Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization

Get ready for computer science. Create graphical programs, learn computing mathematics, develop mental models of computer systems.

Instructors: Dr Simon Katan

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3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.2

(1,096 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 months

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.2

(1,096 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 months

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

1. Use the Javascript language to create interactive programs in the browser with 2D graphics.
2. Convert between number bases, work with modular arithmetic, sequences and series and plot graphs.
3. Develop and use mental models to describe the workings of a range of computer systems.

Skills you'll gain

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Taught in English

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Specialization - 3 course series

This specialisation covers topics ranging from basic computing principles to the mathematical foundations required for computer science. You will learn fundamental concepts of how computers work, which can be applied to any software or computer system. You will also gain the practical skillset needed to write interactive, graphical programs at an introductory level. The numerical mathematics component will provide you with numerical and computational tools that are essential for the problem solving and modelling stages of computer science.

Applied Learning Project

There are a range of activities included in this specialization that will enable learners to apply and develop their programming skills in a fun and engaging way. Learners will master the fundamentals of computer science by solving mathematical puzzles using interactive techniques, becoming a detective and solving crimes in an interactive sleuth application and apply computer science concepts to solve problems found in daily computer use.

Introduction to Computer Programming

Course 121 hours4.1 (889 ratings)

What you'll learn

This MOOC provides you with the foundational skill set required to write computer programs. If you are interested in learning how to write interactive, graphical programs from an introductory level in a real programming language, this is the course for you. You will begin by learning the basics of editing and running programs. Then you will learn how to create 2D graphics using shapes and coordinates. Finally, you will learn how to create interactive graphics that you can control with the mouse. You will even solve a set of interactive puzzles using your coding skills in the Sleuth game which has been created especially for this course. The course uses the Javascript language and the p5.js library.

How Computers Work

Course 210 hours4.6 (550 ratings)

What you'll learn

Computers are everywhere, they aren't just the desktops and laptops we use for work but the phones in our pockets and even the watches on our wrists are also computers. You probably use a computer every day and in fact you are reading this on a computer!

Just because we use computers all the time, doesn't mean that we understand them, or find them easy to use. Computer Science is the science of computers, it is the field of knowledge that experts use to understand computer systems. Knowing a little computer science will help you understand the computers all around you. This isn't a how-to course for a particular piece of software, instead you will learn some fundamental concepts that you can apply to any software or computer system. You'll apply these concepts to the kind of computer systems we use every day, including word processing applications, e-commerce, the internet and web sites. You will learn how to apply computer science concepts to solve problems in daily computer use and generally be a better computer user. Taking this course could be the start of your career in computer science, and the course is an introduction to the Bachelors in Computer Science from University of London, but it is also for you if you just want to learn a little computer science to help you better understand the computers you use in your ordinary life.

Mathematics for Computer Science

Course 337 hours4.1 (227 ratings)

What you'll learn

1. Transform numbers between number bases and perform arithmetic in number bases
2. Identify, describe and compute sequences of numbers and their sums.
3. Represent and describe space numerically using coordinates and graphs.
4. Study, represent and describe variations of quantities via functions and their graphs.

Instructors

Dr Simon Katan

University of London

1 Course80,758 learners

Offered by

University of London

Goldsmiths, University of London

Prepare for a degree

Taking this Specialization by University of London may provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors in a related degree program which can help you decide if the topic or university is right for you.

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Frequently asked questions

The Specialisation should take approximately 13 weeks to complete. How Computers Work course is 4 weeks long, Introduction to Computer Programming is 3 weeks long, and Mathematics for Computer Science there is 6 weeks long. The courses are flexible so these are indicative timings. Learners can study the courses concurrently but should be mindful of the course load required per week to complete in these time frames.

There is no specific order in which to take the courses.

The Specialisation is non credit bearing, however, it provides a 'taster' of three of the modules taken from the University of London BSc Computer Science suite of degrees.

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate, or you can audit it to view the course materials for free. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

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