Explore

Problem Solving, Python Programming, and Video Games

Approx. 78 hours to complete

Save Course

Go to Course

Course Summary

Learn how to solve problems and create your own video games using programming languages. This course will teach you how to use programming concepts to create video games that are both fun and challenging.

Key Learning Points

Learn how to solve programming problems using problem-solving techniques
Understand the principles of video game design and programming
Create your own video games using programming languages

Learning Outcomes

Understand programming concepts and how to apply them to problem-solving
Create your own video games using programming languages
Learn about video game design principles and how to apply them to your own games

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of programming concepts
Access to a computer with internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

Similar Courses

Introduction to Game Development
Game Design and Development

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Mark Brown
Extra Credits

Related Books

Description

This course is an introduction to computer science and programming in Python. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Take a new computational problem and develop a plan to solve it through problem understanding and decomposition. 2. Follow a design creation process that includes specifications, algorithms, and testing. 3. Code, test, and debug a program in Python, based on your design. Important computer science concepts such as problem solving (computational thinking), problem decomposition, algorithms, abstraction, and software quality are emphasized throughout. The Python programming language and video games are used to demonstrate computer science concepts in a concrete and fun manner. However, a learner can take the knowledge and skills from this course and apply them to non-game problems, other programming languages, and other computer science courses. You do not need any previous programming, Python, or video game experience. However, some computer skills (e.g., mouse, keyboard, document editing), knowledge of algebra, attention to detail (as with many technical subjects), and a “just give it a try” spirit will be keys to your success. Despite the use of video games for all the programming examples, PVG is not about computer games. PVG will still provide valuable knowledge and skills for non-game computational problems. The interactive learning objects (ILO) of the course provide automatic, context-specific guidance and feedback, like a virtual teaching assistant, as you develop problem descriptions, algorithms, and functional test plans. The course forums will be supported by the creators of the course, to help you succeed. All videos, assessments, and ILOs are available free of charge. There is an optional certificate available for a fee.

Outline

Module 0: Introduction
Course Themes
Computer Science
Programming Languages
Learning Outcomes and Problem-Based Learning
How to Get the Most Out of this Course
Suggestions for Learner Success
Instructor Bios
Acknowledgements
Introduction

Module 1: Design Hacking Version 1
Game Creation Process
Observe Hacking Game
Game Versions
Observe Hacking Version 1
Describe Hacking Version 1
Create Test Plan for Hacking Version 1
Create Algorithm for Hacking Version 1
The PVG Virtual Machine
Play Hacking Game
Play Hacking Version 1
Describe Hacking Version 1
Create Test Plan for Hacking Version 1
Create Algorithm for Hacking Version 1
Game Creation Process
Understand Hacking
Game Versions
Understand Hacking Version 1
The Game Creation Process
Problem Solving Ontology

Module 2: Program Hacking Version 1
Python Evaluation Examples
Python Interpretation
Python Lexical Analysis
Python Syntax Analysis
Python Objects
Python Semantics of Literals and Identifiers
Python Semantics of Function Calls
Python Program Interpretation
Program Hacking Version 1
The Reflection Process
Review Code for Hacking Version 1
Solution Issues
The Python Shell in the Wing IDE
Lexical Rules, Tables and Sample Problem (identifier, literal and delimiter)
Syntax Diagrams and Sample Problem (expression statement, expression and function call)
Semantic Rules and Sample Problem (identifier, literal and function call)
Programming With the Wing IDE
Hacking Version 1 Solution Code
Software Quality Tests for Hacking Version 1
Python Evaluation Examples
Interpretation (lexical analysis, syntax analysis and semantic analysis)
Lexical Analysis (identifier, literal and delimiter)
Syntax Analysis (expression statement, expression and function call)
Python Objects
Semantic Analysis (identifier, literal and function call)
Evaluation (identifier, literal and function call)
Programming (identifier, literal and function call)
Program Hacking Version 1
Reflect on Language Concepts used in Hacking Version 1
The Game Creation Process

