UCLA CS 161 is an introductory computer science course that teaches students the fundamentals of programming. The course is designed for students with little or no prior programming experience and covers a wide range of topics, including:

- Data types and data structures
- Control flow and looping
- Functions and recursion
- Object-oriented programming
- Data abstraction and encapsulation
CS 161 is a popular course among UCLA students, with over 1,000 students enrolled each year. The course is taught by a team of experienced instructors who are passionate about teaching students how to program.
What You’ll Learn in CS 161
In CS 161, you will learn the following:
- How to write programs in Python, a popular and versatile programming language
- How to use data structures to store and organize data
- How to use control flow and looping to control the flow of a program
- How to write functions to break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable ones
- How to use object-oriented programming to create and use objects
- How to use data abstraction and encapsulation to protect data from unauthorized access
Benefits of Taking CS 161
There are many benefits to taking CS 161, including:
- You will learn the fundamentals of programming, which is a valuable skill in a wide range of industries.
- You will develop your problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in any field.
- You will learn how to work in a team environment, which is important for success in the workplace.
- You will have the opportunity to meet other students who are interested in learning about programming.
Is CS 161 Right for You?
CS 161 is a challenging course, but it is also very rewarding. If you are interested in learning how to program, then CS 161 is the perfect course for you.
Next Steps
If you are interested in taking CS 161, the next step is to enroll in the course. You can enroll in CS 161 online or through the UCLA Registrar’s Office.
Once you are enrolled in the course, you will need to purchase the required textbooks and materials. You can purchase the textbooks and materials at the UCLA Bookstore or online.
You will also need to set up a computer for programming. You can use any computer that meets the following requirements:
- A recent version of Windows, macOS, or Linux
- A text editor or integrated development environment (IDE)
- A Python interpreter
Once you have set up your computer for programming, you are ready to start learning how to code!
What is the time commitment for CS 161?
CS 161 is a 3-unit course, which means that it meets for 3 hours per week. In addition to the lecture, there is also a weekly lab session and a weekly discussion section.
What is the grading policy for CS 161?
The grading policy for CS 161 is as follows:
- Homework assignments: 20%
- Midterm exam: 30%
- Final exam: 50%
What are the prerequisites for CS 161?
There are no prerequisites for CS 161. However, students who have taken a previous programming course may find the course to be easier.
What are the career prospects for CS 161 graduates?
Graduates of CS 161 have a wide range of career prospects. They can work as software engineers, web developers, data scientists, and more.