CS1 Python Course 2025-2026
CCC Junior J1-J3 mastery with J4/J5 stretch goal
Course Overview
Target
CCC Junior J1-J3 mastery with J4/J5 stretch goal
CCC Contest
February 19, 2026
Total Classes
35 classes (15 Fall + 20 Spring)
Prerequisites
No prior programming experience required
TTMath CS1 Python course is designed for students with no prior coding knowledge who are interested in learning programming and competitive problem solving. This course introduces Python fundamentals while building a strong foundation for algorithmic thinking and CCC competition preparation.
Fall 2025 Schedule (September-December)
Focus: Python fundamentals and basic problem solving | 15 sessions
| Class | Date | Topic | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Sep 13, 2025 | Introduction to Programming | Variables, Input/Output, Basic Math Operations |
| 02 | Sep 20, 2025 | Data Types | Integers, Floats, Strings, Boolean Logic |
| 03 | Sep 27, 2025 | Conditional Statements | if/elif/else, Comparison Operators |
| 04 | Oct 4, 2025 | Loops Part 1 | for loops, range() function, Basic Iteration Patterns |
| 05 | Oct 11, 2025 | Loops Part 2 | while loops, Nested Loops, Loop Control (break/continue) |
| 06 | Oct 18, 2025 | String Processing | String Methods, Character Operations, Basic String Algorithms |
| 07 | Oct 25, 2025 | Functions | Function Definition, Parameters, Return Values, Scope, Recursion |
| 08 | Nov 1, 2025 | Introduction to Algorithms | Time Complexity, Space Complexity, Algorithm Analysis |
| 09 | Nov 8, 2025 | Lists Part 1 | List Creation, Indexing, Basic Operations |
| 10 | Nov 15, 2025 | Lists Part 2 | List Methods, Slicing, List Comprehensions |
| 11 | Nov 22, 2025 | Problem Solving Strategies | Breaking Down Problems, Pseudocode, Debugging |
| 12 | Nov 29, 2025 | Basic Algorithms | Simple Searching, Counting, Finding Maximum/Minimum |
| 13 | Dec 6, 2025 | Dictionaries and Sets | Dictionary Operations, Counting with Dictionaries |
| 14 | Dec 13, 2025 | Advanced Algorithms | Sorting Algorithms, Binary Search, Algorithm Optimization |
| 15 | Dec 20, 2025 | Final Test (DMOJ Contest) | Final Assessment + comprehensive review |
Spring 2026 Schedule (January-June)
Focus: CCC preparation + advanced competitive programming | 20 sessions
| Class | Date | Topic | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Jan 10, 2026 | Advanced Data Structures | Tuples, Collections Module, defaultdict |
| 02 | Jan 17, 2026 | String Algorithms | Pattern Matching, String Manipulation Techniques |
| 03 | Jan 24, 2026 | Graph Theory Basics | Graph Representation, Simple Traversal, Connected Components |
| 04 | Jan 31, 2026 | Recursion | Recursive Thinking, Base Cases, Recursive Problem Solving |
| 05 | Feb 7, 2026 | Sorting and Searching | Built-in Sort, Binary Search, Custom Comparisons |
| 06 | Feb 14, 2026 | CCC Preparation Week | Fast Input/Output, Contest Strategies, Time Management |
| -- | Feb 19, 2026 | CCC CONTEST DAY | |
| 07 | Feb 21, 2026 | CCC Review and Analysis | Problem Breakdown, Alternative Solutions |
| 08 | Feb 28, 2026 | Mathematical Algorithms | GCD, LCM, Prime Numbers, Divisibility |
| 09 | Mar 7, 2026 | Advanced Graph Algorithms | BFS, DFS, Path Finding Applications |
| -- | Mar 14 & 21 | March Break | |
| 10 | Mar 28, 2026 | Dynamic Programming Introduction | Memoization, Bottom-up Approach |
| 11 | Apr 4, 2026 | Greedy Algorithms | Greedy Strategy, Optimization Problems |
| 12 | Apr 11, 2026 | Advanced Problem Solving | Two Pointers, Sliding Window Technique |
| 13 | Apr 18, 2026 | Combinatorics | Permutations, Combinations, Counting Principles |
| 14 | Apr 25, 2026 | Python with AI | API Integration, ChatGPT API Usage, Building AI-Powered Applications |
| 15 | May 2, 2026 | Simulation and Implementation | Complex Problem Implementation |
| 16 | May 9, 2026 | Contest Mathematics | Number Theory, Modular Arithmetic |
| -- | May 16, 2026 | Victoria Day Break | |
| 17 | May 23, 2026 | Advanced Data Processing | Parsing, Complex Input Formats |
| 18 | May 30, 2026 | Advanced String Algorithms | KMP, Suffix Arrays, Pattern Matching Optimization |
| 19 | Jun 6, 2026 | Advanced Tree Algorithms | Binary Trees, Tree Traversal, Lowest Common Ancestor |
| 20 | Jun 13, 2026 | Final Test (DMOJ Contest) | Final Assessment + course completion |
Instructor
Jim Cai
Email: cntourit@gmail.com