Module 3: Hacking Version 2
Solution Issues in Hacking Version 1
Observe Hacking Version 2
Describe Hacking Version 2
Regression Testing and Deleting Obsolete Tests
Create Algorithm for Hacking Version 2
Python Assignment Statement
Python Binary Expression and Operator Token
Python Import Statement and Keyword Token
Python Multi-argument Function Call
Python Method Call and Attribute Reference
Program Hacking Version 2
Review Code for Hacking Version 2
Play Hacking Version 2
Describe Hacking Version 2
Create Test Plan for Hacking Version 2
Create Algorithm for Hacking Version 2
Syntax Diagrams and Sample Problem (statement and assignment statement )
Semantic Rules (assignment statement)
Lexical Rules and Tables (operator)
Syntax Diagrams (binary expression and binary operator)
Semantic Rules (binary expression)
Lexical Rules and Tables (keyword)
Syntax Diagrams (import statement and module)
Semantic Rules (import statement)
Syntax Diagrams and Sample Problem (multi-argument function call)
Semantic Rules and Sample Problem (multi-argument function call)
Syntax Diagrams (method call and attribute reference)
Semantic Rules (method call and attribute reference)
Hacking Version 2 Solution Code
Software Quality Tests for Hacking Version 2
Solution Issues in Hacking Version 1
Understand Hacking Version 2
Delete Obsolete Tests for Hacking Version 2
Lexical Analysis (review)
Syntax Analysis (statement and assignment statement)
Semantic Analysis (assignment statement)
Evaluation (assignment statement)
Programming (assignment statement)
Lexical Analysis (operator)
Syntax Analysis (binary expression and binary operator)
Semantic Analysis (binary expression)
Evaluation (binary expression and operator)
Programming (binary expression and operator)
Lexical Analysis (keyword)
Syntax Analysis (import statement and module)
Semantic Analysis (import statement)
Evaluation (import statement and keyword)
Programming (import statement and keyword)
Lexical Analysis (review)
Syntax Analysis (multi-argument function call)
Semantic Analysis (multi-argument function call)
Evaluation (multi-argument function call)
Programming (multi-argument function call)
Lexical Analysis (review)
Syntax Analysis (method call and attribute reference)
Semantic Analysis (method call and attribute reference)
Evaluation (method call and attribute reference)
Programming (method call and attribute reference)
Program Hacking Version 2
Reflect on language concepts used in Hacking Version 2

Module 4: Hacking Version 3
Solution Issues in Hacking Version 2
Observe Hacking Version 3
Create Algorithm for Hacking Version 3
Python If Statement and Boolean Type
Python Elif and Else Clauses
Python Keyword Operator, Short Circuit Evaluation, Unary Expression, and Operator Precedence
Program Hacking Version 3
Review Code for Hacking Version 3
Play Hacking Version 3
Describe Hacking Version 3
Create Test Plan for Hacking Version 3
Create Algorithm for Hacking Version 3
Lexical Rules, Tables and Sample Problem (newline, indent and dedent)
Syntax Diagrams (if statement)
Semantic Rules (if statement)
Syntax Diagrams (elif and else clause)
Semantic Rules (elif and else clauses)
Syntax Diagrams and Sample Problem (keyword operator, unary expression, unary operator, and operator precedence)
Semantic Rule (keyword operator and unary expression)
Hacking Version 3 Solution Code
Software Quality Tests in Hacking Version 3
Solution Issues in Hacking Version 2
Understand Hacking Version 3
Delete Obsolete Tests for Hacking Version 3
Lexical Analysis (newline, indent and dedent)
Syntax Analysis (if statement)
Semantic Analysis (if statement)
Evaluation (if statement and boolean)
Programming (if statement and boolean type)
Lexical Analysis (review)
Syntax Analysis (elif and else clauses)
Semantic Analysis (elif and else clause)
Evaluation (elif and else clauses)
Programming (elif and else clause)
Lexical Analysis (review)
Syntax Analysis (keyword operator, unary expression, unary operator, and operator precedence)
Semantic Analysis (short circuit evaluation and operator precedence)
Programming (keyword operator, short circuit evaluation, unary expression, and operator precedence)
Program Hacking Version 3
Reflect on language concepts used in Hacking Version 3

