ENGR 103 — Week 01: Introduction to Python

📖 Weekly Overview

This week introduces you to Python programming through the lens of biological and environmental engineering. We explore what computation is and how Python can solve real problems in fields like electromicrobiology, water quality analysis, and bioprocess engineering.

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this week, you will be able to:

Explain declarative vs. imperative knowledge
Create and use Python variables with correct types
Perform arithmetic and comparison operations
Set up and use the Spyder IDE

📚 Required Reading

Guttag, "Introduction to Computation and Programming Using Python" (3rd Ed)
Week 01 Reading: Ch 1, Ch 2.1–2.2
Complete before the first lecture of the week.

📅 This Week's Schedule

Monday: Monday: Computation, objects, types, and variables
Friday: Friday: IDEs, bindings, type conversion, and Boolean logic.

✅ Assignments Due This Week

Week 01 Quiz — Due Sunday 11:59 PM on Canvas (15 questions, 15 pts)
Week 01 Assignment — Due Sunday 11:59 PM on Canvas (3 coding problems)

🔗 Resources

Lecture slides available on Canvas before each class
Textbook: Guttag Ch 1 available free at MIT OpenCourseWare
Python documentation: docs.python.org
Office hours: Check Canvas calendar for times and Zoom/room info
Course Piazza: Post questions (anonymously if preferred)