Python Programming

Python is best known for applications in data analytics and big data processing. Python is also popular in many other software application fields, including graphics,database, network programming, game development, embedded systems, and web and internet development. Organizations running networks on private and public clouds count on Python as a general-purpose solution to fulfill the development requirement of applications. The flexible nature of the language is driving the demand for trained Python programmers.

 The certificate of achievement will prepare students for jobs that require professional level Python Programming skills. In addition, Python programming skills also provide a good building block as an introduction to other programming languages such as Java Script, Perl, Ruby, and other programming languages.

To earn a certificate of achievement, students must complete each course used to meet a certificate requirement with a “C”grade or higher.

Program Learning Outcomes:

1. Read and analyze programs written in a high-level programming language.

2. Write and code programs in a high-level programming language.

3. Create and develop medium-size applications in Python programming language involving databases, networking, and graphics.

25 students

The program goal is occupational. Python programming language is used in number of programming fields such as databases,networking, web development, data analytics, and big data applications. There is a great demand in our community to provide courses in Python programming. A Python programming certificate of achievement will address this community need. 

The proposed certificate of achievement meets the mission of DVC by adding a new opportunity for career education for students who wish to go into the software development industry. This fits with the mission of California Community Colleges by contributing to continuous workforce improvement. The department of computer science at DVC college currently offers an AS degree in computer science and Certificates of Achievement in advanced C++ programming, advanced Java programming, computer architecture and mobile and enterprise Java programming. This new certificate would focus on Python programming language and would be the first certificate of achievement in Python programming language being offered within the district. The following chart indicates the course requirements of the certificate of achievement.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
COMSC-140	Python Programming	3	FA Y1
COMSC-140	Advanced Python Programming	3	SP Y1
Plus 4 units from:
COMSC-110	Introduction to Programming	4	FA Y1
COMSC-275	Introduction to Web Programming Using PHP and JavaScript	4
Plus 4 units from:
COMSC-165	Advanced Programming with C/C++	4
COMSC-200	Object Oriented Programming  C/C++	4
COMSC-255	Programming with Java	4
COMSC-276	Intermediate Web Programming Using PHP and MySQL	4

None

Two colleges in California were determined to find similar certificates: DeAnza College and Moreno Valley College. The department chairs of the departments offering the programs were contacted. Only one of the colleges has answered our request as follows: Kasey Nguyen, PhD Assistant Professor, listed as a contact for the CIS Department at Moreno Valley College: 1. Moreno Valley College launched Python certificate this semester, Fall 2020. We began with 18 students this semester. We will re-offer the Intro to Python course in Winter as an online course to increase enrollment in the upcoming Python courses. I will further promote the course and hope to fill it in Winter 2021. In Spring 2021, we will offer the next two courses in Python. 2. We articulated the Python courses with UC and CSU, which will help increase the enrollment. 3. We just hired two new programming faculty who have experience in Python development. You will be able to find people who can qualify to teach Python programming.