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376-1725-00L 4 Credits BSC D-HEST , D-BIOL

Introduction to Python Programming

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Damian Sabas Roqueiro, Prof. Dr. Catherine Jutzeler
Registration only possible for BSc HST students in 4th semester (or further). This course is a required prerequisite for the 'Foundations of Data Science' class in the 5th semester.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:46:22

Abstract

Introduction to Python Programming provides an overview of the basic programming blocks needed to translate a problem, stated in textual form, into an algorithm that solves it. The course provides an introduction to the Python programming language as well as satellite tools like Bash scripting, code versioning, ETH infrastructure and AI-assisted tools.

Objective

- Understand and use variables - Work with common Python data types like integers, floats, strings, characters, lists, dictionaries, as well as pandas DataFrames - Use and implement basic flow control, including for loops and conditionals - Write Python code according to standard style guidelines - Use common python packages and set-up of a coding environment - Manipulate and extract data from pandas DataFrames - Plot data using standard Python libraries - Interpret and handle simple error messages with the help of online resources - Have a general understanding of the coding workflow and typical code blocks, data and contained types

Content

- General Introduction, installation, IDEs, (virtual) environment setup - Interpreting and handling error messages, debugging, using online documentation - Data types, data containers and basic mathematical computations - Branching and looping - Writing and reading files - Writing and using functions - Data manipulation in pandas - Data visualization (seaborn, matplotlib) - Bash scripting - Code version control (GitLab) - Introduction to the use of computer infrastructure such as EULER - Programming AI-assisted tools (Claude.AI)

Resources

Lecture Notes

All lecture notes and learning materials will be posted on Moodle.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
None
Digital
The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.

Registration & Places

Max Places
100
Signup End
01.03.2026
Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Introduction to Python Programming
90 minutes, in-person attendance. Students should bring a laptop.
  • Thu 10:15-12:00 (LFV E 41)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • 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).)