Programming fundamentals
Learn about algorithms, variables, constants, data types, conditionals, arrays, loops, functions and the role they play in program design.
Online Program Design Training
Designing Programs Training Course
Move from programming logic into practical program design. This structured online course introduces core programming concepts and uses Python to help learners analyse, design and test sequential, conditional and repetitive programs.
Beginner Level
13 Hours
Self-Study
Certificate
Recommended 15–16+
Course price
R450
Online · Self-study
13 hrs
Course duration
6
Course modules
18
Lessons
Beginner
Course level
Course Overview
Learn to design the solution before writing the code.
There are two important parts to writing a program: designing the program logic and writing the code. A properly designed solution makes it much easier to identify logical problems before time is spent translating the design into program code.
This course introduces the basic concepts of programming through control structures. Learners work with sequential, conditional and repetitive program designs and use Python to test program logic and reinforce the concepts explored throughout the course.
The course builds on the knowledge developed in Mastering Computer Literacy and The Processing & Logic Behind Coding. The recommended starting age is approximately 15–16 years and upward.
- Understand the relationship between program design, pseudocode and working code.
- Use Python fundamentals including variables, data types, input, processing and output.
- Work with arithmetic, logical, comparison and membership operators.
- Apply sequence, selection and repetition control structures.
- Progress into arrays, functions, files, sorting and searching algorithms.
Program design foundations
What you will develop.
The course moves from essential programming concepts into the structures and techniques used to build, organise and test increasingly useful programs.
Python & control structures
Use Python to explore input, processing, output, operators, sequence, selection, repetition and syntax rules.
Reusable program structures
Work with one-dimensional and two-dimensional arrays, functions and program components that help organise larger solutions.
Data & algorithms
Progress into file handling, sorting algorithms and searching algorithms as part of a broader introduction to program design.
Core topics
From program plans to practical Python.
The curriculum combines program-design theory with practical Python examples so that learners can see how a logical solution translates into executable code.
Program Designing
Programming languages, fundamental concepts, data types and the process
of designing a program before coding it.
Operators & Control Statements
Arithmetic and logical operators, processing methods, sequence,
selection, repetition and Python syntax.
Arrays
Work with one-dimensional and two-dimensional arrays as structured
collections of related values.
Functions
Learn how functions organise reusable program logic and apply them
through guided examples.
Accessing Files
Introduce file handling and use examples to understand how programs
can work with stored data.
Algorithms
Explore fundamental sorting and searching algorithms as practical
problem-solving techniques.
Full course curriculum
6 modules. 18 lessons.
Expand each module below to see the lesson titles included in the current Tutor LMS course.
01 Program Designing 5 lessons
- Introduction
- The Different Programming Languages
- The Fundamental Programming Concepts
- Data Types
- Designing a Program
02 Logical operators and control statements 5 lessons
- Operators
- Main Processing Methods
- Control Structures
- Syntax and Rules
- Two Program Examples
03 Arrays 2 lessons
- 1D Arrays
- 2D Arrays
04 Functions 2 lessons
- Functions
- Function Example
05 Accessing Files 2 lessons
- File Handling
- Example
06 Algorithms 2 lessons
- Sorting Algorithms
- Searching Algorithms
The SDO learning pathway
Bring the full three-course pathway together.
Designing Programs is the third course in the recommended pathway. Computer literacy provides the foundation, processing and logic develops computational reasoning, and this course applies those concepts to program design.
01
Mastering Computer Literacy
Recommended first · computer and digital foundations
02
The Processing & Logic Behind Coding
Recommended second · logic, number systems and algorithms
03
Designing Programs
Current course · program design and Python foundations
Frequently asked questions
Before you begin.
How long is the Designing Programs course?
The current Tutor LMS course duration is approximately 13 hours.
Is this course suitable for beginners?
Yes. The course is set to beginner level. It introduces programming through
fundamental concepts and control structures before progressing into arrays,
functions, files and algorithms.
Does the course use a programming language?
Yes. The course uses Python to test program logic and demonstrate how
program-design concepts can be translated into executable code.
What will I study?
The course includes program-design concepts, programming languages, data types,
operators, control structures, arrays, functions, file handling, sorting
algorithms and searching algorithms.
What should I study before this course?
The course material recommends completing Mastering Computer Literacy and
The Processing & Logic Behind Coding before beginning Designing Programs.
Ready to design programs?
Turn programming logic into structured solutions.
Purchase the Designing Programs course for R450. The button adds product 769 to your basket and takes you directly to checkout.