Computer Programming – Fall 2026

Dates Thursday, 3:15:00-4:45 pm (No class on 5 November)

Venue Izu 402

Aims The aim of the course is to learn the basics of computer programming. The course assumes no previous knowledge of computer programming. By the end of the semester, you should be able to understand and modify simple scripts controlling experiments, analyzing data, or running simulations. The course will also provide a solid foundation for learning additional topics after the semester.

You can bring your computer to the class. Make sure that Algotaurus is installed on your computer for the first class.

The course is for Psychology and Cognitive Science students. Contact me if you're interested in the course, but you're studying something else.

Topics

(Some of the links or slides are in Hungarian. The translation is in progress.)

• • Introduction to computer programming (slides)

    • AlgoTaurus

    • Scratch

  • Introduction to programming in Python (and Matlab) language(s) (slides and slides)

    • https://www.pythontutorial.net/ Read the chosen chapters by the class, and we will discuss the critical details

      • Feel free to read any further related materials from other sites/books/etc. Feel free to use any AI system to understand the basics and the code better.

    • Read the following chapters by the 15 October class: Getting started (VS Code is optional), from Python Basics read 1. Fundamentals, 2. Operators, 3. Control flow

    • Read the following chapters by the 5 November class: from Python Basics read 4. Functions, 5. List, 6. Dictionaries, 7. Sets

    • Read the following chapters by the 12 November class: from Python Basics read 11. Modules and Packages, 12 Working with files, 13 Working with directories, 15. Strings

    • Additional recommended reading: Rest of the Python Basics, and Advanced Python

  • Experiment control with a computer

    • General considerations (slides)

    • OpenSesame (slides)

    • PsychoPy (slides)

  • Data analysis in Python (slides)

Requirements

• • Read the Python tutorials

    • Discussion at https://groups.google.com/g/elte-cognitive-programming-course (let me know if you have any issues with subscription)

    • Readings will be checked with short exams at the beginning of the class.

  • Python exams (November 19, December 10)

    • You need to write simple scripts for experiment control, data analysis, or simulation; modify given scripts; or fix incorrect scripts.

    • You will not be allowed to use AI aid for the exams.

Recommended reading

Documentations and tutorials on the language and software used.