This course introduces computer programming using Python, a computer language which is widely used in industry, scientific research, game programming and web applications. Students will learn how to design a program to solve a problem using procedural programming constructs such as loops, branching structures, and functions. Students will write programs that are testable (using assertions) and maintainable (using good programming style, naming conventions, indentation, and comments). Topics covered also include the general characteristics of computers, techniques of problem solving, and algorithm specification. Students are also introduced to software engineering practices, including unit testing techniques, debugging techniques, and version control management.