Course Foundation
This course requires no prior programming experience. You'll learn Python from scratch with a security mindset.
- CSY101: Understanding security principles helps contextualize why we automate certain tasks
- CSY104: Network fundamentals from Week 1 onwards help understand network-based security tools
- Looking ahead: Python skills enable advanced work in CSY203 (web security), CSY204 (automation), and CSY301 (threat intelligence)
What You'll Learn
Weeks 1-4: Python Fundamentals
Variables, data types, control flow, functions, and file I/O—all with security-focused examples
Weeks 5-8: Security Automation
Network programming, API interactions, web scraping, data parsing, and building security scanners
Weeks 9-12: Advanced Tools
Packet analysis, malware analysis basics, exploit development, and building complete security tools
Course Curriculum
12 Weeks
Week 01
Python Basics & Security Mindset
Week 02Data Types & Control Flow
Week 03Functions & Modular Code
Week 04File I/O & Data Processing
Week 05Network Programming Basics
Week 06HTTP & Web APIs
Week 07Web Scraping & Data Extraction
Week 08Building Security Scanners
Week 09Packet Analysis with Scapy
Week 10Malware Analysis Basics
Week 11Exploit Development Intro
Week 12Capstone: Build a Security Tool
Prerequisites & Tools
Prerequisites: None! This course assumes zero programming experience.
Required Tools:
- Python 3.10+ (installation covered in Week 1)
- VS Code or PyCharm (IDE setup covered in Week 1)
- Linux environment (can use VM, WSL, or native)