Python 102: Algorithm Design and Problem Solving

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Python 102: Algorithm Design and Problem Solving

Age Group:12-16+
Grades: 
Learning Hours: 
Domain:Data Science
Key Skills: 
Assessment:MCQ assessment (coming soon) and project assessment
Hardware/System Requirements:  
Progression: 

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Course Overview

Python 102: Algorithm Design and Problem Solving is an engaging course designed to enhance students’ understanding of algorithm design and problem-solving through Python programming. This course empowers students to dissect complex problems into manageable components, create and implement algorithms, and visualize their solutions using flowcharts and pseudocode. With a strong emphasis on practical application, students will participate in hands-on projects such as developing games and calculators, fostering critical thinking and creativity. By the end of the course, learners will have not only strengthened their Python skills but also gained valuable insights into efficient problem-solving strategies that will serve them well in future programming endeavors.

Explore: In this course, students will explore how complex problems can be broken down into smaller, more manageable components. They will investigate different methods of algorithm design and discover how flowcharts and pseudocode can be used to plan solutions before coding. Through real-world examples, students will examine how algorithms power games, tools, and everyday software applications.

Learn: Students will deepen their understanding of Python by learning how to design and implement algorithms that solve problems efficiently. They’ll study essential programming concepts such as loops, conditionals, functions, and input validation, while gaining experience with structured thinking and logical reasoning. The course emphasizes using pseudocode and flowcharts to translate ideas into clear, actionable steps before writing code.

Create: Putting their learning into practice, students will build a variety of hands-on projects including games, utilities, and interactive applications. They will develop original algorithms, document their planning process, and bring their ideas to life using Python. By the end of the course, students will have a personal portfolio of completed projects that showcase their problem-solving skills and their ability to turn ideas into working code.

No. Topic Description Duration
1
Introduction to Problem- Solving
What is a Problem?
  • Defining problems in everyday life and in programming

Breaking Down Problems:
  • Dividing a big problem into smaller, manageable steps
  • Using flowcharts to visualise problem-solving steps
2 hours
2
Review of Python Fundamentals (Optional)
  • Variables, data types, operators
  • Control flow (if-else, loops)
  • Functions
  • Getting user input
  • Printing output to the console
5 hours
3
Algorithm Design and Implementation
Linear Search:
  • Finding an element in a list
  • Implementing linear search in Python
2 hours
4
Algorithm Design and Implementation
Bubble Sort:
  • Sorting a list of elements
  • Implementing bubble sort in Python
2 hours
5
Algorithm Design and Implementation
Totaling, Counting, and Finding Extremes:
  • Calculating sums, averages, and finding maximum/minimum values
  • Implementing these operations in Python
2 hours
6
Algorithm Design and Implementation
Input Validation:
  • Checking input data for correctness
  • Implementing range checks, type checks, and other validation techniques
1 hour
7
Algorithm Design and Implementation
Trace Tables and Debugging:
  • Manually execute and analyse algorithms
  • Using debugging tools to find and fix errors
2 hours
8
Practical Projects
Create a Number Guessing Game:
  • Generate a random number
  • Prompt the user to guess
  • Provide feedback (too high, too low, correct)

Build a Simple Calculator:
  • Perform basic arithmetic operations
  • Handle input and output

Design a Text-Based Adventure Game:
  • Create a story with choicesoperations
  • Use variables to track player progress
  • Implement different endings based on decisions
6 hours
9
Assessment Projects
Temperature Converter:
  • Create web application to convert temperature between Celsius, Kelvin and Fahrenheit
2 hours
10
Final Project
Creating a Simple Game:
  • Brainstorming game ideas
  • Designing game mechanics and rules
  • Breaking down the game into smaller algorithms
  • Using flowcharts to visualise the game logic
  • Writing Python code to implement the game
  • Using loops, conditional statements, and functions
  • Testing and Refinement
  • Playing the game to identify bugs
3 hours