Python for Problem Solving
A next-step coding track for learners ready to move beyond basic digital fluency into programming.
- Starts 7 Sept 2026 · 10 weeks
- 8 hours a week
- GH₵ 500.00
Overview
Use Python to strengthen logic, automation, and analytical thinking through guided coding practice.
Category
Software Development
Topics
Python; Automation; Logic
Skills and tools
- Python 3
- Problem decomposition
- Functions
- Lists and dictionaries
- Files and CSV
- Error handling
- Automation
- Working with APIs
- pandas basics
- Testing
- Git
What you’ll learn
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Break a problem into steps and express them as a program
- Write readable Python using variables, conditions, loops and functions
- Store and process data with lists, dictionaries and files
- Handle errors and test code so it can be trusted
- Automate everyday tasks and work with data from APIs
- Explain your code to others in a walkthrough
Who it’s for
Learners with basic digital skills or some web experience who are ready to start programming, including graduates of our front-end and data courses.
Before you start
- Confident with computers, files and the internet
- Some experience of logic, spreadsheets or HTML is helpful
What you’ll need
- A laptop with 4 GB RAM or more (ask about our Laptop Bank)
- Python and VS Code, installed in the first session
- About 8 hours a week
Syllabus
9 modules · 80 hours of guided learning
Module 1Thinking like a programmer8 h
From a problem to a plan.
Topics
- Problem decomposition
- Pseudocode
- Installing Python and VS Code
You’ll produce: Plans for three problems
Module 2Python basics8 h
The building blocks.
Topics
- Variables and types
- Input and output
- Operators
You’ll produce: Small calculator programs
Module 3Decisions and loops8 h
Programs that choose and repeat.
Topics
- if / elif / else
- for and while loops
- Common patterns
You’ll produce: A number-guessing game
Module 4Functions8 h
Reusable pieces of code.
Topics
- Defining functions
- Parameters and return values
- Scope
You’ll produce: A command-line tool
Module 5Collections8 h
Working with many values.
Topics
- Lists
- Dictionaries
- Looping over data
You’ll produce: A contact-book program
Module 6Files and errors8 h
Programs that keep their data and fail gracefully.
Topics
- Reading and writing files
- CSV
- try / except
You’ll produce: A program that reads and writes CSV
Module 7Automation12 h
Making the computer do the boring work.
Topics
- Working with folders and files
- Building reports
- Scheduling scripts
You’ll produce: Automation project
Module 8Data and APIs12 h
Bringing in information from outside.
Topics
- requests and JSON
- pandas basics
- Simple charts
You’ll produce: A data report from an API
Module 9Final project8 h
Your own program, start to finish.
Topics
- Planning
- Testing
- Code walkthrough
You’ll produce: Final project, presented
Projects
Work you build during the course and keep for your portfolio.
Command-line tool
A small program that solves a real everyday problem.
Automation project
A script that saves an office time: renaming files, building reports or cleaning a spreadsheet.
Final project
A program of your choice, using data or an API, explained in a code walkthrough.
How you’ll learn
Live coding
problems are solved together, step by step, before you try your own.
Pair programming
you regularly work in pairs, as developers do.
Weekly challenges
short problems that build speed and confidence.
Assessment
Weekly challenges: 30%
Automation project: 20%
Final project and code walkthrough: 50%
A pass is 60% overall with the final project completed.
Certificate
A certificate of completion from IT For Youth Ghana for at least 80% attendance and a passed final project.
Where it can lead
- Junior Python developer
- Automation and support analyst
- Data analyst (with Python)
- Next step: back-end or data science study
Frequently asked questions
Is Python good for beginners?
Yes. It is one of the most readable languages and is used widely in data, automation and web development.
How much maths do I need?
Secondary-school maths is enough.
Why is there a fee?
The fee covers sessions, mentoring and project support. Ask us about support if the fee stands in your way.