Module 5: Hacking Version 4 & 5
Solution Issues in Hacking Version 3
Create Algorithm for Hacking Version 4
Python Sequences and Subscription
Python Tuple and List Types
Python Sequence Element Replacement
Python For Statement
Program Hacking Version 4
Review Code for Hacking Version 4
Solution Issues in Hacking Version 4
Observe Hacking Version 5
Describe Hacking Version 5
Create Test Plan for Hacking Version 5
Create Algorithm for Hacking Version 5
Python While Statement
Python Repetition Examples and Range Type
Program Hacking Version 5
Review Code for Hacking Version 5
Create Algorithm for Hacking Version 4
Syntax Diagrams (subscription)
Semantic Rules (subscription)
Syntax Diagrams (expression list, parenthesized expression, list display)
Semantic Rules (tuple and list type)
Syntax Diagrams (assignment target: subscription)
Semantic Rules (assignment target: subscription)
Syntax Diagrams (for statement)
Semantic Rules (for statement)
Hacking Version 4 Solution Code
Software Quality Tests for Hacking Version 4
Play Hacking Version 5
Describe Hacking Version 5
Create Test Plan for Hacking Version 5
Create Algorithm for Hacking Version 5
Syntax Diagrams (while statement)
Semantic Analysis (while statement)
Hacking Version 5 Solution Code
Lexical Analysis (review)
Syntax Analysis (subscription)
Semantic Analysis (subscription)
Evaluation (sequences and subscription)
Programming (sequences and subscription)
Syntax Analysis (expression list, parenthesized expression and list display)
Semantic Analysis (tuple and list type)
Evaluation (tuple and list type)
Programming (tuple and list types)
Syntax Analysis (assignment target: subscription)
Semantic Analysis (assignment target: subscription)
Evaluation (sequence element replacement)
Programming (sequence element replacement)
Syntax Analysis (for statement)
Semantic Analysis (for statement)
Evaluation (for statement)
Programming (for statement)
Program Hacking Version 4
Reflect on Language Concepts used in Hacking Version 4
Understand Hacking Version 5
Delete Obsolete Descriptions from Hacking Version 5
Syntax Analysis (while statement)
Semantic Analysis (while statement)
Evaluation (while statement)
Programming (while statement)
Evaluation (range type)
Programming (range type)
Program Hacking Version 5
Reflect on Language Concepts used in Hacking Version 5

Module 6: Hacking Version 6
Solution Issues in Hacking Version 5
Python Function Definitions
Python Function Parameters
Python Main Function and Identifier Scope
Python Return Statement
Python Side Effects
Program Hacking Version 6
Review Code for Hacking Version 6
Syntax Diagrams (function definition)
Semantic Rules (function definition)
Syntax Diagrams (parameter list)
Semantic Rules (parameter list)
Syntax Diagrams (return statement)
Semantic Rules (return statement)
Hacking Version 6 Solution Code
Software Quality Tests for Hacking Version 6
Lexical Analysis (review)
Syntax Analysis (function definition)
Semantic Analysis (function definition)
Evaluation (function definition)
Programming (function definition)
Syntax Analysis (parameter list)
Semantic Analysis (parameter list)
Evaluation (function parameters)
Programming (function parameters)
Evaluation (main function)
Programming (main function)
Syntax Analysis (return statement)
Semantic Analysis (return statement)
Evaluation (return statement)
Programming (return statement)
Evaluation (side effects)
Programming (side effects)
Program Hacking Version 6
Reflect on Language Concepts used in Hacking Version 6

Module 7: Hacking Version 7
Solution Issues in Hacking Version 6
Observe Hacking Version 7
Create Algorithm for Hacking Version 7
Program Hacking Version 7
Identify Solution Issues in Hacking Version 7
Play Hacking Version 7
Describe Hacking Version 7
Create Test Plan for Hacking Version 7
Create Algorithm for Hacking Version 7
Hacking Version 7 Solution Code
Understand Hacking Version 7
Program Hacking Version 7

