren termingerechte Präsentation ist Voraussetzung dafür, dass Sie die schriftliche, benotete Prüfung am Ende des Semesters schreiben dürfen.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Programmieren und Problemlösen	Thu 16:15-18:00 (HG G 5)	2 h weekly
exercise	Programmieren und Problemlösen	Mon 14:15-15:00 (CAB H 56) Thu 10:15-11:00 (CAB H 56)	1 h weekly

Offered In

Computer Science (General Courses)
- Computer Science for Non-Computer Scientists
Environmental Sciences Bachelor
- Natural Science and Technical Electives
  - Methods of Statistical Data Analysis
Physics TC (Detailed information on the programme at: Please note that the course number has changed from HS24 onwards. This change will have no effect on the courses and performances already completed and will be recognised for the respective degree.)
- Specialized Courses in Respective Subject with Educational Focus
Physics Teaching Diploma (Detailed information on the programme at: Please note that the course number has changed from HS24 onwards. This change will have no effect on the courses and performances already completed and will be recognised for the respective degree.)
- Spec. Courses in Resp. Subj. w/ Educ. Focus & Further Subj. Didactics (Core courses that counted towards the Bachelor or Master programme in physics or comprised additional admission requirements in subject didactics are not eligible for the teaching diploma.)
- Compulsory Elective Courses (Further course offerings from the category Educational Science are listed under "Programme: Educational Science for Teaching Diploma and TC".)
Health Sciences and Technology Bachelor
- Electives (The list of electives is not exhaustive, also other courses can be chosen from the course catalogue: SiP-courses are only counted in the category "Science in Perspective". Practical sports courses are only counted in the sub-category Sports Practice (max. 6 ECTS).)