====== Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes ======

===== Objectives =====
The course introduces students to the principles of computational thinking.   Programming methods and computational principles are introduced in a problem-driven way using Python and making extensive use of Python libraries. Upon completion of the course, students:
  * will have an understanding of the role computation plays in solving scientific problems
  * will value computation as foundational tool in scientific discovery 
  * will have explored the impact of different algorithms on efficiency and performance
  * will have understood and applied basic programming principles
  * will have a basic understanding of programming allowing the exploration of other programming languages 




===== Learning Outcomes =====
Students will be able to:
  * Analyze and abstract a problem 
  * Design and implement an effective software solution for scientific problems
  * Effectively use modules of software libraries described by functional specifications
  * Understand the use and functionality of basic data structures
  * Write programs that accomplish useful goals; and visualize the results appropriately
  * Read and adapt existing programs
  * Have a basic understanding about the limits of computation and intractible problems