Module 8: Poke the Dots Version 1 & 2
Introduction to Poke the Dots
Observe Poke the Dots Version 1
Create Algorithm for Poke the Dots Version 1
Python Import Statement Variations
Python Pass Statement
Program Poke the Dots Version 1
Review Code for Poke the Dots Version 1
Solution Issues in Poke the Dots Version 1
Create Algorithm for Poke the Dots Version 2
Python Class Definition
Program Poke the Dots Version 2
Review Code for Poke the Dots Version 2
Play Poke the Dots
Play Poke the Dots Version 1
Describe Poke the Dots Version 1
Create Test Plan for Poke the Dots Version 1
Create Algorithm for Poke the Dots Version 1
Syntax Diagrams (import statement variations)
Semantic Rules (import statement variations)
Syntax Diagrams (pass statement)
Semantic Rules (pass statement)
Poke the Dots Version 1 Solution Code
Updated Algorithm for Poke the Dots Version 1
Create Algorithm for Poke the Dots Version 2
Syntax Diagrams (class definition)
Semantic Rules (class definition)
Poke the Dots Version 2 Solution Code
Software Quality Tests for Poke the Dots Version 2
Understand Poke the Dots
Understand Poke the Dots Version 1
Lexical Analysis (review)
Syntax Analysis (import statement variations)
Semantic Analysis (import statement variations)
Programming (import statement variations)
Syntax Analysis (pass statement)
Semantic Analysis (pass statement)
Programming (pass statement)
Program Poke the Dots Version 1
Reflect on Language Concepts used in Poke the Dots Version 1
Syntax Analysis (class definition)
Syntax Analysis (assignment target: attribute reference)
Semantic Analysis (class definition)
Programming (class definition)
Program Poke the Dots Version 2
Reflect on Language Concepts used in Poke the Dots Version 2

Module 9: Poke the Dots Version 3
Solution Issues in Poke the Dots Version 2
Observe Poke the Dots Version 3
Create Algorithm for Poke the Dots Version 3
Program Poke the Dots Version 3
Review Code for Poke the Dots Version 3
Play Poke the Dots Version 3
Describe Poke the Dots Version 3
Create Test Plan for Poke the Dots Version 3
Create Algorithm for Poke the Dots Version 3
Poke the Dots Version 3 Solution Code
Understand Poke the Dots Version 3
Delete Obsolete Descriptions for Poke the Dots Version 3
Delete Obsolete Tests for Poke the Dots Version 3
Program Poke the Dots Version 3
Reflect on Event Categories Used in Poke the Dots Version 3

Module 10: Poke the Dots Version 4
Solution Issues in Poke the Dots Version 3
Create Algorithm for Poke the Dots Version 4
Python User-defined Methods and Self
Python Private Attributes
Program Poke the Dots Version 4
Review Code for Poke the Dots Version 4
Create Algorithm for Poke the Dots Version 4
Semantic Rules (user-defined methods)
Poke the Dots Version 4 Solution Code
Software Quality Tests for Poke the Dots Version 4
Lexical Analysis (review)
Semantic Analysis (user-defined methods)
Programming (user-defined methods)
Program Poke the Dots Version 4
Reflect on Language Concepts used in Poke the Dots Version 4

Module 11: Poke the Dots Version 5
Solution Issues in Poke the Dots Version 4
Observe Poke the Dots Version 5
Create Algorithm for Poke the Dots Version 5
Program Poke the Dots Version 5
Solution Issues in Poke the Dots Version 5
Play Poke the Dots Version 5
Describe Poke the Dots Version 5
Create Test Plan for Poke the Dots Version 5
Create Algorithm for Poke the Dots Version 5
Poke the Dots Version 5 Solution Code
Understand Poke the Dots Version 5
Program Poke the Dots Version 5

Summary of User Reviews

Discover how to solve problems and develop programming skills to create video games with this course. Users have rated this course highly and praised its ability to teach complex concepts in a clear and concise way. One key aspect that many users found good was the hands-on approach to learning through practical assignments and projects.

Pros from User Reviews

Hands-on approach to learning
Clear and concise teaching style
Provides a solid foundation for beginners
Great for those interested in game development
Offers practical assignments and projects

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course too basic
Course may not be challenging enough for experienced programmers
Not enough focus on advanced game development techniques
Some technical issues with the platform
Some users felt the course was too short

Recommended for you

The Complete Python Course 2020 - Beginners to Advanced!

Learn Python from Scratch - All Fundamental Programming Skills Transferable to any Language and Advanced Python Features Do you want to learn all the fundamental programming techniques quickly and effectively?...

Save Course

Decision Trees, Random Forests, AdaBoost & XGBoost in Python

Decision Trees and Ensembling techniques in Python. How to run Bagging, Random Forest, GBM, AdaBoost & XGBoost in Python After completing this course you will be able to:...

Save Course

The Ultimate Guide to Real World Applications with Unity

Created in Partnership with Unity Technologies: Move beyond game design & build 3 enterprise-level applications in Unity This course is authorized by and made in partnership with Unity Technologies....

Save Course

Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators: Variables and Nested Loops

How can students learn about abstraction by creating a movie scene? Or make an interactive map using lists? You'll learn (and do it yourself) in this course!...

Save Course