Python for Construction Professionals (Micro-cred L7, 5 ECTS)

Program Overview

Python for Construction Professionals (Micro-cred L7, 5 ECTS)

Course Overview

Python is a versatile language used in a wide range of applications from basic automation to artificial intelligence to data analytics. Digital literacy, in particular programming, remains low in the construction sector. This program provides learners, with no previous experience of programming, with the foundational knowledge necessary to develop programming skills. This program is designed to be a gateway program, providing learners with the key skills necessary to begin their journey in the digital domain.

Entry Requirements

• National/Advanced Craft Certificate or equivalent (Level 6) in construction related trade or
• Higher Certificate (Level 6) in a Construction Related Discipline.
• A minimum of two years’ experience in the delivery of construction related craft apprenticeship training or equivalent
• Mature students who must be 23 years of age on 1st January preceding application can apply directly to the Institute. Special consideration is given to mature students where the applicant is deemed to bring valuable prior learning or prior experiential learning to the programme.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) – Assessment

Please review the entry requirements for this programme. If you do not hold these qualifications but would like your application to be assessed under RPL, please select YES on the online application form and the Flexible Learning Office will be in contact.

HCI Pillar 3 Funding

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for the HCI Pillar 3 funding, as set out by the HEA. We would encourage you to read the criteria prior to making an application, to ensure you are eligible to apply.

English Language

Applicants who do not have English as their first language must ensure they satisfy English Language requirements. For entry to undergraduate courses, a score of 5.5 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. For postgraduate courses, a score of 6.0 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their English proficiency meets these requirements.

Course Content

• Introduction to Python. Anaconda concepts and principles, Python data types, functions and libraries. Creation of simple scripts
• OOP techniques in Python, Data Analysis methods, Regular Expressions and Pattern Matching
• Matplotlib, SciPy, Numpy, Using, uses and use-cases, Testing and Debugging
• File IO, Python with Excel. (XlsxWriter, xlwings, pyexcel), cURL API calls (PycURL, urllib, )

Delivery

• Evening online lectures 19.00-21.00hrs weekly
• Lectures are recorded for listen back anytime.

Time Commitment

• Each 5 credits will normally equate to approximately 100 Total Learning Hours. Total Learning Hours includes the time you spend in class (lectures, tutorials, practical elements) and the time you spend completing work outside of college. The balance between these two varies by discipline, and by level of study. You should bear in mind that the workload will increase at particular times e.g. when assignments are due.

Assessment

• This module is fully assessed through Continuous Assessment which includes an Individual Practical Assessment in week 3 and an Individual Project Assessment in week 8.
• Assessments are designed with tiered activities of varying difficulty. These are individual assessments, however peer collaboration is actively encouraged. All assessments include an element of reflection per Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle.

Required Book List

• Downey, B., (2015). Think Python. O’Reilly Media. ISBN
• Sweigart, AL., (2019). Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 2nd Edition. No Starch Press. ISBN
• Severance, R., (2016). Python for Everybody. ISBN

Qualification

• Python for Construction Professionals (Micro-credential L7, 5 ECTS)

Fees

• €625 – HCI Pillar 3 funding of €500 – Student pays €125

Application Deadline

• Course will be closed once the maximum number of applicants is reached. Courses run subject to viable numbers.